Welcome to Day 4 of Islam Through Its Scripture!
Although the Qur'an lies at the heart of
Islam, it is according to tradition and convention never read in
isolation. As we have seen in Day 3, the contexts in
which the scripture and specific verses were revealed play a crucial
role in determining interpretation. In Days 5-7, we will take a closer
look at the complex and diverse approaches to interpreting the Qur'an
that Muslims have used across time and in differing contexts. Today, we
focus on the relationship of the Prophet Muhammad to the
Qur'an and the concept of prophecy.
First, we will read what the Quran says about prophecy, and what it says in particular about Muhammad as 'the Seal of Prophets'.
Then we will consider the diverse ways in
which Prophet Muhammad, as the bearer of the God's message, has been
understood by different groups of Muslims as an important complement to
the interpretation the Qur'an.
We start this topic with a reading on the hadith,
or sayings of the Prophet, as they are understood in Sunni
interpretations of Islam. We will then read Quranic commentaries
(focusing on the issue of authority) by Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, the
Prophet's great-great-grandson, who is accepted as Imam
or religious/spiritual leader by Shia Muslims, whilst also being
respected by Sunnis as a respected scholar and descendant of the
Prophet.
Finally, we will read about some of the
devotional attitudes that Muslims have held towards the Prophet
Muhammad. We have also selections of contemporary devotions to the
Prophet, which are presented at the end of the Day.
We look forward to the discussion and your responses!
--The Teaching Team