Sura 2 Part 1

Well unfortunately I left my copy of the Qu'ran at work. I read a lot of things during the day so I have been trying to read the Qu'ran during my lunch break and sometimes before I go to bed. But I left early from work on Friday so I walked out without it.

I just want to give small summary of what I have read so far and then follow up in a "Part 2" Post next week. I am half way through the second Sura and there are several interesting things to note. First off it is clear that Mohammad was a man who knew a great deal about the religious cultures and beliefs of his day. While reading this sura I get the sense that the theistic religious communities were close in a democrat and republican kind of way. Second he is quite aware of the Jewish history as recorded in the Old Testament and the arguments of the day used by both Christians and Jews as to what made their beliefs superior.

Those who practice Islam may say this was the result of the Qu'ran being inspired or dictated to Mohammad by Gabriel. I don't think his angelic encounter alone is what makes Mohammad special. it is clear that he was a man of the times and a religious genius. Personally, as a secularist I am filled with admiration for his knowledge of both religious traditions and his ability to weave out his own and still show a great deal of tolerance. Not to acknowledge his familiarity with the religious culture of the day does a great disservice to his brilliance.

Finally, from what I have read of this Sura so far it feels as if I am reading something right out of the New Testament epistles and Old Testament Prophets. It is strangely familiar and an open minded Christan or Jewish person may be able to see the stark similarites.

There are some pretty amazing quotes that I have highlighted but since I don't have the copy with me I can't go into detail. I'll talk more about them next week and hopefully by then I would have finished the entire 2nd Sura.