3.64

0

Mar 28, 2011

Have other people noticed that the Qur'an is listed here as being by Allah, whereas the Bible is by "Anonymous"? If I were a Christian, I think that would leave me feeling just a little annoyed.
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Since I posted this review, the entry has been changed, and the Qur'an is now also listed as being by "Anonymous"!

Well, whoever did that is a braver man or woman than I am. I admire your chutzpah. So to speak.
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And now it's Have other people noticed that the Qur'an is listed here as being by Allah, whereas the Bible is by "Anonymous"? If I were a Christian, I think that would leave me feeling just a little annoyed.
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Since I posted this review, the entry has been changed, and the Qur'an is now also listed as being by "Anonymous"!

Well, whoever did that is a braver man or woman than I am. I admire your chutzpah. So to speak.
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And now it's "Allah" again!

My impression is that the Muslims and the Infidels are pretty evenly matched here. Looks like it'll be a close game.
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Mere days later, and now we're back to "Anonymous"!

I'm particularly impressed by the good sportsmanship both sides are displaying. Who says a religious war can't be carried out in a civilized and courteous manner?
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In a surprise move, the author has now been changed yet again to 'ALLAH "the creator" (As believed in Islam)'. Match that if you can, Infidels!
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"Anonymous" once more, but to be honest it seems rather unimaginative. Come on, Infidels, you can come up with something better than this, can't you? What would Dawkins do?
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Back to "Allah" again. I clicked on His page and was immediately confronted with some interesting options. I could become a fan! (I was surprised to see that Allah didn't have any fans. Evidently I'd been misinformed). I was also asked if He had a blog, and on reading further discovered thatAs a librarian, you can create a blog for this author even if they're not on Goodreads by adding the feed URL (Atom or RSS) of a blog they keep elsewhere. This will make summaries of their blog posts available here.Unfortunately, I don't know of any blog kept by Allah, but if I discover one I'll make sure I use this feature.

Oh, and by the way He doesn't have any upcoming events either. Is this correct, or merely a reflection of the fact that He exists outside of space and time?
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Ho hum... "Anonymous" is back. He/she has written a whole lot more books than Allah, but also lacks fans. Well, that's one thing they have in common...
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Flash update: the author has now been changed to "God"!

This boldly ecumenical move impresses me. God, I learn from His Homepage, is the author not only of the Quran but also of The Gospels of Jesus (KJV) with Search Every Verse Navigation, Optimized for E-Readers, where He is credited as the author and King James as the translator. He has not written any other books. Well, I've never pretended to understand theology, but I recognize new thinking when I see it. I hope someone more competent than I am is already preparing an exegesis.

The page ends with the following rather intriguing prayer:Is this you? Let us know. If not, help out and invite God to Goodreads._________________________________________

I'm disappointed to say that we've now got "Anonymous" again. Whoever did that should be ashamed of themselves. "God" was inspired, this is just dull.

What other possible candidates could there be? Muhammad (PBUH)? The Angel Gabriel? Abu Bakr? Muhammad (PBUH), Bakr, Uthman and Hafsa? We need some fresh ideas here.
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After several months of inactivity, we have another change, but it was worth waiting for: "Allâh (God Almighty)".

Brilliant! Isn't that circumflex just to die for?
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The Infidels, with their characteristic rapier wit, have changed the author back to "Anonymous". Sorry, but I am not impressed. And don't give me that Goodreads Policy crap. Plenty of holy books are not listed as being by Anonymous, for example The Book of Mormon and The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

I look forward to seeing the Muslims' next move - I think they have the initiative.
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The Muslims score again with "ALLAH" (all caps), who has also written Study the Noble Qur'an Word-for-Word Volume 2 and Study the Noble Qur'an Word-for-Word Volume 3. Mysteriously, there is no Volume 1. ALLAH has three quotes, of which the first is "لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الل" ("There is no god but ALLAH and Mohammad is his prophet").

Now that's class. Okay, Infidels, let's see if you can change the author to something that's not yet another "Anonymous". I dare you. I double dare you.
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Boo! A few days later, and "Anonymous" is back. Honestly, it's enough to make you want to convert to Islam.
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Allah has returned again, but in a confusingly different form! This time, I found He was only the author of the Qur'an and had two fans, Nabila and Tarek. I decided that it was prudent to become a fan as well.

I checked to see which authors were like Allah, and was startled to see that the list included Alexandre Dumas and Italo Calvino. I'm sure it's greatly to their credit.
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That didn't last long. Notgettingenough, whose opinions I greatly respect, felt that it was inappropriate for me to be a fan of Allah. On reconsideration, I agree with her. I have cancelled my brief fanship and hope that both parties will understand it was an honest mistake.
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The Infidels only have one idea, and here it is again. Sigh...
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The Muslims are back, and score another fine goal with "الله". That's "Allah" in Arabic script for all you people who can't be bothered to check it on Google Translate.

Contrary to what certain skeptics may say, religious belief appears to give you imagination. Go Islam! !الله أكبر
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Without waiting for the Infidels to reply, the Muslims score again with "الله جلَّ جلاله". The person responsible has even created a cool avatar for His homepage. Nice work!

Admit it, Infidels: you have been comprehensively outplayed here. The classiest thing to do would be to have some suitable representative come forward and formally concede. That might at least win you back some respect.
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The Infidels refuse to admit defeat, and come back for the ninth time (I counted) with the single move they know how to make. Though, confusingly, the title of the book is now given only in Arabic script.

If it's an attempt at a compromise solution, I very much doubt that the Muslims will buy it. Watch this space.
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I presume that the Infidels' peace overture was scornfully rejected. They have retaliated by changing the title to Roman script only, even removing the apostrophe.

Cheeky! This flagrantly provocative gesture will surely not go unpunished.
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After 40 days of inactivity (significant or what?) the Muslims strike back with another "Allah". I suspect that the move is deeper than it looks, since His new homepage contains a long quote in Arabic referring to several passages in the Qur'an. Maybe someone better acquainted with these matters can explain it to the rest of us?
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A little more than a day later, it's "Anonymous" again.

I think the Infidels have a home side advantage here, which makes me admire the brave and resourceful Muslim hackers all the more. Come on Islam! You can beat those security measures!
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"Allah" has returned, and this time after only 21 days away! It looks like the Muslims have recovered from their unexpected loss of form.

Now, the question is how long they can keep possession. Both sides are demonstrating extraordinary tenacity in this long-drawn-out conflict! Quite inspiring to all us wishy-washy agnostics sitting on the sidelines...
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The pattern from last time repeats: "Allah" lasts less than a day, and is quickly set back to "Anonymous".

It's no good making excuses any more. The romantic in me wants the exciting, creative Muslims to win, but the facts are more than obvious: however they've managed it, the grimly humorless Infidels have taken their game to a new level. Over the last couple of months, they've been in charge 95% of the time.

Muslims, you need to figure out what the Infidels are doing and stop them. It's as simple as that.
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I was about to despair, but Allah is back! Though I am surprised to see that He still only has two fans, the ever-faithful Nabila and Tarek. Truly, their reward will be great.

I do wonder what thoughts Amazon have on this vital question. Which way could the different options push sales in the Muslim world? I imagine they have top analysts crunching the numbers as I write.
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Incredible but true: the Infidels have finally come up with a new idea! The author of the Qur'an is now given as "A".

Who is A, I hear you ask? I haven't the slightest notion. The one slim lead we're given is that A has also co-authored Jamba Juice Power with Kirk Perron - possibly a minor prophet, but, to be honest, I'm clutching at straws here.

I don't dare predict what might happen next. Stay tuned.
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"A" lasted mere hours, and now it's Allah again. For people who haven't yet looked at His Homepage, there is some interesting theological information:

gender: male
genre: Religion
influences: Almighty Yahweh, Jesus Christ

Oh, and He has now acquired a third fan, Esraa.

