Sacred Scriptures of Islam

The Qur’an The Qur’an is the holiest book in Islam. The word means “recitation”. Muslims prefer to chant (sing) or read the text out loud rather than reading it silently. Muslims believe that the Qur’an contains the revelations that the prophet received from Allah through the Angel Gabriel over a 23 year period. The revelations started in the Year 610 C.E. (Muhammad was 40 at the time).

The Qur’an The belief that the Qur’an is the actual Word of God distinguishes it from other sacred writings. It is known as wahi- or revelation. Allah’s revelation to the prophet. Due to nuances in the Arabic language, a translation into any other language is not considered official- or a true rendering of the actual text.

The Qur’an Muslims believe that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad not in one session, but gradually bit by bit over a 23 year period. Oral Tradition: Originally the Prophet would remember the revelations and then teach them to his companions for them to also commit to memory.

The Qur’an Written Tradition: After the revelations had finished, eventually a manuscript of the Qur’an was prepared. Every surah (except #9) begins with the words “In The Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.”

The Qur’an Muslims treat the Qur’an with tremendous reverence and respect: They will only recite it in a state of ritual purity: to do otherwise would defile Allah’s sacred message- a serious offence for a Muslim. Muslims ensure that it is given the highest place on a bookshelf, and see that it is kept from dirty places like the ground. They often will decorate the written Arabic text with Islamic art, and often place key passages on the walls of their worship spaces.

The Hadith (Sunnah) There are 3 kinds of Hadith (Sunnah): 1.) Sayings directly associated with Muhammad 2.) an action or practice of Muhammad 3.) his silent approval of someone else’s actions

Qura’n: Textbook Reading Read Pages Complete the Review Questions #1-4 on Page 211.

The Quran  The fundamental and main sources of Islamic Law from which all other sources derive their authority.  It may be defined as:  The book containing the speech of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad in Arabic and transmitted to us by continuous testimony, or tawatur.  Consists of the word of Allah revealed on Prophet Muhammad in 23 years – divine origin.  Address to all humanity, without distinction of race, region or time.  It seeks to guide human beings in all aspects of life.

The Sunnah  Sunnah  Literally: a way or rule or manner of acting  Technically: What has been (authentically) related to us on behalf of the Prophet from his sayings, actions, and tacit approvals.  Hadith  Literally: communication, story, conversation  Technically: What was transmitted on the authority of the Prophet, his deeds, sayings, and tacit approvals, or description of his sifaat (features).”  Both cover the same ground: practice, sayings and tacit approvals(taqrir)  Quran generally deals with the broad principles or essentials of the religion. The details are supplied by Prophet through hadith.