The KoranAs the sacred book of Islam, the Koran, or Qur'an in transliteration, is believed by devout Muslims to be the direct word of God, inscribed in Heaven and revealed by the archangel Gabriel to the prophet Muhammad before his death in A.D. 632. Written in Arabic, in rhymed prose, the text is not only regarded by believers as a guide to daily life but is also considered to be the finest work of Arabic prose in existence and one of the most important and influential books known to mankind. J. M. Rodwell's accessible translation restores the traditional ordering of the suras, or chapters, with early text dealing with God as creator, his greatness and authority, the role of Muhammad as God's messenger and of Islam in history. Later chapters deal with legal, social, and ethical issues. The text is divided into 114 chapters, each of which, like the Bible, is subdivided into verses. This edition of the Koran, in a convenient size that is ideal for prayer or study, will be invaluable to students of religion, history, and politics and of interest to anyone concerned with cultures of the Middle East. |
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Common terms and phrases
Abraham according angels Apostle Arabic bear become believe beside better Book bring brought cause chastisement Christians clear Comp Compassionate created death desire doth doubt earth enter evil eyes face faith fathers fear fire follow forgive gardens give given God's gods guidance guided hand hast hath hearts Heavens Hell infidels Jews join knoweth knowledge Koran land leave light means Mecca Medina Merciful Mighty Moses Muhammad Muslims Name night observe pass passage path person Pharaoh praise prayer present probably promise Prophet punishment recompense religion revealed reward Satan Scriptures sent servants shalt shew signs soul speak Sura surely thee therein things thou thy Lord torment treated truly truth turn unbelievers unto Verily Verses warning whoso wicked Wise witness women worship wrong yourselves