MJ claims to have tracked down the hackers. Kyle, Fil and Zain (if you are indeed the people responsible), please take a bow!
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An hour after the post above, Abbey and Amritorupa swear that the author was briefly changed to "A Nonny Mouse" - but it only lasted a few minutes before reverting to Allah.

I have never seen so much activity. Has a fatwa been issued? Are Amazon hoping to boost sales of the new Q'indle?
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And another hour later, it's Anonymous.

Whatever is going on? Is it the end of the world? I have consulted the Book of Revelation, but all I can find is 22:10:And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.I suppose that may be a warning against blocking changes to authorship attributions on Goodreads, but I'm not at all sure.
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Yesterday, I started reading Richard Burton's translation of the Arabian Nights, and this morning I see that Allah has returned! I must quote Burton's wonderful opening lines:PRAISE BE TO ALLAH - THE BENEFICENT KING - THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE - LORD OF THE THREE WORLDS - WHO SET UP THE FIRMAMENT WITHOUT PILLARS IN ITS STEAD - AND WHO STRETCHED OUT THE EARTH EVEN AS A BED - AND GRACE, AND PRAYER-BLESSING BE UPON OUR LORD MOHAMMED - LORD OF APOSTOLIC MEN - AND UPON HIS FAMILY AND COMPANION TRAIN -PRAYER AND BLESSINGS ENDURING AND GRACE WHICH UNTO THE DAY OF DOOM SHALL REMAIN - AMEN! - O THOU OF THE THREE WORLDS SOVEREIGN!I was a bit puzzled by the bed, but after a couple of chapters realized that it must be a "carpet-bed", presumably some kind of Middle Eastern futon. Just in case you were also wondering.
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The Muslims are having a good week, and Allah (the most merciful, the most magnificent) is now in correct Arabic script again! If you cut and paste into Google Translate and click on the loudspeaker icon, you can even hear how it's pronounced.
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There is no Majesty and there is no Might save in Allah the Glorious, the Great! (I understand from Richard Burton that this is the polite Islamic equivalent of our own "Jesus H. Christ!") We're back to Anonymous.

Come on Infidels, you're boring us all to death. But I just know you can do better. Raise your game and make your fellow-atheists proud of their lack of belief!
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Allah has returned to Goodreads, and has yet again reorganized His homepage! The opening at any rate looks familiar:



But a little further down, I found this:


I'm sorry, it's more responsibility than I can handle. Someone else will have to take care of it.
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And the new author is A... a... a... nonymous. Don't know why, but I just can't stop yawning today. Must have stayed up too late or something.
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Looking at the Librarian Edits Page is almost scary. While I was asleep, the author was first changed to "كلام الله جمعه عثمان بن عفان" by Wafa, and then to "Allah الله" by Anwaar. All in all, there are 87 pages of edits.

I hope someone is archiving this priceless cultural document, which surely contains enough material for at least two doctoral dissertations...
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An hour later, it's briefly flipped back to "Anonymous" before changing yet again to "'الله aka Allah", and we're now up to 89 pages of edits.

I see it's going to be Another Of Those Days. I should have guessed as much when I saw on Yahoo News that a two-headed calf had been born, a rain of frogs had occurred, and Lady Gaga had been photographed wearing a sensible outfit with flat shoes...
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It's all I can do to keep up. Since it'll probably change even before I've finished posting, here's a screenshot I saved from the current version of Allah's Homepage:


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Back to Anonymous. Though now I don't know who to root for, since it appears that some Infidels have started ironically supporting Allah. I wish theology was less confusing.
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Allah has returned once more! I immediately click to His new Homepage, and find a book ad with the title Earth Is In Dire Trouble.

Just a coincidence, I suppose.
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Alhamdulillah! (الحمد لله‎; one of the many useful expressions I have learned from Richard Burton). The Infidels once again change the author to Anonymous, but Islam's ever-vigilant cyberwarriors immediately change it back, even using "Allah Almighty" to show that they, at least, possess imagination and a sense of fun.

I apologize to my atheist friends for my obvious partiality, mais c'est plus fort que moi.
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(after taking a break from my reporting duties)

ALLAH (ALL-CAPS) IS BACK! GABRIEL AND MUHAMMAD (PBUH) ARE ALSO CREDITED! TAKE THAT, INFIDELS!
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Anonymous returns, but with an interesting new twist: he (He?) is now credited as "Speaker". In other words, the Qur'an was dictated, not by Allah, but by someone else.

I do not pretend to understand these theological subtleties at any but the most superficial level. All the same, I feel I should remind the person who made the change that this seems uncomfortably close to the idea which got Mr. Rushdie into so much trouble a few years ago.
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I just stumbled across the Uncyclopedia entry for Anonymous. At risk of repeating myself, it is entirely inappropriate that this person should be credited with the authorship of the Qur'an.

...more

5

Jun 13, 2007

This book was one of the most amazing books that I have ever read. It changed my whole perspective on the muslim people.

I had a very positive view of the Muslim people and their beliefs after reading this.

5

Sep 04, 2007

what I learned from this book is that Islam is NOT what they say it is in the media and that it is also not what the radicals claim it is. The Qur'an is the perfect companion to our own Holy Bible.

1

Aug 24, 2011

Before you read on, it is important that you read and understand this:

THIS REVIEW IS WRITTEN BY AN ATHEIST. I DO NOT SUGAR-COAT NOR DO I WRAP MY OPINIONS IN COTTON TO "PROTECT" THE DELICATE AND/OR EASILY OFFENDED RELIGIOUS READER.

IF YOU FOLLOW THE ISLAMIC FAITH AND GET OFFENDED WHEN YOUR HOLY BOOK (AND RELIGION) RECEIVES CRITICISM READ NO FURTHER! YOU WILL NOT LIKE WHAT I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE QURAN. CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED: IF YOU CONTINUE TO READ FURTHER THEN YOU WANT TO BE OFFENDED. STOP Before you read on, it is important that you read and understand this:

THIS REVIEW IS WRITTEN BY AN ATHEIST. I DO NOT SUGAR-COAT NOR DO I WRAP MY OPINIONS IN COTTON TO "PROTECT" THE DELICATE AND/OR EASILY OFFENDED RELIGIOUS READER.

IF YOU FOLLOW THE ISLAMIC FAITH AND GET OFFENDED WHEN YOUR HOLY BOOK (AND RELIGION) RECEIVES CRITICISM READ NO FURTHER! YOU WILL NOT LIKE WHAT I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE QURAN. CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED: IF YOU CONTINUE TO READ FURTHER THEN YOU WANT TO BE OFFENDED. STOP HERE. DON'T SAY I DID NOT WARN YOU ABOUT THE CONTENT OF THIS REVIEW.

Why the above disclaimer?

I am extremely fed up with all the people who come here and do nothing but whine and complain about my review. All you do is showing us your lack of education, intelligence and respect.

Your comments clearly shows the world that you have actually read nothing at all: not the review in question, nor have you actually read and understood the content of the Quran, a book you profess to call sacred. All you do is read half a sentence, see the 1-star-rating and then you start complaining, instead of continue reading with an attempt of neutral eyes. God forbid (pun intended) that you even start reading the comments that this review already has gotten before you start jotting down what has been written down before.

From this moment on users who post comments that show disrespect and the above mentioned ignorance will be instantly blocked. Only people that show respect and a minimum of half a brain will be allowed to discuss. Not happy? Go write your own review instead of whining about my opinion of a book I have read.

(view spoiler)[
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Start of original review below this point.
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I've studied religion, and as part of my studies the Qu'ran was one of the Holy Books that I've encountered (as with Judaism, Christianity and other faiths). Volumes can be written about this book, but now I just want to ask only one question about this particular work of literature (fiction):

How can a book that:
1) legitimise violence against women,
2) murder and persecute "infidels"/people of different faith, and
3) encourage sex with children

ever get a 4.32 rating on GoodReads? (at the time of the review)

Ok, technically that's four questions, but you get my drift.

