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V. About the Qur’an

In order to help you better understand the Qur’an, I thought it would be helpful to first give you some background information. So that I am not simply sharing my own opinion, what is shared below in quotes is from a Muslim’s perspective through a popular international website dedicated to the study of the Qur’an, www.Quran.com.

Translation Used

While this online resource with a simplified translation is helpful, the Qur’anic translation used throughout this book is:

· Translation of the Meanings of The Noble Qur’an in the English Language by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din AI-Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan. Copyright © 2005, King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an, Madina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Accessible online at: https://www.holybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/english-quranalhilali-khan.pdf

Arabic vs. Translations

· “The Quran has been translated into over 100 different languages, and each translation can be considered its own interpretation of the original Arabic text. It is important to note, however, that the Quran is the word of God and is therefore sacred and unchangeable. As such, translations of the Quran are intended to convey the meaning of the original Arabic text as accurately as possible, but they may differ in their interpretation of certain passages.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)

· Are there any significant theological problems with the English translations of the Qur’an? Which passages specifically?

Encouragement to Study It with an Open Mind

· “Approach the Quran with an open mind and a willingness to learn: It is important to approach the Quran with a positive attitude and a desire to understand its message. Try to put aside any preconceived notions or biases you may have, and approach the Quran with an open mind.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)

· Would Muslims be willing to study the Tanach alongside Jews, and the Bible alongside Christians, if they would study the Qur’an with them?

What is the Qur’an?

· “The most conventional answer is that the Quran is a book – but it is not like most books. It is made up of words which contain truth and guidance for every human being, and Muslims believe that these are words revealed directly by God, in the Arabic language, to the last of His prophets and messengers, Muhammad (peace be upon him).” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)

· Is Muhammad prophesied about in the Bible? Where?

· As the “last” of God’s prophets, how consistent are Muhammad’s teachings with the Bible’s teachings and previous prophecies?

· “The Quran is the final revealed message which complements and completes earlier revealed scriptures, just as the Prophet Muhammad taught the same essential message as the many prophets before him, including Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham, and Jesus (peace be upon them all). The Quran clarifies what humanity needs to know from now until the Day of Judgment, and it will remain preserved from loss and distortion which affected previous scriptures in various ways.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)

· How do the Qur’anic accounts of prophets compare with the Biblical accounts? If they are different, why are they different when the previous prophets’ messages are consistent with one another?

Revelation to Muhammad

“In addition, the Quranic chapters and verses were revealed over a period of 23 years, during which the Prophet Muhammad recited and conveyed them to his followers as they were revealed. Thus, the chronological order in which the verses were revealed may not necessarily reflect their thematic order or their intended meaning.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)
“Moreover, many verses of the Quran are self-contained, providing guidance and wisdom in and of themselves, without necessarily requiring the reader to have read previous or subsequent verses. This is because the Quran is a book of guidance, and each verse or surah (chapter) provides insight and wisdom that can be applied to various aspects of one's life.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)
“Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable for someone to read the Quran in a non-linear fashion, based on their interests, needs, or circumstances. For example, one may choose to read a particular surah for its uplifting and comforting message, or another for its practical guidance on a specific matter. Ultimately, the most important thing is to approach the Quran with an open mind, seeking guidance and wisdom from its verses, regardless of the order in which they are read.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)

· How would the chronological and topical approach (such as what this book uses) to study the Qur’an, Tanach, and Bible be a helpful way to study them together?

The Most Popular Chapter (Surah) To Read

https://quran.com/about-the-quran

“Surah Al-Fatiha is the first chapter of the Quran, and it is the most widely recited chapter in the Islamic faith. The Surah (chapter) is also known as the ‘Opening’ or ‘Umm al-Kitab’ (the Mother of the Book) due to its significance in the Quran.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)

Here is The Qur’an 1:1. “In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 2. All Jhe praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamin
(mankind, jinn and all that exists). 3. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 4. The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) 5. You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything). 6. Guide us to the Straight Way. 7. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians).”

· Do you think the explanatory notes in the Qur’an 1:7 may make Muslims predisposed against Jews and Christians?

“The Surah consists of seven verses, and it is recited several times a day during the formal five daily prayers. The Surah begins with the phrase ‘Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim,’ which means ‘In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.’ This phrase is used to seek God’s blessings before beginning any task.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)
“The Surah is divided into two parts. The first part is an introduction in which Muslims acknowledge God's Greatness, Power, and Mercy. The second part is a supplication in which Muslims ask for God's guidance, help, and protection from going astray.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)
“Surah Al-Fatiha is significant because it provides the foundation for Muslim prayer and is often the first portion of the Quran that is memorized by children and new Muslims around the world.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)

· For those familiar with the Tanach and the Bible, what chapter do you think would be most treasured to you?

· What chapter of the Tanach or Bible do you think would be most helpful to explain Judaism or Christianity to someone of another faith?

· Would Hebrews 11 be the best chapter to read with a Muslim?

