Not many Americans are well versed in the Koran, which is a shame. Not only does this Holy Book have the power to change the world (like all Holy Books, of course), but it has been the source of rage by Americans of all stripes.
But why?
Well, like a true secular parent, I’ve decided to go investigating. And here’s what I’ve come up with so far.
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The Koran: Sura 1
For a book that has been touted by conservatives as “innately violent”, I can’t say that I found much violence in the The Opening of the Koran, Sura 1. For the most part, I found it to be a direct, and devotional introduction. And with only 7 verses, its a real quick read!
In general, there isn’t a whole to fuss about in these opening verses; they are standard for religious texts as we know them. All faiths tend to say that their god is the best, the right, the most accurate representation of God.
I suppose that the only major difference, if we look at the Koran as literature, would be in the lack of a creation story. The Bible gives us the HOW that humans so desire; the Koran doesn’t feel that the beginning of life is the most important question (could this be why they excelled in science without being burned at the stake for heresy?)
Anywho—
I find myself a little nervous as I begin to travel through the Koran. I worry that I will not give it the same scrutiny as the Bible. That would be a mistake. The Bible is what I know best; the inconsistencies were made clear to me as a small child–it makes sense that I am a bit tough on it. But the Koran is fresh; tempting.
But I’m gonna be strong, and I hope that you read along. We should strive for understanding through knowledge–secular parenting is about learning. I have one copy of the Koran, I hope to get a nicer one. With at least 5 different types of Bibles, I should at least have 3 Korans. Comparing and contrasting is a great way to find inconsistencies–as well as standards that do not change.
Sura 2 is long—REALLY long. I’ve decided to break it up into several workable chunks, starting with the first 20 verses. So, Got Koran? I’ll be looking for those philosophical tenets that, if memorized by a young child might be cause for concern.
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I decided to include the opening call to prayer for Muslims below because, honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful things that I’ve ever heard. There is such strength, such devotion attached to it, that I find myself swept away in the beauty of the mantra–
Of course, this version is a bit long, but after a minute or so, you should get the picture.
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