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End of original review.
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*EDIT 12/12/2012*
I have received a lot of personal attacks and insults (which have been both flagged and reported to GoodReads) because of my above claim, by people who obviously feel that they need to protect their faith. I refuse to keep answering them, I've grown fed up with it especially because of their insulting and unfounded remarks.

However, I know that I am not telling tales or being unprecise or untrue or even prejudiced in my claims. I am not islamaphobe as some claim. I despise all organised religion that condones abuse and bigotry in any form, including the faith that I have been raised with: Christianity.

After some research I have found the actual text in the Quran that proves that it does encourage sex with prepubescent girls (a.ka. girls who have not menstruated yet). Please find below the actual Arabic text, it's transliteration and it's translation. Again, I do not read/speak Arabic, but I trust my sources to be correct.

at-Talaq 65:4
وَاللَّائِي يَئِسْنَ مِنَ الْمَحِيضِ مِن نِّسَائِكُمْ إِنِ ارْتَبْتُمْ فَعِدَّتُهُنَّ ثَلَاثَةُ أَشْهُرٍ وَاللَّائِي لَمْ يَحِضْنَ وَأُولَاتُ الْأَحْمَالِ أَجَلُهُنَّ أَن يَضَعْنَ حَمْلَهُنَّ وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ يُسْرًا

Transliteration: "Waalla-ee ya-isna mina almaheedi min nisa-ikum ini irtabtum faAAiddatuhunna thalathatu ashhurin waalla-ee lam yahidna waolatu al-ahmali ajaluhunna an yadaAAna hamlahunna waman yattaqi Allaha yajAAal lahu min amrihi yusran"

Enlish translation (one of many): "If you have any doubt concerning those women of yours who have finished with menstruation, then their count is three months; as it is with the ones who are still not menstruating [my emphasis]. With those who are pregnant, their term will be whenever they give birth. God makes His matter easy for anyone who heeds Him."
English translation by T.B.Irving (T.B Irving was an American Muslim author, professor, and scholar, who produced the first American English translation of the Quran).
Language sources:
http://www.islamawakened.com/Quran/65...
http://wikiislam.net/wiki/Pedophilia_...
http://www.islamicstudies.info/tafhee...

To quote Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi - clearly he could not say this any clearer than I:
[...] Here, one should bear in mind the fact that according to the explanations given in the Quran the question of the waiting period arises in respect of the women with whom marriage may have been consummated, for there is no waiting period in case divorce is pronounced before the consummation of marriage. Therefore, making mention of the waiting-period for the girls who have not yet menstruated [my emphasis], clearly proves that it is not only permissible to give away the girl in marriage at this age but it is also permissible for the husband to consummate marriage with her. Now, obviously no Muslim has the right to forbid a thing which the Quran has held as permissible. [...]
Source: http://www.islamicstudies.info/tafhee...#

I will refrain from commenting further and let the above speak for itself and encourage everyone who has read this book to re-read it again and write your own review. Hateful, disrespectful and harassing comments will be flagged, reported, deleted and the user who is posting said comments will get blocked.

EDIT: 20/02/2013
For those of you who might still doubt the validity of the claim that Islam condones paedophilia and worships a paedophile, I would like to draw your attention to the second most important book in Islam after the Quran: The Translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari - Arabic-English. In particular I would like to draw your attention to Sahih Bukhari 5.236:
[...]and then he married 'Aisha when she was a girl of six years of age, and he consumed that marriage when she was nine years old[...]
For those who are still in denial and claim that Aisha entered an early puberty - clearly the below passages clearly state that she was NOT:

Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 151
Narrated 'Aisha:
I used to play with the dolls in the presence of the Prophet, and my girl friends also used to play with me. When Allah's Apostle used to enter (my dwelling place) they used to hide themselves, but the Prophet would call them to join and play with me. (The playing with the dolls and similar images is forbidden, but it was allowed for 'Aisha at that time, as she was a little girl, not yet reached the age of puberty.) (Fateh-al-Bari page 143, Vol.13)

Sahih Muslim Book 008, Number 3311
'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) married her when she was seven years old, and he was taken to his house as a bride when she was nine, and her dolls were with her; and when he (the Holy Prophet) died she was eighteen years old.


Don't have a copy of Sahih Bukhari at hand? Not to worry, I have links to the remarkable passages here:
http://www.faithfreedom.org/Articles/...
http://www.answering-islam.org/Index/...

And about the illusion of Islam being a religion of peace? Then I encourage you to watch this enlightening documentary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krvCQb...

Muhammad 47:4
فَإِذَا لَقِيتُمُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَضَرْبَ الرِّقَابِ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا أَثْخَنتُمُوهُمْ فَشُدُّوا الْوَثَاقَ فَإِمَّا مَنًّا بَعْدُ وَإِمَّا فِدَاءً حَتَّىٰ تَضَعَ الْحَرْبُ أَوْزَارَهَا ذَٰلِكَ وَلَوْ يَشَاءُ اللَّهُ لَانتَصَرَ مِنْهُمْ وَلَٰكِن لِّيَبْلُوَ بَعْضَكُم بِبَعْضٍ وَالَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَلَن يُضِلَّ أَعْمَالَهُمْ
Translation:
So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allah - never will He waste their deeds.
< sarcasm >Of course, these words show nothing BUT tolerance, peacefulness and about finding mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence with people who are ideologically, politically and socially in opposition to. < / sarcasm >

While you are at it, check out this thought provoking
article: http://sheikyermami.com/2012/10/31/eg...
(hide spoiler)]

And again to those of you who wish to censor me and post hateful remarks and comments then please open your eyes and educate yourself instead. If you disagree with what Islam's holy books clearly state then I encourage you (again) to write your own review and see if you can prove the teachings of Islam wrong! ...more

5

Oct 16, 2007

A book for life, a book for the next life, a book for all eternity, unspoken by man, engulfed by humanity but indiscribable of any earthly tongue. I cannot let you understand it, but i can invite you to feel it...

5

Feb 15, 2010

My Noble Qur'an is Arabic with Meanings translated to Portuguese(Br).

Amazing interesting and free of misteries.

Islam goes straight to the point, based on science and logic.

"Biʾsm Allāh ar-raḥmān ar-raḥīm" (“in the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate”).

0

Jun 24, 2017

I won't rate it, because it's a holy book, and since when can you judge a holy book? Plus, I'm Jewish, it's not my place to ‘judge’ the Qur'an.
I found it interesting to see all the things we, Jews and Muslims, have in common. It helped me understood way better what I was reading.
Once and for all : if you seriously think being Muslim is about hating people, then it means you haven't read the Qur'an or that you're not even trying to understand what being Muslim truly means.

4

Apr 16, 2007

It's the Koran. Even if, like me, you are not religious you should still read the Koran since it is such a big part of this world. If for no other reason than to have some sort of understanding into what everyone is talking about and fighting over and if you are religious, if you are Christian or Muslim you HAVE to read this so that no one else can tell you what it says; if you rely on others they can mislead you, whether purposely or not, down the wrong path to understand the true message of It's the Koran. Even if, like me, you are not religious you should still read the Koran since it is such a big part of this world. If for no other reason than to have some sort of understanding into what everyone is talking about and fighting over and if you are religious, if you are Christian or Muslim you HAVE to read this so that no one else can tell you what it says; if you rely on others they can mislead you, whether purposely or not, down the wrong path to understand the true message of this collection of stories. ...more

5

Jan 07, 2008

I found this a lot easier to read then the bible. It's also a lot shorter.Anyone concerned with the state of modern Islam should read this inspiring text. As wityh the bible there are parts that are clearly outdated and even offensive. One must really imagine life a very long time ago, before there there was computers and silly puddy.

