The Qur’an
The
name means “recitation.” The origins of these sacred writings are located in
the sermons of Muhammad. It has been translated in multiple languages, however,
the Arabic version is considered to be the most valid. It is believed the Qur’an
is from God himself and revealed to Muhammad throughout his life, as a
messenger. Muhammad’s disciples memorized and wrote down all the words of his revelations.
When Muhammad past away, people were concerned with the different versions that
would be created and spread to the people so it was considered to be necessary to
create one authentic version. It is believed that this work was started by Abu
Bakr, the first successor or caliph of Muhammad. He finished his work in 656 CE,
in caliphate of ‘Uthman.
The Qur’an, it covers multiple topics and people that are also found in Christian and Jewish Bibles. People such as Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, Mary, and others. It also includes admonitions of everyday life such as property rights, money, inheritance, marriage, and divorce. It discusses the life of Muhammad, religious beliefs, and regulations. Which include angels, God’s judgement, fasting, and the pilgrimage. It has a total of 114 suras (chapters) with names that come from an image or topic by it such as “The Elephant” and “The Mountain.” The suras are organized by the lengths of the text, from longest to shortest. The shortest texts are the early teachings of Muhammad and considered to be easiest to learn. The long texts are the final years of Muhammad. The Qur’an has also inspired Islamic art, copies of the Qur’an handwritings have become great artwork pieces. "BELIEF PRACTICES AROUND THE WORLD!" Pinterest. Web. 17
Apr. 2015.
Molloy, Michael. Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change. 5th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2010. Print. “Wallpapers with Holy Quran." - Islamic Desktop. Web. 17 Apr. 2015. |
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