Why bother?

To Muslims, the Qur’an and the Arabic language represent the heart of their cultural and religious identity. Muslims take great pride in their unique holy book. Reading the Qur’an is therefore crucial to developing an understanding of Islam. In so doing, we are not submitting to the Qur’an’s authority, but rather acknowledging its worth as classical literature - and importance in relating to Muslims. It may seem a chore at first- after all, most of us spend little enough time reading the Bible! But it is worth persevering, since to display an interest in and knowledge of the Muslim holy book will open many doors. Love for our Muslim friends will cause us to familiarise ourselves with the Qur’an and to try to put ourselves in their shoes.

What is it?

Muslims believe there is an eternal stone tablet in heaven which contains the Arabic words of God’s final revelation to mankind. Muhammad ‘recited’ this heavenly prototype, delivered to him by the angel Gabriel over a period of several years (between 610 AD and 632, when he died). The revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad in such perfect Arabic is thought to be miraculous, since Muhammad was illiterate. Muslims will refer to English translation of their holy book as the ‘Meaning of the Qur’an’ (as opposed to the Qur’an) as only the Arabic original is thought to contain the exact word of God. However, although brought up to recite the Qur’an in Arabic, few British Muslims can actually understand what they are reading!

Muhammad is considered the last and greatest of the prophets. Previously, God had revealed his message through Moses (the Taurat- Pentateuch), David (the Zabur- Psalms), and Jesus (the Injil- Gospel). However Muslims claim all prior scriptures are corrupted and the Qur’an is now God’s final word for all peoples.

Structure

The Qur’an corresponds in size to our New Testament. It contains 6666 verses, arranged in 114 chapters (Suras). Of these suras, 86 are Meccan (revealed when Muhammad was living in Mecca) and 28 Medinan (revealed after the Hijra or migration to Medina). They are arranged not chronologically but in order of decreasing length. Their titles come from the theme, or a significant feature in the sura. The opening sura is one of the shortest.

The Suras were collected by Zayd and authorised by Uthman, one of the four ‘rightly guided’ Caliphs. Having destroyed all other variants he distributed copies of the authorized version to Baghdad, Medina, Kufa, Basra and Damascus.

Only 600 of the Qur’an’s verses deal with law, so Islamic Law (Shari’a) is derived largely from the sayings and actions of Mohammed as recorded in the Hadith (traditions) of which there are six main collections. The most famous collector was al Bukhari (d 870 AD).

Use in dialogue

Initially, reading the Qur’an in English will help us relate to Muslims and demonstrate we are taking their religion seriously. In turn, we may encourage them to read the Bible. With more familiarity, the Qur’an becomes a useful apologetics tool. This holds true whatever our views are as to its origins. Key biblical concepts can be helpfully illustrated using the Qur’an, for example the idea of salvation by God’s mercy and sacrifice, from the story of Abraham sacrificing his son (sura 37:101-7). We can rebuff Muslim charges such as the corruption of the Bible by pointing them back to their own holy book (eg sura 10:91 ‘If you [Muhammad] are in doubt concerning what we reveal unto you, then question those who read the Scripture [that was] before you’- if Muhammad is confused, he is to refer back to previous Scripture!)

The gold standard in Muslim witness is being able to read, understand and discuss the Qur’an in Arabic. Muslims will automaticaly defer to the opinion of an Arabic speaker. Understanding the Arabic can be revelatory, since ambiguities in the Qur’an, and the extent to which Muslims force meaning into the text, become evident.

Obtaining a Qur’an

Qur’ans come in all shapes and sizes, and there are several English translations. Pickthall’s translation is very literal but not much respected by Muslims (since Pickthall was an English convert to Islam). ‘Abdullah Yusuf ‘Ali’s translation is highly regarded and has a useful commentary regarding verse interpretations and textual ambiguities. Older editions especially do not always toe the party line! The newest, 7th edition is now available in pocket paperback format (the size of a small NIV) as well as hardback, with a revised commentary and superbly comprehensive word/subject index. This is particularly helpful for newcomers to the Qur’an, wishing to read around a topic, and also as a handy reference in witnessing. There is also a new translation commissioned by King Fah’d, with a commentary, available in elaborate hardback format.

Qur’ans can be obtained from the local mosque bookstall. In central London try Al Hoda bookshop on Charing Cross Road. There is also a nationwide network of Islamic Information centres who will be able to suggest a resources bookshop in your area. Contact the Islamic Information Centre at 209 Cricklewood Broadway, Cricklewood, London NW2 3HS (0181 208 1770) for more details.