Introduction
Having undertaken the task of meticulously reading the entire Qur'an, I am compelled to present my reflections from the standpoint of my beliefs. In this, I shall refrain from offering a succinct rendition, for I firmly believe that if one lacks inclination, they ought not to embark upon its study. Instead of reciting verses verbatim, I shall endeavor to provide elucidations in my own words, thereby stimulating your active involvement in exploring the content and independently verifying the information therein.
The Contents of The Qur'an
As per Islamic belief, the Qur'an is regarded as the uncreated and divine utterance of Allah (God). Its name, Qur'an, is derived from the Arabic term denoting "recitation." During the early 600s AD, excerpts of this sacred text were revealed to a man named Muhammad, residing in Arabia. Muhammad, appointed as a prophet by Allah, received these revelations through divine communication. The initiation of this process occurred when the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), also known as the Holy Spirit, manifested before Muhammad within the sanctuary of Mount Hira's cavern. Due to his illiteracy, Muhammad was informed by Jibreel that he would orally proclaim the book as Allah unveiled it to him.
Over a span of 23 years, Muhammad dutifully discharged his prophetic duties, reciting all the verses of the Qur'an to his sahaba (companions) and the newly-embraced Muslim adherents he gathered. Regrettably, many of the individuals who had memorized the Qur'an perished during conflicts involving pagans, Jews, and dissident Muslim factions. In order to safeguard the integrity of this sacred scripture, Caliph Uthman ibn Affan commanded its compilation into a universal and tangible volume. He also ordered the destruction of any versions that deviated from the one he deemed to be the genuine compilation.
The present form of the Qur'an encompasses 604 pages, comprising 114 surahs (chapters) and 6236 ayahs (verses) according to the Egyptian Hafs print. It is penned in the Quraysh dialect of the Arabic language, ensuring its faithful preservation and dissemination.
The Claims and Assertions of The Qur'an
The Qur'an lays claim to being the ultimate and conclusive revelation bestowed by the God of Abraham, endowing it with unparalleled authenticity and authority. It asserts that this sacred scripture is the uncreated Word of Allah, a poetic marvel sent down to humanity to provide unambiguous guidance devoid of confusion, human fallibility, or tampering. The Qur'an is perceived as an immaculate and incorruptible entity, with each word, letter, and punctuation mark remaining unaltered. Its composition is in the language of Allah, which is Arabic.
According to the Qur'an, it enjoins its adherents to unwaveringly adhere to the commands and teachings of the esteemed prophet Muhammad, without deviation or divergence. Its comprehensive scope encompasses various facets of life, ranging from fundamental pillars such as the giving of alms, undertaking the pilgrimage to the revered Masjidul-Haraam (Holy Mosque), and the observance of daily prayers, to intricate regulations concerning matters of marriage, divorce, dietary restrictions, modesty, division of spoils in times of conflict, inheritance, dowry, and guidelines pertaining to sexual relations. It places utmost emphasis on the indivisible oneness of Allah, strictly prohibiting the worship of other deities or the association of partners with Him.
The Qur'an holds forth the promise of eternal rewards in Jannah (paradise) for those who faithfully adhere to its teachings. Conversely, it forewarns of the near-eternal torment in Jahannam (hellfire) for those who fail to comply. Jannah is described as a realm where believers shall revel in the company of exquisitely beautiful houris (virgin women) amidst lush gardens adorned with flowing rivers, while Jahannam portrays a realm of scorching anguish, where the inhabitants consume bitter fruits and drink boiling water.
The Qur'an references the past prophets, including Adam, Noah, Lot, Abraham, Ishmael, Amram, Moses, Solomon, Jesus, and others, affirming their designation as messengers of Allah. It chronicles the stories of these prophets and their respective nations, underscoring instances of Allah's wrath and mercy. The Qur'an serves as a reminder of Allah's commandments and the consequences faced by those who disobeyed. Additionally, it underscores the imminent arrival of the Appointed Hour, signaling the culmination of time and the impending Day of Judgment.
