There is not much understanding of the Koran in western society. This instructive article helps to clear up some of the major misconceptions and the reason for them. -- Linda
| Islam - Part 1 [excerpt] |
| Written by Gary Gilley |
The Muslims regard the Quran as the inspired revelations given to the prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel over the approximately twenty-two years of the prophet’s life. It contains 114 chapters (called suras) of various lengths (from three to three hundred and six verses) and is about the size of the New Testament. In addition to the Quran, the Muslims have a second source of authoritative writings known as the Hadith. The Hadith contains the body of traditions based on what the Prophet said or did regarding various issues.
The Quran has a number of unique features that have led to much confusion, both within and without the Islamic camp. First, it is considered inspired only in Arabic and so is memorized in Arabic by boys in school, even though they often do not understand the words they are memorizing. Secondly, except for the opening sura, the book is arranged according to the length of the surahs rather than chronologically. This would be of little consequence except that the Quran has the doctrine of abrogation. That is, Muslims believe that the teachings found in earlier surahs can be replaced by revelation in later surahs. Christians believe in progressive revelation as found in the Bible; in other words, as God inspired His Word He added to previously given revelation, but He never contradicts Himself. Muslims, however, understand that the latter teachings in the Quran can completely negate the former teachings.
It is because Christians, and many Muslims, do not understand this doctrine of abrogation coupled with the nonchronological order of the Quran that they do not understand what is going on in the Islamic world at this time. On the one hand, many Islamic leaders will claim that their religion is a peaceful one, and quote passages from the Quran to prove it. On the other hand, other Islamic leaders will call for terrorism and jihad and base their call on the same Quran. Most of us would view this a simple matter of how the Quran is interpreted, but such is not the case. The peaceful passages within the Quran are found in the early days of Muhammad’s recitations, during a time when he felt that his new religion would be a unifying factor among "People of the Book" (Jews, Christians and Muslims). When his doctrine was ultimately rejected by Jews and Christians he turned on them and "was given" new "revelations" of war and hate to replace the former ones of peace. The surahs, which teach jihad against Jews, Christians and unbelievers, are all found in the later time frame of the Quran. Passages of a later date include 2:190-193,216; 4:74,89,91,95,101-102; 5:33,51; 8:12,39,60,65,67,69; 9:5,29,30,73; 47:4; 59:2-4,5,14 and 61:4. While such passages are scattered throughout the Quran, they are all chronologically of later origin and have, according to the doctrine of abrogation, replaced the former teachings on peace.