0

Feb 11, 2009

i am not going to rate it, because it can't be approximated enough; and for the same reason i'm not going to say much about it either. just this: it changed my life. to the good.

4

Sep 29, 2008

Everyone should read this book at least once in their lifetime. I think it's especially critical given the conflict between Islam and the West.

1

Jul 09, 2009

No more of this book! You may wonder why no more with this book. Well, Turn to page 54 of this book, and read the fourth chapter, verse 34, and put yourself in my place when you discover this books permits the male to beat the woman, just because she is not a male. Here is the whole verse:

"If you fear high-handedness from your wives, remind them [of the teachings of God:], then ignore them when you go to bed, then hit them."

What?! Hit them? You mean I a man hit a woman?! No hitting is acceptable No more of this book! You may wonder why no more with this book. Well, Turn to page 54 of this book, and read the fourth chapter, verse 34, and put yourself in my place when you discover this books permits the male to beat the woman, just because she is not a male. Here is the whole verse:

"If you fear high-handedness from your wives, remind them [of the teachings of God:], then ignore them when you go to bed, then hit them."

What?! Hit them? You mean I a man hit a woman?! No hitting is acceptable under any circumstance, regardless of what a woman does!

No more of this book. Good riddance! ...more

0

Jul 19, 2009

This is one book that I will never be finished reading. I believe no one can be finished with it unless they understand it fully and completely and then implement it fully and completely in their lives. As that is near to impossible unless Allah wills it, I will never be changing the status to read of this miracle.

I know that this book can change lives and will always enlighten the path of those who Allah wills and of those who will let it enlighten their path.

Every human being, I emphasise This is one book that I will never be finished reading. I believe no one can be finished with it unless they understand it fully and completely and then implement it fully and completely in their lives. As that is near to impossible unless Allah wills it, I will never be changing the status to read of this miracle.

I know that this book can change lives and will always enlighten the path of those who Allah wills and of those who will let it enlighten their path.

Every human being, I emphasise again that every human being should be give an oppertunity to read the Quran and those who are not previllaged enough to have the means should be helped by those who are. I think that it is the right of every human being to be guided and Allah is the only one who can do so.

I hope that more and more people will be able to find the means to read this amazing book and will also ask others to read it. And I pray to Allah that those who are misguided in the facts as to what the Quran holds, both muslims and non-muslims, that they would not heed what other people say anymore and would try to learn themselves. Ameen.

And of course, I cannot rate this book. I have no right and am a no body in front of that Almighty Allah who has blessed us with its magnificence. May he guide us all! Ameen. ...more

3

Jun 09, 2011

I've been raised as a Christian, pretty much from the very beginning. After 25 years, I decided to call it quits and identify as an atheist. There are plenty of reasons I have for making that decision, but one day, I thought, that those reasons were all due to my reactions against Christianity. So here I am, finding myself rejecting religion, all due to assumptions based on one religion: Christianity. Thus, I felt uncomfortable to reject religion across the board, using only data points from one I've been raised as a Christian, pretty much from the very beginning. After 25 years, I decided to call it quits and identify as an atheist. There are plenty of reasons I have for making that decision, but one day, I thought, that those reasons were all due to my reactions against Christianity. So here I am, finding myself rejecting religion, all due to assumptions based on one religion: Christianity. Thus, I felt uncomfortable to reject religion across the board, using only data points from one religion. After all, it's just like saying that I hate seafood when the only seafood I have eaten is shrimp. Thus, I picked the Qur'an. And I read it.

So what is this about?

This, as many people know, is the Holy Book of Islam. It is composed of 114 chapters, called surahs, and each surah has several verses. From a statistical point of view, the opening surahs tend to be longer than the closing ones. The second surah, for example, entitled "The Cow", has 286 verses, while the 110th surah only has three. Each surah opens with In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful.

I initially wanted to read the Qur'an because it is believed that the Qur'an is the most spectacular piece of Arabic literature. It also helps perhaps to understand what the cultural references are to novels that I have read in the past, especially those that dealt with Islamic characters. I previously read Orhan Pamuk's My Name is Red and Nagīb Maḥfūẓ's Palace Walk, and it would definitely have helped if I had a better idea what were the religious assumptions that the characters held. Now that I have read the Qur'an, it would be easier to see where these characters are coming from.

But another reason I wanted to read the Qur'an is because I wanted to put my thoughts to the test. I identify as an atheist, which means that I rejected the belief of religion in general. But in actuality, I've never known what I was rejecting, at least with respect to Islam. I need to read about it first, before I can be more comfortable in saying that I do not buy it as well. After all, it's the scientific approach, that of experimentation.

So, 114 surahs later, I now have an opinion of what the Qur'an is. I was surprised at how some story lines are parallel to what I know the best, which is the Bible. There are characters that appeared in both, such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, even Jesus. The Jews and Christians both appear in the Qur'an, but unlike Christianity, for Muslims, Jesus is just another prophet. Somewhere the stories split, and there are characters that appear in the Qur'an but not in the Bible.

I quite do not appreciate the catechism-like style of writing. There were plenty of repetitions. Several lines of thought were repeated: how Allah is all merciful and most benevolent (repeated before every chapter); how humankind emerged from a drop of holy sperm; how Allah is all-powerful and all-wise; et cetera. I never expected it to be a scientific book, and as the Bible, the writing style is geared toward indoctrination. The perspective is one of infallibility: the Qur'an only tells you that Allah is powerful, wise, and knows what is best for you. But it doesn't tell you WHY he is indeed claimed to be so. All you have to do is believe, and if you don't, you will face eternal destruction. I guess after reading this, I still conclude that Islam is not for me, and my personal conviction still holds ground. I am still an atheist.

One thing though that I have to say regarding the Qur'an, is that many people think that the Qur'an is a violent book and Islam is a violent religion. But after reading it, I think that the violence is just the same as what the Bible has. There is plenty of talk about believers and unbelievers, with the main gist as that the unbelievers will be punished by Allah. But the Bible also says the same thing. Believers will be blessed, while unbelievers will be punished, both in the Qur'an and in the Bible. Thus, to those people who burn Qur'ans because they think it's a violent book, perhaps they might want to read their own Bible too. If the Bible were made as a movie, I am pretty sure it would get an R rating.

I understand that that is not the whole problem. There's the fundamentalists too. But there are fundamentalists in Christianity too. Just check out what's found in Topeka, Kansas and you'll know what I am talking about.

So, as this is a book review, I am giving it 3 out of 5 stars. It's an awesome piece of cultural heritage, but it failed to persuade me to change my beliefs. I ended the book feeling untouched. ...more

1

Mar 10, 2008

Note, May 22, 2013: Some of the discussion below convinced me that I should add a couple of clarifying sentences, which I've just done.

With the current controversies over the projected "Ground Zero" mosque and the threatened Koran burning, a review of the Koran (also spelled Quran; there isn't always a one-on-one correspondence of Arabic and Latin letters) seemed topical. That might seem ground that angels fear to tread, fraught as it is with controversy, deeply-felt sensibilities for some, and Note, May 22, 2013: Some of the discussion below convinced me that I should add a couple of clarifying sentences, which I've just done.

With the current controversies over the projected "Ground Zero" mosque and the threatened Koran burning, a review of the Koran (also spelled Quran; there isn't always a one-on-one correspondence of Arabic and Latin letters) seemed topical. That might seem ground that angels fear to tread, fraught as it is with controversy, deeply-felt sensibilities for some, and the potential for verbal abuse and even physical violence in response. (It's also a challenge to distinguish between a review of the Koran per se and a full-blown discussion of Islam and its role in the world; the two subjects inevitably impinge on each other, but they aren't identical.) But Goodreads exists to provide book discussion --especially discussion of books with ideas that greatly impact the modern world; and by any definition, this one fits that description. Reviews so far tend to fall into three camps: those by Moslems lauding the book to the skies, those by Christian and Jewish believers angrily attacking it, and those by skeptics who see it as a prime example of the ludicrous nature of any and all religions. My own perspective is that of a committed Christian believer convinced of the truth claims of Jesus Christ. That stance is not only compatible with an effort to be fair in describing and evaluating others' beliefs in an attitude of respect for fellow human beings, but positively mandates it.