The Qur'an's Divine Origin In Comparative Theology
The Qur'an, in its essence, cannot be deemed as the veritable Word of God. It diverges significantly from the teachings and theological principles transmitted to Christians and Jews through their respective sacred texts, which were composed and compiled by individuals who were guided by the divine during significant historical epochs. The Qur'an, lacking a continuum with these antecedent scriptures, instead proffers a divergent perspective.
It merits mention that the Qur'an, within its multiple passages and surahs, avows the authority and authenticity of the "Tawrah and the Injeel" (Torah and Gospel/Evangelion). It posits that these volumes ought to be regarded as Allah's utterances, just as the Qur'an itself is to be considered. Additionally, both Jews and Christians are acknowledged as "Ahl al-Kitab" (people of the book), an epithet that acknowledges their belief in Allah, akin to Muslims, while also highlighting potential misapprehensions or lacunae in understanding.
Moreover, the Qur'an avers that Allah and the God venerated by Jews and Christians are inherently one and the same. Nonetheless, critics posit that the Qur'an's reiteration of biblical narratives diverges significantly from their scriptural counterparts. For instance, the Qur'an proffers accounts that deviate from the biblical chronicles of Noah's progeny or Joseph's vindication from his captivity in Egypt. It also proffers alternative details concerning the progenitor of Ibrahim (Abraham), Sulayman's (Solomon) ability to traverse the skies on a carpet, and 'Isa's (Jesus) role as a prophetic herald of the Injeel (Gospel), emphasizing that he was not crucified but rather ascended to Allah above the celestial expanse.
These narratives, at odds with the biblical corpus, lead one to surmise that only Allah possesses true knowledge of them. However, upon diligent examination, it becomes manifest that they were appropriated from non-canonical apocryphal texts, Jewish midrashic writings, heretical Gnostic gospels, elements of Zoroastrian mythology, conjoined with influences from Arabian paganism. Such provenance raises doubts regarding the legitimacy of the deity known as Allah.
The Qur'an invites criticism for what appears to be self-contradiction concerning shirk, which denotes the practice of polytheism or the ascription of partners to Allah, a sin of grave magnitude within Islam. Numerous passages within the Qur'an explicitly repudiate any form of shirk. One particular matter highlighted pertains to the belief in Allah as Three, which stands in stark contradiction to tawheed (the concept of the divine unity). The Qur'an depicts this sort of shirk as Allah being the Last of Three, with these Three entities being 'Isa, Maryam (Mary), and Allah, implying that Christians regard them as gods. However, the Qur'an fails to accurately represent Christian tenets, which center on the notion of one God in three manifestations (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), all constituting the same singular deity. Moreover, upon close scrutiny, certain verses within the Qur'an intimate a Trinitarian essence of 'Isa, such as the ability to bestow life (a power attributed solely to Allah), being a spirit rather than a mortal, and embodying the Word of Allah (hence, uncreated). The Bible itself attests to the notion that the angel (messenger) of Allah is God in both the Old and New Testaments.
Moreover, the Qur'an appears to both endorse and condemn certain Jewish beliefs, reflecting a complex relationship with the Jewish community. On one hand, it accuses Jews of blasphemy for attributing divine sonship to Uzair (Ezra), thereby condemning them to Jahannam (hell) due to their disbelief in Muhammad's prophethood. The Qur'an portrays Jews as untruthful and frequently at odds with Muhammad on matters of theology.
