The Koran

The Koran

The Historical foundation of Islam and the Koran is rooted in Arabia. This now major

world religion is based upon the teachings of Muhammad who is considered and called the

Prophet. Muslims, whom are the followers of these teachings view the Koran as the

speech of god to Muhammad, mediated by Gabriel, the angel of revelation. The outcome

of these revelations by Muhammad became the basis for all beliefs of the Islamic tradition.

He was inspired to preach what he had learned and over time, he gained much support as

well as opposition.

To Muslims, The Koran is their guide to life and living. It is the primary source for

Islamic law. It clearly outlines what is right and wrong and makes recommendations for

how to live a good, moral and ethical life. Love, community and responsibility are three

very prevalent themes throughout the entire Koran. These three things are viewed to be

the key to happiness.

The requirement to love god is very evident in the Koran. Al-Fahita (Surah 1) is a

passage which must be recited at least 17 times a day as part of obligatory prayers 5 times

a day:

Praise be to God, Lord of the Universe, The Compassionate, the Merciful,

Sovereign of the Day of Judgement! You alone we worship, and to You alone we

turn for help. Guide us to the straight path, The path of those whom You have

favored, Not of those who have incurred Your wrath, Nor of those who have

gone astray. (1)

This passage is a perfect example of how their must be an enormous amount of love,

honor and respect for their god, Allah. God is asked to steer our lives in the right direction

if we stray off the path. This, in a nutshell, sums up the main idea of being a Muslim.

Not only is love for god important...

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...t if you recite to them a single verse, the unbelievers will surely say; 'You

preach nothing but falsehoods.' Thus God seals of ignorant men." (30:59)

Among all responsibilities and requirements laid down in the Koran, I believe the

most important aspect is that Allah and the Prophet, Muhammad, be a muslims first love

and it is clear that this is so. There are many passages in surah 30 which support and

convincingly convey that their must be a high level of love, honor and obedience for Allah

and Muhammad the Prophet.

The Koran for Muslims is a very important in integral part of their lives. It is their

central reference point not only for religious and spiritual matters but for the ways to

conduct life on a day to basis. Without this handbook for life, they would be lost.

Bibliography:

1. "The Koran" London England: The Penguin Group 1997