Unlike the Bible, which contains the writings of many authors spread over millenia, the Koran preserves the oral discourses of just one man, Mohammed, during his lifetime in seventh-century Arabia. (So it has a single basic historical-cultural context, and reflects the theology and style of just one author.) Moslems regard Mohammed as the last and ultimate prophet of God ("Allah" is simply the Arabic word for God, cognate with the Hebrew "El") --and by "God," they mean the God of the ancient Near Eastern religious tradition that also underlies the Bible, the God who revealed Himself to Noah and Abraham. (This in itself doesn't mean that their beliefs perfectly comprehend Him --arguably, nobody perfectly comprehends Him-- but it does mean that "Allah" should not be viewed by Christians as some alien deity comparable to Baal or Molech.) Mohammed's words were dictated to scribes; he was himself illiterate (not a disgrace, in that time and place). Raised in a polytheistic environment, he had some personal contact with Jews, and mostly second-hand information about Christian beliefs, and he connected Jewish and Christian conceptions of God with the primitive monotheistic tradition of his Arab ancestors, but he obviously never read either the Old or New Testaments. He viewed himself as a prophet called to uphold God's cause, and claimed Divine authority for his words.

The content of the Koran itself is sermonic material; it lays down some laws, which reflect a fairly primitive tribal society, and touches incidentally on theology in places, but the overwhelming majority of the content is a pounding reinteration of the twin themes of demand for absolute loyalty and obedience to God and threats of judgment against the disobedient, expressed over and over with a high degree of repetitive language (useful for memorization in a mainly oral culture) and in what I found to be a turgid style. (For me, it was a chore to read, and I think it would be for most Occidental readers.) Naturally, for Christian readers the obvious question here is the legitimacy of Mohammed's claim that this represents divinely inspired teaching. That this is not a claim to be rejected a priori is indicated by the fact that there are an increasing number of Moslems who accept Jesus as the Savior, and who see this as compatible with various views of Mohammed's prophetic role as legitimate. (See "Moslem Followers of Jesus?" by Joseph Cumming, Christianity Today, Dec. 2009, p. 32-5.) There is no hint here of the gospel of grace through faith on the basis of Christ's sacrifice, and not much hint of Divine compassion (beyond pro forma statements that God is "compassionate and merciful" --though here He doesn't sound like it); and the legislation allows things like slavery, polygamy and the subordination of women, and prescribes the death penalty much more liberally than we would. The same, however, can be said of parts of the Old Testament (though the Koranic command to cut off the hands of thieves and its encouragement of wife-beating goes beyond anything found in the Mosaic law). Those parts are set in a total context of Divine revelation that modifies or qualifies them; we accept them as Scripture, but if our sole understanding of God came from, say, the book of Obadiah, we'd have a severely mutilated picture. Much of the content of the Koran, on the most charitable assessment, could be seen as primitive and incomplete, in the same sense as some of the Old Testament that we can now view through the lens of progressive revelation and of Divine accommodation to limited human understanding on the part of the people He had to work with; a parent, as Calvin pointed out, speaks baby talk to an infant. (Though Mohammed lived in a time long after Christ, for all practical purposes his part of the world was a pre-Christian culture, and neither he nor his people had heard the gospel in anything like a coherent or understandable sense.)

IMO, though, there are aspects of the Koran that resist such a charitable view. To be sure, the stress on God's oneness is an Old Testament theme that no New Testament believer would deny, either; and even the insistence that God does not beget can be taken as a refutation of a misunderstanding of Christian doctrine, much as James in his epistle rebuts a misunderstanding of Pauline theology, not the genuine article. (God did not literally beget Jesus by sexual intercourse with Mary, in the manner of pagan gods siring children on human women, and no Christian believer would argue that He did.) But from a Christian standpoint, the Koranic insistence that Jesus was not really killed by his enemies, but was rescued by God, is incompatible with Divine revelation (not to mention history). It stems from the conviction that God must always necessarily rescue and vindicate the righteous, in this world --which, experientially, is NOT true-- and from (understandable) ignorance of the vicarious role of Jesus' death. Here again, Mohammed's lack of acquaintance with the New Testament was a serious liability --much as a lack of acquaintance with the Koran would be a liability to anyone making claims about Islam. (That isn't, obviously, anything that he could have helped; he had the information that could realistically be available to him in his time and place. By all accounts, he was actively interested in obtaining verbal information about both Judaism and Christianity; he can't be faulted for inevitable gaps in what he could acquire that way.) Also, while the Old Testament applies the Mosaic Law only to Israel, and the New Testament supersedes the letter of it with the spirit/Spirit, the Koran suggests no such limits for its laws --which is seen by strict Moslems today as a mandate to impose them on the entire world! Finally (and related to the latter) the Koran in places clearly commands a Moslem theocracy as the form of human government, and calls for its forcible imposition on the world. To be sure, not all Moslems are inclined to follow this to the letter. But this kind of Koranic teaching (coupled with its death penalty provisions for blasphemy and apostasy) certainly creates a built-in ratchet towards intolerance and religious violence, and provides religious justification for social policies which, no matter how constructive or mitigating they might have been in 7th-century tribal society, today more often create and perpetuate horrible injustice rather than mitigate it. To be wisely aware of this is not the same thing as calling for persecution of peaceful Moslems.

So in conclusion, my recommendation regarding the Koran is to read it, not burn it --but read it with a discerning critical faculty. :-) ...more

5

Aug 25, 2013

الخمس نجوم بتوعي للقرآن الكريم و بس :) ..
اتفقنا :) ؟؟
.....
God is Merciful .. Most Merciful, The King, The peace, The dominant, The mighty, The Creator .. God has a beautiful names as a whole, is not (unknown), is (one Lord) for Christians and Muslims and Buddhists and Brahma and ancient pharaohs, all sanctified (God), and as Muslims we do not have a problem if the Christians wrote that God is the author of the Bible, to the contrary, And if they did not wrote it we will wrote ! , So do not الخمس نجوم بتوعي للقرآن الكريم و بس :) ..
اتفقنا :) ؟؟
.....
God is Merciful .. Most Merciful, The King, The peace, The dominant, The mighty, The Creator .. God has a beautiful names as a whole, is not (unknown), is (one Lord) for Christians and Muslims and Buddhists and Brahma and ancient pharaohs, all sanctified (God), and as Muslims we do not have a problem if the Christians wrote that God is the author of the Bible, to the contrary, And if they did not wrote it we will wrote ! , So do not claim that (there is religious conflict here) ! , it's the problem of non-believers in God .. their problem stands in the lack of respect for the beliefs of others and in the lack of respect for freedom of belief and the faith

