Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times
There is consensus of opinion among the Muslim scholars of the Quran that the scripture was revealed in an order that was needed by the first addressees, the Arabs of Mecca and later Medina, and it was later organized in a different order more suitable for the posterity, under Divine Guidance to the prophet Muhammad, may peace be on him. Most Muslims are aware that the very first verses revealed were the first few verses of Surah Alaq, which is now chapter number 96.
The holy Quran mentions camels at least 19 times, but we find no mention of cars, planes, kangaroos or bisons in the Quran, not because the All-Knowing God did not know about them, but because the seventh century Arabs, who were the first addressees of the holy Quran did not know cars, planes, kangaroos and bisons. The nineteen verses are mentioned in the references.
Stating what is obvious to every reader of the Quran, frequent mention of the camels, is not a blasphemy, but an essential to understand the holy Quran in its proper context.
There are at least 26 mentions of dates or palm trees in the Quran
There are at least 26 mentions of dates or palm trees in the Quran and not a single mention of mangoes. Dates grow in Arabia and mangoes grow in India and Pakistan. Today there are far more Muslims living in India and Pakistan than in Saudi Arabia. See the references below for the relevant Quranic verses.
Fire and burning of wood is mentioned more than once in the Quran but there is no mention of fossil fuels, solar or wind energy, in the terms that we talk about them today.
The Quran was revealed in the context of the seventh century Arabia.
Additionally, the Quran was not revealed over night, but piece meal over a period of 22-23 years, in order to answer the questions of its first addressees, a luxury the present day readers don’t enjoy. The holy Quran states:
And those who disbelieve say, ‘Why was not the Qur’an revealed to him all at once?’ We have revealed it thus that We may strengthen thy heart therewith. And We have arranged it in the best form. And they bring thee no argument but We provide thee with the truth and an excellent explanation. (Al Quran 25:33-34)
My references of the Quranic verses are also counting the very first verse of each Surah, namely Bismillah, if your edition does not count the first verse, which is common to all but one Surahs, please adjust the verse numbers accordingly.
My basic theme here is that the context is the king, which we need to take into consideration when we study the Quran.
Many well known scholars of the Quran have categorically stated that there is no political system described in the Quran, it only mentions the ever lasting principles of compassion, justice and equality.
But, even if there was a political system described in the holy book, it would be for the circumstances of the seventh century Arabia, when the rivaling tribes were trying to enforce their will on each other and not in the context of the present day global village and may not be literally applicable to the present situations.
In short, those who dream some literal understanding of so called Shariah Law, I have an offer for them. I have a bridge to sell them in New York, which will also guarantee them US citizenship and all the perks that go along with that.
More seriously, I am not minimizing the grandeur of the divine Scripture, not by any stretch, not at all. I honor it so I want to understand it precisely and personally take the responsibility of understanding it rather than delegating this to others. I revere the Quran and stand in awe of the All-Knowing God, who has revealed it and who knows every secret of the heaven and the earth:
And those who disbelieve say, ‘It is naught but a lie which he (Muhammad) has forged, and other people have helped him with it.’ Indeed, they have brought forth an injustice and an untruth.
And they say, ‘These are fables of the ancients; and he has got them written down, and they are dictated to him morning and evening.’
Say, ‘He Who knows every secret that is in the heavens and the earth has revealed it. Indeed, He is Most Forgiving, Merciful.’ (Al Quran 25:5-7)
I conclude my discourse today, with some suggested readings:
God Is Living, So Why Does Religion Treat God As Dead?
The Holy Quran Applauded as a Landmark Contribution to ‘Words of Justice’ by the Harvard University
Islamism — the Political Islam: The Challenge for the 21st Century
Reading the Quran: Do They Still Cook You on the Stake, For Knowing the Scripture?
Cataloging 750 verses of the Holy Quran inspiring believers to study nature
Two Hundred Verses about Compassionate Living in the Quran
The Quran Only Means What Our Wisdom and Intentions Dictate
Quranic verses about camels
6:145, 7:41, 7:74, 7:78, 11:65, 12:66, 12:73, 17:60, 19:87, 22:28, 22:37, 26:156, 54:28, 56:56, 59:7, 77:34, 81:5, 88:18 and 91:14.
Quranic verses about dates or palm trees
2:267, 4:54, 4:125, 6:96, 6:100, 6:142, 13:5, 16:12, 16:68, 17:92, 18:33, 19:24, 19:26, 20:72, 23:20, 26:149, 36:35, 36:40, 50:11, 54:21, 55:12, 55:69, 59:6, 69:8, 80:30 and 111:6.
Quranic verses about fire from wood
Surah Yasin and Surah Waqiah
The Holy Quran and the Seventh Century Arabian Metaphors https://t.co/28iCDfaFRb via @wordpressdotcom
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I am sure you are absolutely correct but you fall short of explaining how, therefore, you personally interpret the Quran in the context of the modern world. I am an atheist but my childhood faith was that of the Church of England. I still have much pleasure in the canon of their faith, both old and new testament. There is much of value there, even for those, like myself with no belief in a deity.
However in the case of the Old Testament, it certainly needs a bit of adjustment for the modern world. Some of the Old Testament is simply unacceptable. I have no idea about the Quran – I must read it and decide for myself. No doubt it has as much beauty as the canons of Christian faith but equally I have no doubt it needs interpreting in a modern context.