Highlights of the Qur’an 10
For a new non-Arab revert or a person still investigating Islam with a view to embracing it, reading the Qur’an may be an arduous task. First, because he/she has no choice but to read a translation and a translation is not the Qur’an, but an interpretation thereof. Second, the Qur’an does not follow the modern western writing pattern. For one thing, the Qur’an may move suddenly from one topic to another without any apparent transition. For another, rather than a linear pattern, the Qur’an follows a circular one.
To familiarize the new reverts with the Qur’an, I suggest that they should read a collection of verses most representative of the essence of the Qur’an. Once, they have read and assimilated the meanings of theses verses, reading the whole book becomes accessible and easily undertaken.
Suggested approach:
• Read the verse in toto to get its gist.
• Reread it word by word.
• More often than not a word in Arabic has several meanings and connotations. In order to catch a glimpse thereof go to commentaries of the Qur’an or to translators notes.
• Compare verses of similar meanings and topics and try to find the differences in between.
I have done my best to select the verses that most reflect the spirit of the Noble Qur’an. The verses have been selected from the translations of three renowned translators: Yussuf Ali, Pickthall and Shakir.
He is the First and the Last, and the Outward and the Inward; and He is Knower of all things.
He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days; then He mounted the Throne. He knoweth all that entereth the earth and all that emergeth therefrom and all that cometh down from the sky and all that ascendeth therein; and He is with you wheresoever ye may be. And Allah is Seer of what ye do.
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