******
و بص .. انك تشوف ان كتاب ربنا تقييمه قليل و انت في المقابل قاعد تدى تقييمات مرتفعه لكتب تانيه عشان بالتالى الكتب دى تاخد تقييمات اعلى من تقييم (كتاب ربنا) بسبب تهاونك انت و غيرك بحجة تكريم كتاب ربنا
فدا
! ...
...
عندك موقف ؟ .. طب بكل احترام اخرج من الموقع خاااالص اما تستمر في انك تقرا كتب و تعمل لها تقييمات عاليه تعلي تقييمها على تقييم كتابك المقدس يبقى انت موش مقصر و بس .. انت كده مخطأ في حق دينك و كتابك المقدس
(أي كان)
و سامح لهم و بتساعدهم في انهم يخطأوا في حقه
لو لسه مافهمتش بعد كل كلامى دا ازاي انت حاطط راسك في الارض زي النعامه و بتدعي تكريم كتاب الله رغم انك في الحقيقة بتهينه بكونك على الموقع دا و لكونك بتدعم الموقع دا و بتدعم موقفه .. لكونك بتساعد في نشر الموقع اللى كتاب ربنا فيه تقييمه اقل من كتاب ميكى !
كتاب ميكي اللى بايدك اديته التقييم و ساعدته في انه يستعلى بتقييمه على تقييم كتاب ربنا ! لو عملت كده و انت حد مؤمن بدينك و بكتابك المقدس .. فانت حد لا مؤاخذة بقى .. فهمت و لا لسه ؟؟ .. لو لسه ما فهمتش فدى مشكلتك بجد
*****
I believe that, this is the book of God .. but my faith is not a reason in my assessment it as such .. it's really .. spirituality .. transparency . and a great many things I can not explain it .. this book is really and honestly , the book that I did not find anything that could be the subject of negative criticism .. so after the study and after inspection .. by all honesty and sincerity and goodwill , I can give The Quran, And only
My 5 stars ... ...more

5

Apr 26, 2007

If you only ever in your entire life read one book, read this one. I promise you, it is unlike anything else you'll ever read.

5

Aug 25, 2011

The holy Quran is a book that everyone should read no matter the religion but it should be read in its original language, like most books that are translated it loses flavor when its not.The Arabic language when read has many different meanings and when translated it loses those,so u get one verse that means one thing when actually it has 3 or 4 different meanings (does that make sense?)as much as i read the Quran i learn something new every time and im happy to say it does not teach hate or The holy Quran is a book that everyone should read no matter the religion but it should be read in its original language, like most books that are translated it loses flavor when its not.The Arabic language when read has many different meanings and when translated it loses those,so u get one verse that means one thing when actually it has 3 or 4 different meanings (does that make sense?)as much as i read the Quran i learn something new every time and im happy to say it does not teach hate or violence like most people think it does.Having come from a family that doesnt speak nor understand proper arabic very well i studied the Quran slowly and got a Quran translator (which is just as long as the Quran maybe longer translating very verse for me and helping me understand it in my own weird version of Arabic)so to end my review i recommend you read The Quran in its original text and get a Quran translator preferable Al safee fe tafser il-Quran which is really known and respected by everyone ...more

5

Jan 27, 2009

Say: "can the blind be held equal to the seeing?" Will ye then consider not?

"Enam, 50"

5

Jul 01, 2011

This is awkward. Well, I'm a Muslim. Therefore, I will find this the best book in the history of civilization. =)

1

Sep 03, 2010

This book has been one of the biggest reading disappointments of my life. It starts off with the line: "This Book is not to be doubted." My brain is my second favorite organ. Why would I want to hang it up on a rack while I read the Koran? Of course, I am going to doubt it if I feel it is warranted. Why would any intelligent person not doubt?

Then it gets into a retelling of the Old Testament of the Bible. And actually just some of the stories, some of the more famous ones. It's sort of like This book has been one of the biggest reading disappointments of my life. It starts off with the line: "This Book is not to be doubted." My brain is my second favorite organ. Why would I want to hang it up on a rack while I read the Koran? Of course, I am going to doubt it if I feel it is warranted. Why would any intelligent person not doubt?

Then it gets into a retelling of the Old Testament of the Bible. And actually just some of the stories, some of the more famous ones. It's sort of like retelling just those that are on his mind at the time. Then the same stories are referred to again and again.

It is forbidden to eat swine. I guess because it is an "unclean" animal. So keep a clean pigsty. How much uncleaner is a pig than any other farm animal? Isn't it time to put these ancient ideas about clean and unclean animals away?

Women who are menstruating are considered "unclean." Maybe this made sense at one time. But shouldn't it be put behind us? Do modern Muslims consider this an outdated idea? I would hope that some do.

"Women are your fields: go, then, into your fields whence you please." Is that all that women are: fields to be plowed? Is God talking here only to men? Is the entire Koran just meant to be for men? Does God ever talk to women in this book?

Then it is said that "men have a status above women." Followed by the line: "God is mighty and wise." God must have a low regard for women. How can any woman read this book and not be concerned? How can any man?

"He that chooses a religion other than Islam . . . in the world to come he will surely be among the losers." So much for religious tolerance. God does not care for members of other religions.

"No one dies unless God wills. The term of every life is fixed." A fatalistic view of life. Why be afraid of anything? You will not die until God wills it. In fact, that end is already fixed in time.

"A male shall inherit twice as much as a female." And this is the word of God. He seems to have a very low view of women.

If any woman commits a "lewd act," it takes "four witnesses" to convict them. Then they shall be "confined" in their homes "until death overtakes them." Or until "God finds another way for them."

"Do not kill yourselves." Suicide is a no-no. I wish someone would pass that word on.

"Men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other, and because they spend their wealth to maintain them. Good women are obedient. They guard their unseen parts because God has guarded them. As for those for whom you fear disobedience, admonish them, forsake them in beds apart, and beat them. Then if they obey you, take no further action against them." And this is the word of God. Women must be obedient; disobedient women can be beaten. This is unacceptable to me.

"Those that deny Our revelations We will burn in fire." No mercy. Oh wait, I forgot "Surely, God is merciful and wise."

"The unbelievers are your inveterate foe." Not a very tolerant religion. Or am I misreading this?

Jewish people "practice usury and cheat people of their possessions." Of course, people of the Islamic faith never do that.

Jesus is not the son of God. I have no problem with that, but there is a major religion which does believe that. I do not understand how Muslims can accuse Christians of being intolerant.

"You will ever find (Jewish people) deceitful, except for a few of them." Of course, people of the Islamic faith are never deceitful.

"They do blaspheme, who declare: 'God is the Messiah, the son of Mary.'" There are a few people in the world who do happen to believe that.

People who are guilty of theft should have their hands cut off. Sharia law must be quite wonderful.

God knows everything. It is "recorded in a glorious book." He really gets around. Is this a real book? How many words could it possibly contain? Why would anyone want to record everything?

The Noah story is constantly repeated, but as a threat. It shows us what God could do to us if we misbehave.

God says, "I shall cast terror into the hearts of the Infidels. Strike off their heads, strike off the very tips of their fingers." He's doing a good job of casting terror. And "it was not you but God who smote them." So if you kill someone, it's God doing it and not you? Sort of absolves you of responsibility.

"When the sacred months are over slay the idolaters wherever you find them." I'll have to watch out during that time. "Make war on them." Not exactly a peaceful book.

"The desert Arabs surpass others in unbelief and hypocrisy." As opposed to the non-desert Arabs?

"Woe betide those who love this life more than the life to come." The threats continue.

I simply cannot figure out how people can speak of being inspired by this book. What a sad world we live in. ...more

2

Jan 30, 2016

In the turbulent age we live in, it seems appropriate to give this book a go.

Almost all the visible influences of Islam that I have seen have been negative. As a historian, I am faced with the unfortunate series of events where the advent of this religion and its spread through the Arab conquests either destroyed or subverted many of the most fascinating cultures in human history.

As a citizen of the 21st century, I am faced with the obvious dangers of Islamic extremism, where I, along with the In the turbulent age we live in, it seems appropriate to give this book a go.

Almost all the visible influences of Islam that I have seen have been negative. As a historian, I am faced with the unfortunate series of events where the advent of this religion and its spread through the Arab conquests either destroyed or subverted many of the most fascinating cultures in human history.

As a citizen of the 21st century, I am faced with the obvious dangers of Islamic extremism, where I, along with the rest of the world, am witness to the murder, oppression, destruction and other despicable acts committed in the name of Allah.