· Would Acts 7 be a good summary of the Tanach leading to an explanation about Jesus?

“The Quran does not demand blind belief, but instead it invites all human beings to study, reflect and follow the evidence. These are some of the broad aspects which lead Muslims to be convinced of the truth and accuracy of the Quran as the revealed Word of God:” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)

If the Qur’an is true and accurate, then should a Muslim be afraid of comparing their Holy Book with the sacred texts of other religions?
Should Muslims feel threatened by studying the Qur’an with a Christian? How can such conversations be good for our faith?
If you are not a Muslim, does it concern you to study the Qur’an? To compare your faith beliefs with theirs?

Historical Evidence

· “Historical: material and living evidence points to the fact that the Quran has been transmitted both orally and in writing from the time of the Prophet Muhammad, who announced at the age of forty (around 610 CE) that he was receiving revelation of these words from an angel sent by the One God. The content of this message together with the Prophet’s impeccable character, integrity and credibility created a believing community, at first in Arabia, which carried the Quran to all parts of the world.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)

· Have Muslims seen the historical evidence for the Bible? If not, where could that evidence be found?

“Teachings: not only did the Quran create a revolution in the lives of the Arabs when it was revealed, but it continues to effect positive change for individuals and communities who follow its teachings. Together with the practical example and explanations of the Prophet, the message is its own strongest proof that it comes from the Creator who knows what is best for creation.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)

What Quranic passages offer the most positive change for individuals or communities? Are there any Quranic passages that confuse you? That concern you?
What does the Qur’an teach about love and how does that compare with the Bible’s teachings on love?
How does the life of Muhammad compare with the life of Jesus?
What are characteristics of good evidence in a court of law? What sort of evidence do you hope to see in the sacred text of your faith that would show you the “strongest proof”?

“Miracles: the Quran declares itself inimitable, and those eloquent Arabs who at first opposed its message found themselves unable to meet the challenge to come up with anything like it. This points to what is known as the literary miracle of the Quran, which means a level of eloquence beyond human ability. However, there are many dimensions to what makes the Quran unique and miraculous, and more is discovered as human knowledge expands.” (Available from: https://quran.com/about-the-quran)

· What miracles are shared within the Qur’an? How do they compare with the breadth, depth, and quantity of miracles in the Tanach and Bible?

· How does the Qur’an compare with the Bible in quality, consistency, and message?

· The Qur'an 2:2 “This is the Book (the Qur'an), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqun [the pious believers of Islamic Monotheism who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)].”

· Do you have any “doubts” about your current faith beliefs? If so, what would alleviate your doubts? What questions do you want answered?

· The Qur'an 2:4-5 “And who believe in (the Qur’an and the Sunnah) which has been sent down (revealed) to you (Muhammad) and in that which was sent down before you [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), etc.] and they believe with certainty in the Hereafter. (Resurrection, recompense of their good and bad deeds, Paradise and Hell). 5. They are on (true) guidance from their Lord, and they are the successful.”

· The Qur'an 2:23 “And if you (Arab pagans, Jews, and Christians) are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down (i.e. the Qur'an) to Our slave (Muhammad), then produce a Surah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allah, if you are truthful.”

· The Qur'an 2:41 “And believe in what I have sent down (this Qur'an), confirming that which is with you, [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], and be not the first to disbelieve therein”

· The Qur'an 2:42 “And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth [i.e. is Allah's Messenger and his qualities are written in your Scriptures, the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] while you know (the truth)”

· The Qur'an 3:54-55 “His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Qur'an]”

· The Qur'an 6:92 “And this (the Qur'an) is a blessed Book which We have sent down, confirming (the revelations) which came before it, so that you may warn the Mother of Towns (i.e. Makkah) and all those around it. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in it (the Qur'an), and they are constant in guarding their Salat (prayers).”

· The Qur'an 29:46. And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong; and say (to them): "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our (God) and your (God) is One (i.e. Allah), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims).”

· Does this Quranic passage give both invitation and approval for dialogue between Muslims, Jews, and Christians?

· The Qur'an 29:47 “And thus We have sent down the Book (i.e. this Qur'an) to you (O Muhammad), and those whom We gave the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) aforetime] believe therein as also do some of these (who are present with you now like 'Abdullah bin Salam and none but the disbelievers reject Our Ayat [(proofs, signs, verses, lessons, etc.,) and deny Our Oneness of Lordship and Our Oneness of worship and Our Oneness of Our Names and Qualities: i.e. Islamic Monotheism]. 48. Neither did you (O Muhammad) read any book before it (this Qur'an), nor did you write any book (whatsoever) with your right hand. In that case, indeed, the followers of falsehood might have doubted. 49. Nay, but they, the clear Aydt [i.e. the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammad written in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] are preserved in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge (among the people of the Scriptures). And none but the Zalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers) deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.).”

· Where is Muhammad described in the Bible? What prophecies foretell his coming? (The Qur'an 2:41)

· “The Comforter” in the Bible is always a reference to God’s Holy Spirit