Friday, April 21, 2017

Why reading the Quran?

I have been asked why my daily Quran posts. Someone must have missed this which I posted at the start of my readings.
 'I was given a copy of the Quran by a Muslim leader at the Regent's Park Mosque back in 1983. I did read through it then and thought I would try again now. After the short introductory chapter (sura) I persevered through the 286 verses of sura 2. (The Heifer) Impressions. A disjointed text with no real narrative linking. There are portions relating to some early Bible stories but nothing detailed. There is creation but no fall. Satan, Iblis falls because he will not bow down to Adam. There are several references to covenant but no definition nor description of covenant making. Stories of patriarchs are minimal and of Moses and Exodus too. More is omitted than included. There is much instruction as to how Muslims are to live, piety to observe and practical instructions like divorce. Bur it is a cold hodge podge, an incoherent ranmbing. How it could be described as the greatest literature beggars belief. I shall try another sura each day.'
Now about half way through my opinion has not changed. It is an incoherent rambling text. Bible references lack any context or detail. There is really no narrative , mere moralistic instructions. It lacks any real spirituality, only a cold judgmental morality. It has no literary variety of style and IMO no literary merit. Most Muslims learn it by rote as their exposure to it. It remains a closed book to them as most Muslims do not understand the Arabic text.

Then I was asked why I do not comment on the Bible chapters I read each day. My answer is one is forbidden to parade one's piety.

No comments: