|
subject |
Sacred Books and Places |
|
topic |
The Quran |
|
grade |
Five |
|
time |
30 minutes |
|
objective |
To enable students to understand what the Quran is, and its importance to Muslims. |
|
instructional material |
Info Sheet 5f - The Quran Question Sheet 5f – The Quran |
INTRODUCTION
The Quran is the
sacred book of the Muslims, and is believed to be the direct word of God. It is
the last book of guidance from God, sent down to Prophet Muhammad through the
Angel Jibreel(Gabriel). It was revealed over a period
of 23 years in the Arabic language. It contains 114
DEVELOPMENT
Read the Info Sheet with the students.
REINFORCING ACTIVITIES
Let students do the Question Sheet
INFO SHEET 5f – The Quran
The Quran is the
sacred book of the Muslims, and is believed to be the direct word of God. It is
the last book of guidance from God, sent down to Prophet Muhammad through the
Angel Jibreel(Gabriel). It was revealed over a period
of 23 years in the Arabic language. It contains 114
The Quran deals with man and his ultimate goal in life. Its teachings cover all areas of this life and the life after death. It contains principles, doctrines, and directions for every sphere of human life. The theme of the Quran broadly consists of three fundamental ideas; Oneness of God, Prophethood and life after Death. The success of human beings on this earth and in the life hereafter depends on submission to the will of God.
The ultimate manifestation of God's grace for man, the ultimate wisdom, and the ultimate beauty of expression: in short, the word of God. This is how the German scholar, Muhammad Asad, once described the Qur'an. If one were to ask any Muslim to depict it, most likely they would offer similar words. The Qur'an, to the Muslim, is the irrefutable, inimitable Word of God. It was revealed by God Almighty, through the instrument of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The Prophet (pbuh) himself had no role in authoring the Qur'an, he was
merely a human secretary, repeating the dictates of the Divine Creator:
"He (Muhammad) does not speak of his own desire. It is no less than an Inspiration sent down to him." [53:3-4]
The Qur'an was revealed in Arabic, to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), over a period of twenty-three years. It is composed in a style so unique, that it cannot be deemed either poetry or prose, but somehow a mixture of both. The Qur'an is imimitable; it cannot be simulated or copied, and God Almighty challenges mankind to pursue such an endeavor if he thinks he can:
"Or do they say
he forged it? Say: Bring then a chapter like unto it,
and call (to your aid) anyone you can, beside God, if it be you speak the
truth." [
The Qur’an's language is indeed sublime, its recitation moving to those who listen to it. Due to its unique style of language, the Qur'an is not only highly readable, but also relatively easy to remember. This latter aspect has played an important role not only in the Qur'an's preservation, but in the spiritual life of Muslims as well. God Himself declares,
"And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember; then is there anyone that will receive admonition?" [54:17]
One of the most important characteristics of the Qur'an is that it remains today, the only holy book which has never changed; it has remained free from any and all adulterations. Sir William Muir noted, "There is probably in the world no other book which has remained (fourteen) centuries with so pure a text." The Qur'an was written down during the lifetime and under the supervision of the Prophet, who himself was illiterate, and it was canonized shortly after his death by a rigorous method which scrutinized both written and oral traditions. Thus its authenticity is unblemished, and is its preservation is seen as the fulfillment of God's promise:
"We have, without doubt, sent down the Message, and We will assuredly guard it from corruption." [15:9]
The Qur'an, to Muslims, is a book which provides the spiritual and intellectual nourishment. Its major themes include the oneness of God, the purpose of human existence, faith and God-consciousness, the Hereafter and its significance. The Qur'an also lays a heavy emphasis upon reason and understanding. One of the most exciting fields in recent years has been the discovery of the significant amount of scientific information in the Qur'an, including the event of the Big Bang, embryological data, and other information concerning astronomy biology, etc.
Answer these questions:
1) What do Muslims believe the Quran to be?
2) It was revealed over a period of ____ years.
3) How many Surah (chapters) does it contain?
4) What are the three themes in the Quran?
5) What language what the Quran revealed?