Enough! I have heard arguments and explanations of the Quran and no one seems to really know anything for sure. If they seem to know, their knowledge and ideas are endlesly questioned, so... tonight I started reading the Quran. No, when I get through I don't expect to be an expert. I'm doing this for me and for anybody that wants to know what I find along the way that interests me.
Today I read through Sura 2 #190 and found that,
1 The Quran starts with very devout worship of God
2 A very close group of parallel stories are related about Adam and Eve, Moses and the golden calf, manna and quail, and water from the rock.
3 There is a belief in a "Numbers Code."
4 Many times the Quran speaks of making covenants with the Jews, but the Jews were arrogant and killed God's prophets.
5 They believe in the bloodline of Abraham, Ismail, Jacob, and the patriarcs. Isaac is not even mentioned.
6 They believe in one God.
7 Many laws were handed down by their God that are very similar to the laws in the King James version of the Bible.
And then a very interesting passage.
8
QUOTE |
Sura 2 #190 You may fight in the cause of GOD against those who attack you, but do not aggress. GOD does not love the aggressors. |
QUOTE |
2:190 All fighting is regulated by the basic rule in 60:8-9 Fighting is allowed strictly in self defense, while aggression and oppression are strongly condemned throughout the Quran. |
Interesting thanks for that post mousetrails. It seems you are using a commentary may I know which one?
The paints you raised are all valid.
1. No doubt
2. Adam and Eve story has a few important differences from other understanding and some very deep meanings which required a more thorough reading.
3. What is this "Numbers code"?
4. The Jews were God's chosen preferred nation and they were given a great responsibility with the covenant.
5. Isaac is mentioned if you keep reading. Jacob is actually Isaacs son from whom the nation of israel started. "israel" is another name for Jacob!
6. Again no doubt.
7. Which laws are you referring to?
8. Anyone who reads the Quran with an open eye will notice the nature of "jihad" only to be in self defence.
#2 I believe the Old Testament period of the Bible was first a living history I.e. passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth before it was ever written down. That is probably why the versions differ somewhat, but the original meaning seems to be there.
#3 I have no idea what the numbers code is. I found mention of it in Sura 2 between 105 and 106. Quote; "Center= The Ultimate Miracle: The Quran's Mathmatical Code."
Can you shed any light on this?
#4 I had no idea the Quran taught that the Jews were God's chosen. That is a real shock to me!
#5 I am very aware of Isaac. I just found it interesting that he wasn't mentioned in that passage. I will continue to read.
#7 A few laws I found interesting were Sura 2 # 172, 174, 178, 180, 182, 183, 187, 188, and 190.
Karbala, if I am wrong, or out of line please tell me. I am here to learn.
I am using a version of the Quran I found on the web. It is located at
https://nmsismail.faithweb.com/quaran.htm
If there is something better, please let me know. If you would like to have some idea where I'm coming from look at www.mousetrails.net If you're interested I can place a PDF copy on your screen
Mousetrails
Tonight. June 4th, I read Sura 190 through 255 and found nothing really unusual, or different, except the mention of Jesus and Mary in what appears to be the same time period as the Christian Old Testament.
Quaran
QUOTE |
253. These messengers; we blessed some of them more than others. For example, GOD spoke to one, and we raised some of them to higher ranks. And we gave Jesus, son of Mary, profound miracles and supported him with the Holy Spirit. Had GOD willed, their followers would not have fought with each other, after the clear proofs had come to them. Instead, they disputed among themselves; |
The website you are using is very very poor. The translation is also very poor and the interpretation offered is very poor as well. I suggest you use a different website
try https://www.islamicity.com/QuranSearch/ or www.al-islam.org/quran You can even compare translations. The most famous translations are Shakir, Yusufali and Pickthall. I find Yusuf Ali better but others prefer Pickthall or Shakir.
QUOTE |
#3 I have no idea what the numbers code is. I found mention of it in Sura 2 between 105 and 106. Quote; "Center= The Ultimate Miracle: The Quran's Mathmatical Code." Can you shed any light on this? |
QUOTE |
#4 I had no idea the Quran taught that the Jews were God's chosen. That is a real shock to me! |
QUOTE |
2:47 O children of Israel ! Remember those blessings of Mine with which I graced you, and how I favoured you above all other people |
QUOTE |
#7 A few laws I found interesting were Sura 2 # 172, 174, 178, 180, 182, 183, 187, 188, and 190. |
Rather off topic, but... It seems you have written a book on the old testament. I would be interested to read your views. I have read many articles trying to attack the old testament but however I have found that often these criticisms are unfair or unfounded. I would love to read your take on it though. |
Karbala
It is very late and I must rise early, so I will be brief. I called up the site you suggested, but it asked what I want to search. How do I pull up the whole Quaran to read?
I tried to access your e-mail from your profile, but I cannot get it until I communicate with our fearless leader ( JB ) I'm sure I must be doing something wrong.
Mousetrails
https://www.islamicity.com/QuranSearch/ if you look on the top right corner where it says "Chapter Index" choose a chapter, uncheck the boxes so that you have just the translation (I suggest Yusufali) and click "Go" which should pull down that selected chapter.
Alternatively you can use www.al-islam.org/quran which is easier to use. Same thing just select a chapter check the box for the translator (The good thing about this site is that you can simultaneously compare translations by clicking the checkbox for more than one translator). The problem with this site for me is that sometimes it stops working.
Thank you my friend. I think I have the hang of it now. It has been a long day and although I tried to read, my eyelids are heavy. Maybe tomorrow.