Furthermore, the timing of certain revelations in the Qur'an raises questions. For instance, a verse is revealed in response to a dispute between a couple regarding sexual positions, seemingly conveniently supporting the man's desires by allowing men to engage in sexual relations with their wives in any manner they desire, likening women to plowing fields for sexual gratification. The Qur'an repeatedly mentions sexual intercourse, often accompanied by elements of misogyny, such as justifying men's right to beat their wives for disobedience and permitting men to engage in sexual relationships with captive or slave women. Additionally, the Qur'an suggests that the testimony of two women is equivalent to that of one man, implying a perceived intellectual deficiency in women, while also mandating extensive body coverings for women to preserve chastity, while men are afforded more leniency in their interactions with other women.
Despite its repetitive nature, variations can be found in the Qur'an when Allah speaks across different chapters (surahs), particularly in the retelling of stories such as the expulsion of Iblees (Satan) from heaven or the accounts surrounding Musa (Moses). The Qur'an also portrays Dhul Qarnayn (Alexander the Great), a figure of pagan origin, as a virtuous Muslim entrusted with safeguarding against the release of Yajuj and Majuj (Gog and Magog), nations believed to bring about the end times.
Furthermore, the Qur'an places significant emphasis on the concept of Jahannam (hellfire). Nearly every surah in the text contains descriptions or warnings about Jahannam. Extensive details are provided regarding the nature of hellfire, the actions that lead to its condemnation, its guardians, its inhabitants, the transgressions that warrant such punishment, and the experiences one might endure within it. Curiously, the term "hellfire" is frequently mentioned alongside the name of Allah, prompting inquiries into why a supposedly "Most Merciful" God places such emphasis on the potential consequences of transgressions.
The Qur'an presents Allah as a distant figure, lacking a personal and loving relationship with Muslims. The only relationship portrayed is that of a master and his slaves, demanding unwavering loyalty and servitude. The text offers no guidance for those who may be lost or seeking guidance and does not actively invite people to embrace Islam. Additionally, Allah is depicted as not loving the disbelievers, instead working to confuse or bring about their downfall, earning the appellation of al-Makir (the Deceiver/the Schemer). The responsibility of converting others is left to prophets and their followers, thereby justifying the concept of jihad (holy war) against those who deviate, with the ultimate aim of complete destruction.
Having undertaken the task of meticulously reading the entire Qur'an, I am compelled to present my reflections from the standpoint of my beliefs. In this, I shall refrain from offering a succinct rendition, for I firmly believe that if one lacks inclination, they ought not to embark upon its study. Instead of reciting verses verbatim, I shall endeavor to provide elucidations in my own words, thereby stimulating your active involvement in exploring the content and independently verifying the information therein.
The Contents of The Qur'an
As per Islamic belief, the Qur'an is regarded as the uncreated and divine utterance of Allah (God). Its name, Qur'an, is derived from the Arabic term denoting "recitation." During the early 600s AD, excerpts of this sacred text were revealed to a man named Muhammad, residing in Arabia. Muhammad, appointed as a prophet by Allah, received these revelations through divine communication. The initiation of this process occurred when the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), also known as the Holy Spirit, manifested before Muhammad within the sanctuary of Mount Hira's cavern. Due to his illiteracy, Muhammad was informed by Jibreel that he would orally proclaim the book as Allah unveiled it to him.
Over a span of 23 years, Muhammad dutifully discharged his prophetic duties, reciting all the verses of the Qur'an to his sahaba (companions) and the newly-embraced Muslim adherents he gathered. Regrettably, many of the individuals who had memorized the Qur'an perished during conflicts involving pagans, Jews, and dissident Muslim factions. In order to safeguard the integrity of this sacred scripture, Caliph Uthman ibn Affan commanded its compilation into a universal and tangible volume. He also ordered the destruction of any versions that deviated from the one he deemed to be the genuine compilation.
The present form of the Qur'an encompasses 604 pages, comprising 114 surahs (chapters) and 6236 ayahs (verses) according to the Egyptian Hafs print. It is penned in the Quraysh dialect of the Arabic language, ensuring its faithful preservation and dissemination.
The Claims and Assertions of The Qur'an
The Qur'an lays claim to being the ultimate and conclusive revelation bestowed by the God of Abraham, endowing it with unparalleled authenticity and authority. It asserts that this sacred scripture is the uncreated Word of Allah, a poetic marvel sent down to humanity to provide unambiguous guidance devoid of confusion, human fallibility, or tampering. The Qur'an is perceived as an immaculate and incorruptible entity, with each word, letter, and punctuation mark remaining unaltered. Its composition is in the language of Allah, which is Arabic.
According to the Qur'an, it enjoins its adherents to unwaveringly adhere to the commands and teachings of the esteemed prophet Muhammad, without deviation or divergence. Its comprehensive scope encompasses various facets of life, ranging from fundamental pillars such as the giving of alms, undertaking the pilgrimage to the revered Masjidul-Haraam (Holy Mosque), and the observance of daily prayers, to intricate regulations concerning matters of marriage, divorce, dietary restrictions, modesty, division of spoils in times of conflict, inheritance, dowry, and guidelines pertaining to sexual relations. It places utmost emphasis on the indivisible oneness of Allah, strictly prohibiting the worship of other deities or the association of partners with Him.
The Qur'an holds forth the promise of eternal rewards in Jannah (paradise) for those who faithfully adhere to its teachings. Conversely, it forewarns of the near-eternal torment in Jahannam (hellfire) for those who fail to comply. Jannah is described as a realm where believers shall revel in the company of exquisitely beautiful houris (virgin women) amidst lush gardens adorned with flowing rivers, while Jahannam portrays a realm of scorching anguish, where the inhabitants consume bitter fruits and drink boiling water.
The Qur'an references the past prophets, including Adam, Noah, Lot, Abraham, Ishmael, Amram, Moses, Solomon, Jesus, and others, affirming their designation as messengers of Allah. It chronicles the stories of these prophets and their respective nations, underscoring instances of Allah's wrath and mercy. The Qur'an serves as a reminder of Allah's commandments and the consequences faced by those who disobeyed. Additionally, it underscores the imminent arrival of the Appointed Hour, signaling the culmination of time and the impending Day of Judgment.
The Qur'an's Divine Origin In Comparative Theology
The Qur'an, in its essence, cannot be deemed as the veritable Word of God. It diverges significantly from the teachings and theological principles transmitted to Christians and Jews through their respective sacred texts, which were composed and compiled by individuals who were guided by the divine during significant historical epochs. The Qur'an, lacking a continuum with these antecedent scriptures, instead proffers a divergent perspective.
It merits mention that the Qur'an, within its multiple passages and surahs, avows the authority and authenticity of the "Tawrah and the Injeel" (Torah and Gospel/Evangelion). It posits that these volumes ought to be regarded as Allah's utterances, just as the Qur'an itself is to be considered. Additionally, both Jews and Christians are acknowledged as "Ahl al-Kitab" (people of the book), an epithet that acknowledges their belief in Allah, akin to Muslims, while also highlighting potential misapprehensions or lacunae in understanding.
Moreover, the Qur'an avers that Allah and the God venerated by Jews and Christians are inherently one and the same. Nonetheless, critics posit that the Qur'an's reiteration of biblical narratives diverges significantly from their scriptural counterparts. For instance, the Qur'an proffers accounts that deviate from the biblical chronicles of Noah's progeny or Joseph's vindication from his captivity in Egypt. It also proffers alternative details concerning the progenitor of Ibrahim (Abraham), Sulayman's (Solomon) ability to traverse the skies on a carpet, and 'Isa's (Jesus) role as a prophetic herald of the Injeel (Gospel), emphasizing that he was not crucified but rather ascended to Allah above the celestial expanse.
These narratives, at odds with the biblical corpus, lead one to surmise that only Allah possesses true knowledge of them. However, upon diligent examination, it becomes manifest that they were appropriated from non-canonical apocryphal texts, Jewish midrashic writings, heretical Gnostic gospels, elements of Zoroastrian mythology, conjoined with influences from Arabian paganism. Such provenance raises doubts regarding the legitimacy of the deity known as Allah.
