Islam, part II
The most sacred text in Islam is the Qur’an ---We have spent quite some time on discussion the importance, issues, and compatibility of translations. This is also something very important to consider with Islam as well. For a basic understanding of how important translation is, the Qur’an is meant to be recited in Arabic for prayer and worship. For purposes of study, translations are permissible. This is an interesting distinction. We have had previous discussions of translation—the idea of keeping true to words as initially recorded versus the idea of making sacred texts accessible to greater numbers of people. This is something to keep in mind as we delve further into Islam. Another thing to note is spellings of names. There is quite a bit of variety, which is dependent upon translation. Sometimes we see Qur’an spelled as Koran or Muhammad spelled Mohammad. And there are still other variations. Islam, like some of the other major religions we have studied, has followers all over the world in many different countries with many different cultural and linguistical differences.
So, what I have for you below, are some excerpts from the Qur’an translated by N. J. Dawood. The sacred text is intended to be recited, thus, the need for the text recited to be in Arabic. The texts is divided into varying verse lengths called Suras. Two very well-known Suras are provided for you. The first one is of high significance as it is recited before formal speeches, included in significant documents, engraved on gravestones. The second Sura listed is a dialogue between God and Muhammad
The Exordium
In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Praise be to God, Lord of the Universe
The Compassionate, The Merciful
Sovereign of the Day of Judgment!
You alone we worship, and to You alone
we turn for help
Guide us the straight path,
The Path of those whom You have favored,
Not of those who have incurred Your wrath,
Nor of those who have gone astray
Daylight
In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
By the light of day, and by the dark of night, your Lord has not forsaken you,
nor does he abhor you.
The life to come holds a richer prize for you than this present life.
You shall be gratified with what your Lord will give you.
Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter?
Did He not find you in error and guide you?
Did He not find you poor and enrich you?
Therefore do not wrong the orphan, nor chide away the beggar.
But proclaim the goodness of your Lord.
The “you” mentioned in this Sura, remember, refers to Mohammad
Post Question:
Describe the relationship between God and his followers as illustrated in the two verses. What does God represent to followers? What is Mohammad’s role in spreading God’s messages?
Also, Do you think this (literary) technique of repetition (the repeated use of sounds, phrases, sentence, etc…) is helpful for both effect on readers and the impact of message presented. Explain your answer.