On the other hand, I have Muslim friends. Most of them are great people. And it is my firm belief that most people inhabiting this planet, no matter which faith they adhere to, are decent human beings. And I also believe that understanding each other's beliefs is of paramount importance to living together in a civilised society.

I have always been fascinated by religion. And yet I have never read the Quran.

Time to satisfy my curiosity. ...more

5

Mar 12, 2018

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S RATED 4.34 RIGHT NOW! HELP ME MAKE IT 5!

5

Jan 18, 2009

QURAN

Quran (means recitation in Arabic)

Muslims recite the whole book once during the month of Ramazan, this is happenning since 1428 years now, some people recite this once everyday, some once every week. It has 114 chapters (Sura) This book is in Arabic language.

Quran is a big Ocean, Amateurs like me make mistakes with such a big subject, but I think it is better to be imperfect and full of mistakes than be perfect and all alone.

I will only describe the physical aspects of Quran in this review, QURAN

Quran (means recitation in Arabic)

Muslims recite the whole book once during the month of Ramazan, this is happenning since 1428 years now, some people recite this once everyday, some once every week. It has 114 chapters (Sura) This book is in Arabic language.

Quran is a big Ocean, Amateurs like me make mistakes with such a big subject, but I think it is better to be imperfect and full of mistakes than be perfect and all alone.

I will only describe the physical aspects of Quran in this review, I wont go into spiritual details of this book, there is a big wide spiritual world too.

Quran as we all know was written by hand during the Prophet Mohammed (PUBH) time on crude paper and animal skins, when 3rd caliph Usman Ghani (RA) saw people reading Quran in their local Syrian, Iraqi and other dialects, he made a public address that Quran must be recited in the dialect of Mohammed (PUBH) the dialect of Koresh tribe of Mecca. This wise order had far reaching uniting effect on the muslims into one body. No matter what geographical region muslim came from he became united with other muslims in recitation of Quran, the Guide Book.

=========================================== =
3-Who wrote QURAN then?

Muhammad 1443H. Years ago at his age 40 saw an angel asking him to read, he said I am not literate, I can’t read and write. The Angel pressed him to his chest and said repeat after me :

==================
(\READ IN THE NAME OF MY LORD WHO MADE EVERYTHING\\MADE HUMAN FROM A LEECH LIKE SHAPE\\\READ YOUR LORD IS KIND\\\\WHO TAUGHT WITH PEN\\\\\TAUGHT MAN WHAT HE KNEW NOT)
=================

This is how 114 Chapters completed, MUHAMMAD memorized the recitation and his friends memorized All taught by Muhammad. (QURAN means recitation in Arabic).

=========================================

Usman Ghani (RA) called all huffaz (Memorizers) in town of Medina (Yatrib) of old and, asked the commettee to write Quran in order of Sura (Chapters) into a book form. Before this people used to call Quran papers Sahifa (Parchments/papers) A book made during his time is still present in TOPAKAPI Museum of Istanbul.

I am writing this review for general audience, muslims will find this review very simple. But if we break down all matter into small pirmal units, things are simple in nature. The biggest wonder of Quran is Billions of people have recited it, Many are reciting it now, many are engaged in memorizing it, not one time any of these good folks said a wrong thing about language or meanings of Quran.

Many billions of learned people has written tomes of explainations of each and every verse of this wonderful book, many are writing about it today, many will keep writing about it, the Quranic written words are so powerful and beautiful in melody, they make you shudder, they compel you to think, they reason with you and plead you to consider again and again. This book covers all subjects of human existance. It only needs to be interpreted in proper way to go into real depths of meanings. Imagine the volume of BRAINS exhausted in absorbing this
miraculous book.

This book has 114 chapters, each chapter has a given name to it, every chapter has verses, some chapters has 11 verses, some has 7 verses and some has 238 verses. I will give you a few names of chapters (fatiha) (The opening) this is the first chapter in Quran, let me give you the feel of its words and wonderful meanings in it for your sampling :

(CHAPTER ONE) Arabic with English meanings.
SURA : FATIHA
BISMILLAHI RAHMAN AR RAHEEM
In the name of Allah The Beneficient, The Merciful
ALHAMDU LILLAHI RABB AL ALAMEEN
The Praise/Gratitude is for Nourisher of all Worlds.
AR RAHMAN AR RAHEEM.
The only Beneficient, The only Merciful.
MALIKI YOUM AL DEEN
Owner/Possessor of final day.
EEYA KA NAAABUDU EEYAKA NASTAYEEN
You we worship, You we depend and ask.
EHIDINAS SIRAAT AL MUSTAKHEEM
Guide Me to the Straight Life.
SIRAAT AL LAZINA ANMTA ALAI HIM, GHAIR AL MAGHZOOBI
ALAI HIM. WALLAZAALEEN (AMEEN)
The life of those you rewarded, away from those who got your wrath and were in dark.
(Ameen)

Some other chapter names in QURAN are as follows :
Mariyam (Story of Mary)
Younus (Story of Younus) Jonas.
Ahzab (Confederates) Tribal confiderates attacked medina, its story is contained here.

Just for the records Muhammed (PUBH) did not know how to read and write, he said this thousands of time in his public address to people in Mecca, Medina and the whole of Arabia. His contemprories accepted this claim, Muhammed (PUBH) is most minutely document human in the
history of Earth and Mankind.

Arabs are experts since ages in the art of speaking and expressing, this is the reason they call non arabs Ajam, This is their expression of pride in their language skills, they analyzed Quran and did not find fault with it. The whole of arabia opposed Muhammed (PUBH) and his new religion, his blood relatives opposed his new religion but all of them could not find one fault with the Quran, Mohammed (PUBH) gifted to everyone of mankind here at yet to come.

Let me come to the unique language of Quran, this book does not read like other books with human words, we say every writing has a pulse of the author, a person is present in the words he writes. Read Quran and you will see what pulse I am talking about, over the years I have read many wonderful books, writers and thier works has a grasp over me, I understand their RHYTHM and their THOUGHTS LOCOMOTION. QURAN words has unique LOCOMOTION in them. This is the reason I call it a different book than any other printed book in existance today in our world.

Let me give you another chapter translation called KAFIROON (Kafir= Means Denyer ) in our day to day Arabic use, we have sentences like KAFIR AL NEAMAH. It means denying the good.

THE CHAPTER NAME IS AL KAFIROON)
============================== ====
KUL YA AYUHAL KAFIROON.
Say o Mohammed, you who do not believe
LA ABUDU MA TABADOON.
Dont worship what you worship
WA LA ANTUM ABIDOONA MA ABOOD.
You will not worship, What I worship
WA LA ANA ABAIDUM MA ABATUM.
I will not worship what you worship.
WA LA ANTUM ABIDOONA MA ABOOD.
You will not worship, What I worship.
LAKUM DEENAKUM WALIA DEEN .
To you your religion/way of life and to me my religion.

This is the way how GOD talks to man, when you will notice the grammer and the words GOD uses to address us, you will note how different his language is to ours, we have different chain of thinking and talking. Hope this is a useful review for your general understanding.

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Jul 19, 2017

Like the Bible, but more so.

Things you might want to know about the Quran:

-It's far more organic to the Bible than you probably think. The Quran effectively positions itself as the latest revelation from the God of Abraham, and a sort of warning/correction for those people of the book who may not have been faithful to the intent of their own God. It has its perspective, of course. If I had to summarize the main ways in which the Islam of the Quran differs from Judaism and Christianity, it would Like the Bible, but more so.

Things you might want to know about the Quran:

-It's far more organic to the Bible than you probably think. The Quran effectively positions itself as the latest revelation from the God of Abraham, and a sort of warning/correction for those people of the book who may not have been faithful to the intent of their own God. It has its perspective, of course. If I had to summarize the main ways in which the Islam of the Quran differs from Judaism and Christianity, it would be this: Jews have not accepted that there will be a day of judgement on which they will be saved or doomed based on their faith as well as their works. The Christians wrongly deified Jesus rather than recognize him as a prophet and messenger of the lord.

