(1) The Quran

OUTLINE OF CHAPTER

Historical impact: linguistic developments in pre-Islamic Arabia; uniting Arabia; moral revival; establishing Islamic civilization; advancement of science; revival of western culture.

Introduction:Quran a literal word of God; difference between Bible and Quran; reading, recitation and memorization.
Ten principles behind interpreting the Quran: (1) Quran as one integral whole and consistent within itself; drawing conclusions from isolated verses; divine writ free of contradictions. (2) Muhammad’s explanation (3) Ethical teachings underlying historical events. (4) Doctrine of abrogation. (5) Proper use of religious terms. (6) Uniqueness of Arabic language: ellipticism. (7) Translation alone insufficient to understand Quran. (8) Quran appeals to man’s reason: blind faith or conviction through reason; doctrine of exceptionalism; living document. (9) Differences of opinions in interpretation. (10) Two types of Quranic verses (allegory and clear messages); arbitrary interpretation of allegorical passages; parables of the Quran (parable of a gnat and good and corrupt tree).
The phenomenon of divine revelation: Quran revealed by holy inspiration; divine inspiration through prophets; message for all mankind; Quran a reminder; warning and admonition; words of distinction; divine writ a natural phenomenon; Quran full of wisdom; Quran free of errors and truth absolute; Quran on imperishable tablet; infinite words of God; Quran Muhammad’s standing miracle. Mysterious letter-symbols (Al-Muqatta at)



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