Opening the Qur'an: Introducing Islam's Holy Book

Fifteen. The Qur’an Opened and Open

fifteen The Qur’an Opened and Open In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind, The King (or Ruler) of Mankind, The Allah (or Judge) of Mankind, From the mischief of theWhisperer (of Evil) who withdraws (after his whisper), (The same) who whispers into the hearts of mankind Among Jinn and among Men. Surah 114 The Qur’an’s last words open this book’s final chapter.We have traveled not only from an Arabia distant in geography and time but also into the present with some intimations of the future. As is the case with any serious study of religion, we have also seen and heard how other persons think about God and themselves, how they worship and seek to live their lives.And we have taken some steps to understand ourselves and how we relate to others.This opening of the Qur’an is only an introduction.Once we have been introduced to someone,we grow into conversations and relationships , work through mishearings and misunderstandings, and then make choices about deepening or terminating the relationship. The same image fits our introduction to the Qur’an. Given the conditions of our 437 world and the changing nature of society, opening and being introduced to the Qur’an is a necessity, a challenge, even a privilege. The religious confrontations that mark the twenty-first century are abetted and heightened by the globalization of technology, integrated world markets, and cultural challenges. The Islamic resurgence competes with the rapid growth of indigenous Christian movements in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia while traditional Euro-American Christianity is static. Tensions over Kashmir, Israel-Palestine, wealth and poverty, policies and power exercised by the United States, and the escalating expectations of youth throughout the non-Western world are inseparable from religious claims and commitments.Surah 114 warns that evil forces insinuate themselves into the minds and actions of jinn and humans.Those who still seek versions of the Straight Path and those who have yet to recognize their responsibilities to their fellow humans know too well that whispers can be amplified into explosions and sobs. The Qur’an holds that it contains the core principles and practices to resist the whisperer and to form the truly free human community. This chapter projects some opportunities and questions for the future. THE QUR’AN AS BOOK AND MORE THAN A BOOK In chapter 1 I began to raise the question of the Qur’an as a book and more than a book. I return to that point now.We have traced the Qur’an from being a bundle of sheaves, sayings memorized by believers, revelations passed through Gabriel from God to a man, and a Message linked to the Mother of the Book. Before that and always, the Qur’an belongs to, originates with, and is consummated over time by God for every person and community.Moreover,the Qur’an is a library housing the matching Meccan and Medinan revelations.The former discloses God’s will by informing nonbelievers and opponents about the merciful and just One God, exhorting and warning its listeners and readers to obey the Master of theWorlds.The Medinan ayas disclose God’s will for shaping the Islamic umma’s individual piety, family relations, public policies, military strategies , interfaith contacts, and international relations. Interwoven through 438 T H E E V E R - O P E N Q U R ’ A N The Qur’an Opened and Open 439 both portions are assurances of God’s care for His umma, the certainty that His will for this world shall be fulfilled,and the welcome that believers will receive into eternal blessedness. Yet beyond all that the Qur’an is more than a book. It is a proclamation .It is meant to be heard,with ears tuned to its Message about the OneOnly GodWho has created the world for human beings and then gives them—us—guidance on the StraightWay.After more than initial confusion and frustration,I have found it helpful to read the Qur’an as if it were a person.1 Sometimes the person is in a pulpit preaching or in a classroom teaching or in a courtroom interpreting the law or arguing a case, or sitting quietly, listening and speaking. In those and whatever circumstances one may be open to the Qur’an. Listening and seeing...