Modern research and the traditional Islamist narrative – 2
WHEREAS IN VERSE 82 we have this passage: Thou wilt find the most vehement of mankind in hostility to those…
Modern research and the traditional Islamist narrative – 1
WHAT IS TRULY heartbreaking is that the major questions and problems related to our religion and our Holy Book often…
The Islamic view on the Hebrew Old Testament
IN THE QUR’ĀN, the Hebrew Bible is referred to in two different ways: the ‘Book’ and the ‘Torah’. The Torah…
Is the Qur’ān the work of Muslims? – 2
JUST AS WITH the Biblical text, the Qur’ān includes many phrases such as ‘Praise be to God’, and supplications, poems,…
Is the Qur’ān the work of Muslims? – 1
TODAY THE TRADITIONAL current is losing ground as new scholars use research methods similar to those used in biblical criticism…
The beginnings of the printed Qur’ān – 2
IN THE CASE OF readings, discussion about the form of the Qur’ānic text ought to be conducted in the context of…
The beginnings of the printed Qur’ān – 1
INITIALLY, THE PUBLICATION of this edition was a purely Egyptian affair. It was the work of a government-appointed committee led by Muḥammad…
Theories on the origins of the Hijri calendar and al-Nasi’ – 2
THE NAMES OF THE MONTHS were associated either with the seasons that coincided with them, the activities of the Arabs…
Theories on the origins of the Hijri calendar and al-Nasi’ – 1
THERE ARE VARIOUS EXPLANATIONS for the reason for these postponed days, with some believing that they were subject to the…
The emergence of political Islam – 4
DURING THE 1970S Saudi Arabia’s ambition and desire for influence began to surface. The oil shocks of 1973 and 1979…