The Qur'an invites criticism for what appears to be self-contradiction concerning shirk, which denotes the practice of polytheism or the ascription of partners to Allah, a sin of grave magnitude within Islam. Numerous passages within the Qur'an explicitly repudiate any form of shirk. One particular matter highlighted pertains to the belief in Allah as Three, which stands in stark contradiction to tawheed (the concept of the divine unity). The Qur'an depicts this sort of shirk as Allah being the Last of Three, with these Three entities being 'Isa, Maryam (Mary), and Allah, implying that Christians regard them as gods. However, the Qur'an fails to accurately represent Christian tenets, which center on the notion of one God in three manifestations (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), all constituting the same singular deity. Moreover, upon close scrutiny, certain verses within the Qur'an intimate a Trinitarian essence of 'Isa, such as the ability to bestow life (a power attributed solely to Allah), being a spirit rather than a mortal, and embodying the Word of Allah (hence, uncreated). The Bible itself attests to the notion that the angel (messenger) of Allah is God in both the Old and New Testaments.
Moreover, the Qur'an appears to both endorse and condemn certain Jewish beliefs, reflecting a complex relationship with the Jewish community. On one hand, it accuses Jews of blasphemy for attributing divine sonship to Uzair (Ezra), thereby condemning them to Jahannam (hell) due to their disbelief in Muhammad's prophethood. The Qur'an portrays Jews as untruthful and frequently at odds with Muhammad on matters of theology.
Furthermore, the timing of certain revelations in the Qur'an raises questions. For instance, a verse is revealed in response to a dispute between a couple regarding sexual positions, seemingly conveniently supporting the man's desires by allowing men to engage in sexual relations with their wives in any manner they desire, likening women to plowing fields for sexual gratification. The Qur'an repeatedly mentions sexual intercourse, often accompanied by elements of misogyny, such as justifying men's right to beat their wives for disobedience and permitting men to engage in sexual relationships with captive or slave women. Additionally, the Qur'an suggests that the testimony of two women is equivalent to that of one man, implying a perceived intellectual deficiency in women, while also mandating extensive body coverings for women to preserve chastity, while men are afforded more leniency in their interactions with other women.
Despite its repetitive nature, variations can be found in the Qur'an when Allah speaks across different chapters (surahs), particularly in the retelling of stories such as the expulsion of Iblees (Satan) from heaven or the accounts surrounding Musa (Moses). The Qur'an also portrays Dhul Qarnayn (Alexander the Great), a figure of pagan origin, as a virtuous Muslim entrusted with safeguarding against the release of Yajuj and Majuj (Gog and Magog), nations believed to bring about the end times.
Furthermore, the Qur'an places significant emphasis on the concept of Jahannam (hellfire). Nearly every surah in the text contains descriptions or warnings about Jahannam. Extensive details are provided regarding the nature of hellfire, the actions that lead to its condemnation, its guardians, its inhabitants, the transgressions that warrant such punishment, and the experiences one might endure within it. Curiously, the term "hellfire" is frequently mentioned alongside the name of Allah, prompting inquiries into why a supposedly "Most Merciful" God places such emphasis on the potential consequences of transgressions.
The Qur'an presents Allah as a distant figure, lacking a personal and loving relationship with Muslims. The only relationship portrayed is that of a master and his slaves, demanding unwavering loyalty and servitude. The text offers no guidance for those who may be lost or seeking guidance and does not actively invite people to embrace Islam. Additionally, Allah is depicted as not loving the disbelievers, instead working to confuse or bring about their downfall, earning the appellation of al-Makir (the Deceiver/the Schemer). The responsibility of converting others is left to prophets and their followers, thereby justifying the concept of jihad (holy war) against those who deviate, with the ultimate aim of complete destruction.
