The Qur'an - Introduction

The following entry represents my notes and observations as I read ‘The Holy Qur’an with English Translation and Commentary’ by Maulana Muhammed Ali. At times, the Qur’an is pointedly opinionated towards certain people and groups. I will repeat the Qur’an’s opinion as I understand it based on the text but in no way should this be construed as my own opinion about any group or individual. Any person who differs with my interpretation is invited to comment including specifics and I’ll be happy to reexamine the passage(s) at issue. Lastly and most importantly, none of the views herein expressed should be construed a criticism of the Qur’an or the Islamic faith. I hold both in the highest possible regard and it is because of this than I seek to know more about both.

Introduction

The introduction is almost 70 pages and as it spends most of it’s time trying to convince the reader of the superiority of Islam I will not attempt to annotate it in its entirety but instead summarize the ideas contained therein.

The Qur’an is divided into 114 chapters or surah (literally, a step in a structure or building). The entire text of the Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad over the period of 23 years and taken down in excruciating detail by his followers. The text was not simply dictated from beginning to end but piecemeal over that period of time and later arranged under the supervision of the prophet himself.

After the initial discussions of origin, the author goes on to describe the ultimate triumph of Islam over all other world religions and the unparalleled ‘civilizing’ effect it has had on the nations of the Middle East. He also points out that it is considered to be the very epitome of Arabic style and diction. All other Arabic literature is judged against the Qur’an from a literary standpoint and the author goes on to say that the Qur’an has single-handedly kept the language of Arabic alive throughout the centuries.

Most highly offensive to Christians, perhaps, the author states emphatically that the Qur’an contains a ‘corrected’ version of Biblical events. Based on the author’s interpretation, the Qur’an is the ‘Guardian’ of previous scriptures and gives a true representation of the events which the Bible describes. It openly acknowledges that other prophets were sent by God (including Jesus) but states that their message has been corrupted by the man.

On the topics of Heaven and Hell, the Qur’an seems to parallel classical Christian belief. Heaven as described by the author is not an end, however, as Christianity might have you believe. Apparently there’s work to be done in Heaven and the Lord will keep you busy once you arrive. Also contrary to Christian belief, Hell is not eternal. Hell is intended to prepare the soul for the work of Allah and as such does not last forever. After an appropriate period even the most evil of souls are elevated to Heavenly status. Lastly on this point comes the concept that Heaven and Hell do not merely begin at the time of death. Those who do good reap the benefits of that good while still on this Earth as much as those who do evil.

The introduction also touches on the position of women in society. The author’s interpretation puts women on an equal footing with men with the only restriction being that women and men should ‘restrain their sexual passions.’ Also contrary to popular belief, polygamy is only allowed in the case of widows. In an area of the world often torn by war, this is more of a practical measure than a religious one.

The last section of the introduction describes the oral tradition and those among the prophets entourage who had memorized the entire text of the Qur’an from beginning to end. It is believed that the exact text has been preserved word for word since it was first penned 1400 years ago.