3:384 ... We believe in what has been given to Moses, Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them...
61:5-6 Remember when Moses said to his people, 'O my people, why do you cause me grief when you know that I am God's Messenger to you?' When they wavered, God let their hearts waver too. God does not guide transgressors. Remember when Jesus, son of Mary, said,
'O Children of Israel, I am sent to you by God, confirming the Torah that came before me and bringing good news of a messenger to follow me...'

-It is wisdom literature, and it is mostly non-narrative. Whereas much of the Bible is narrative, the Quran most closely resembles the book of Proverbs which is more bluntly didactic, as well as formulaic. The Quran is a message, and it makes sparing use of narrative (mainly restatements of episodes from the Bible), poetic expressions, and parables to the extent that they aid in communicating the Quran's message.

-It is long, but it can be summarized in a few words.

2:197 ...Whatever good you may do, God is aware of it. Make provision for yourselves--but surely, the best of all provision is God-consciousness. Always be mindful of Me, you that are endowed with understanding.
3:19 The only true religion in God's sight is complete submission to God...
57:21 Vie with one another for your Lord's forgiveness and for a Paradise as vast as heaven and earth, which has been made ready for those who believe in God and His messengers.
Such is God's grace. He bestows it upon whoever He pleases. There is no limit to God's bounty.

-It is extremely redundant. There are many, many fixed phrases and leitmotivs that come back in various permutations, reiterating and reinforcing the same lessons with little variation. It is an admonition. Repetition serves to persuade and to aid in memory and comprehension. However, though redundant (as Proverbs was), the book's language and imagery are strong and often poetic, and there is enough variation in presentation to prevent it being too dry or dull. Any passage in itself will appear well written.

-It is simple and clear. It's not meant to mystify. It's meant to clarify.

16:35 ... The duty of the messengers is only to convey the message clearly.
54:17 We have made it easy to learn lessons from the Quran...

-It cites evidence. It cites itself! (More on this below.) It cites the Bible. It calls to witness nature, the ordering of the sun and moon, day and night, and all the wonders that are evident to those who observe. It cites the miracle of birth, man's creation, and the unfathomable awesomeness of the vast complex universe. It cites rain, the weather, the seasons, and their power to provide all that sustains us, or to wipe it all away and start again. It cites the return of life to barren soil. And it cites historic cataclysms that befell the wicked and the unbelieving societies that came before.

-It is audacious. Mohammed, who wrote this book, dared to condemn anyone who would invent tales about God, and to swear upon his own damnation that the Quran was genuine revelation, not his own invention. He also, remarkably, repeatedly cites the Quran itself as evidence of its divine origin, convinced that no human of his time and place could possibly write anything so perfect. The mere fact that its author (Mohammed himself? Or God?) was more literate and literary than any of his rivals and contemporaries was meant to demonstrate its truth. In fact, if you view this work as a secular book lover, you can see that this is a bold declaration of the miraculous nature of language and literature, and an invocation of the ideal of a perfect book.

2:79 Woe to those who write the scripture with their own hands, and then declare,
'This is from God,' in order to sell it for a paltry price. Woe to them because of what their own hands have written, and woe to them for what they have earned.
6:93 Who could do greater wrong than someone who invents a lie against God or who says, 'It has been revealed to me,' while nothing has been revealed to him... If you could only see the wrongdoers in the throes of death when the angels are stretching out their hands,
saying, 'Give up your souls. Today you will be repaid with a humiliating punishment for saying false things about God and being arrogant about His signs.'
10:38 Do they say, 'He has fabricated it?' Say, 'Bring me one chapter like it.
Call on whom you may besides God to help you, if what you say be true!'

-It is tolerant, forgiving, and not absolute. For all its laws and admonitions, the Quran repeatedly instructs us not to judge, persecute, or compel non-believers, not to take it upon ourselves to inflict punishment against those who do not wrong us, and even in criminal cases where it may be acceptable to punish a wrongdoer, it reminds us that mercy and forgiveness is better. It reminds us that God is the most merciful and forgiving.

The believers, the Jews, the Christians, and the Sabaeans--all those who believe in God and the Last Day and do good deeds--will be rewarded by their Lord; they shall have no fear,
nor shall they grieve.
2:237 ... To forego is nearer to righteousness. Do not neglect any chance of behaving benevolently towards each other.

And, though it has many things to say about the fate of man and wrongdoers, it reminds us often that nothing is certain except to the extent that it conforms to God's will. We can, in fact, say nothing absolute, but must always qualify, so long as God wills.

6:128 ...'The Fire shall be your home, and there you shall remain forever,
except as God wills.'
18:23-24 never say of anything, 'I shall certainly do this tomorrow,' without [adding],
'if God so wills.'...

-It threatens us with Hell a lot, and Hell is very scary. Though God is capable of the greatest mercy and forgiveness, and though it is not for us to judge and punish, upon the day of judgement which may befall us at any time, God is capable of punishment that should terrify us if we only knew.

4:56 When their skins are burnt up, We shall replace them with new ones so that they may continue to taste the punishment. God is mighty and wise.
22:19-20 ... Those who deny the truth will have garments of fire cut out for them;
and boiling water will be poured down over their heads, anything in their stomachs as well as their skins will be melted by it.


-It amplifies the paradoxes of Abrahamic faiths and does not solve them. If you can accept some of the fundamental axioms upon which the Abrahamic faiths are established, then this is the perfection of that tradition and Islam is for you. But if you have problems with the apparent contradictions between an all-knowing all-seeing and all-causing God and human will and culpability; if you cannot fathom why the stupid, ignorant, and base who were created stupid, ignorant, and base should be eternally tortured for being as they were created; if you cannot comprehend why an all-good, all-merciful, all-powerful demiurge would create a world of evil, corruption, deception, want, need, and despair; the Quran will not solve these problems for you. It will amplify them. In the end, it's all according to God's will, you've been warned, and you'd do better to submit. But I really appreciate that Mohammed saw what even some Christians don't seem to see in their own Bible. Christ did not want his message to reach everyone. There are many whom he did not want to save. And Pharaoh's main sin may have been that he stubbornly refused to allow himself to be converted despite the evidence of God's power, but that's because God hardened Pharaoh's heart and did not allow him to hear and believe. These troubling ideas are present in the Bible, they always have been, and they're inherent to related faiths, and Islam accepts and embraces them.

Jesus in Mark 4:11-12
He said to them: To you are given the secrets of the Kingdom of God; but to those who are outside all comes through parables, so that they may have sight but not see, and hear but not understand, lest they be converted and forgiven.

Quran
2:26 ... The faithful know that it is the truth from their Lord, but those who deny the truth ask, 'What could God mean by this parable?' He lets many go astray through it, and guides many by it..."
4:79 Whatever good befalls you, it is from God: and whatever ill befalls you is from yourself.

and yet
5:41 ... Those whose hearts God does not intend to purify shall be subjected to disgrace in this world and a severe punishment in the Hereafter.
13:26 God gives abundantly to whom He will and sparingly to whom He pleases...
28 :68 Your Lord creates whatsoever He wills and chooses whomsoever He pleases.
They have no choice...
51:9 he is turned away from [the truth] who is destined to be so turned away.
76:29-30 This is a reminder. Let whoever wishes, take the right path to his Lord.
But you cannot will it unless God wills [to show you that way]--God is indeed all-knowing and wise--

-It's possible to read the whole thing and even appreciate it without being converted. It doesn't automatically brainwash the reader, so there's no risk in trying it. And if one does not have the will, one can simply start with the second chapter ("surah") known as "The Heifer" or "The Cow" (Al-Baqarah). Perhaps, then, you will be graced with the will to read the rest. ...more