The Koran in 1,000 words - an objective overview by a person of no-faith
by
Garry Greenwood
The Koran comprises only 15% of Islamic literature or
doctrine. According to Muslims, it contains the words of the God, Allah,
revealed to Mohammad, via Angels, over a 23 year period starting around 600 AD.
The other 85% of Islamic literature is not the word of Allah but are the words
of Mohammad and some of his close followers, although some Islamic sects
question the latter authorships. Allah's revelations to Mohammad were then passed
down verbally until around 650 A D whereupon His words were assembled onto
parchment and into the Koran we read today.
This overview is only about the Koran - the words of Allah,
not the words of Mohammad.
I'm not a scholar of Islam but I do confess to being a
curious reader, so herein I endeavour to present a short but, objective-as-possible
overview. I have done my best not to give my interpretation of the Koran - just
facts gleaned from reading the Koran.
Around 50% of Allah's narrative is concerned only with the
non-Muslims. Here, Allah quickly makes His hatred for the non-Muslim (Kafir-
often spelt differently) known in the clearest words and phrases, regularly
repeating His hatred using different wording and stories. There can be no
doubting His omniscient hate.
So, exactly who are the hated Kafir? According to Allah they
are, in order of most hated: Jews, Christians, ex-Muslims, Muslims who are
unwilling to participate in Jihad and everyone else.
Allah explains - repetitively and in multiple verses that
His reason for hatred is because those entrusted or in possession of His words delivered
by His prophets, as recorded in the Torah and Old Testament, were either
ignored, made fun of or altered. They also created various sects and worshipped
idols. This consequently led to humankind turning away from the will and laws
(Sharia - a cornerstone of Islam) of Allah. The Old Testament prophets include,
but are limited to, Abraham, Moses, Noah, Joseph and John the Baptist, all of
whom worshipped Allah and were His prophets. Those that survived The Flood all worshipped
Allah. Old Testament events underpin large portions of the narrative.
There is only one God and He is
Allah! Allah also explains that He despises the Christian Trinity because it
equates to polytheism. There is only one God - Allah!
Jesus - also a prophet of Allah, is not a God - there is only Allah! Jesus was not crucified on the cross - another person was crucified in his place (Surah 4, 157-159). Allah - The merciful and almighty would never allow His prophet to suffer at the hands of the Jews: instead Jesus ascended to heaven directly by the will and embrace of Allah. Allah's repetitive words leave no uncertainty as to His intentions and hatred for the Kafir, and more so the Jews.
Surah 4, 157-159
Allah explains clearly and
repetitively that because the Jews and Christians are responsible for the
downfall of humankind the world must be cleansed by destroying the Kafir, and
this is the responsibility of all capable Muslims - by Jihad - a cornerstone of
Islam. Allah explains clearly and repetitively how, by participating in Jihad,
Allah will love you, your family and nation more, according to your level of
participation. There is a special place reserved for you in Heaven full of all
kinds of pleasures (too numerous to list here). Conversely all Kafir are
destined for the everlasting flames of hell. It's your duty to participate in
Jihad!
I estimate a further 25% of the
Koran's text centres around Allah espousing his greatness, great love, wisdom, mercy
and compassion for his followers. Allah declares He is the only God and the
creator of all things in Heaven and on Earth and freely chooses whom He wishes
to bless. He demands that we should never question His words, actions or
intentions. He also freely chooses to do whatever He wishes as He is the
ultimate authority.
Allah also insists repetitively
and unambiguously all Muslims must participate in Jihad and to kill, rob and
injure the Kafir in His name. Allah also offers a wide variety of methods to
accomplish such activities as prescribed by Him which also include the use of
deceit and stealth.
Allah espouses great mercy and love and Kafir may be spared should they become repentant Muslims. Allah proclaims Islam, the only permissible religion, is a religion of peace, compassion and mercy (repetitively - around 500 references) but clearly only for the Muslims. I did come across a few references wherein such sentiments were espoused without a clear indication as to whom He was referring to, but considering I only found two amongst the overwhelming number of references solely aimed at His followers, I therefore assume all such references or sentiments are directed at Muslims only.
The remaining 25% of the text is devoted to everyday matters regarding how to live according to Allah's will and Laws - Sharia Law - Allah's Law! The only permissible law.
Some examples include, but are not limited to, the following: how to pray and what to pray for- mostly the destruction of the Kafir - 5 times daily; don't befriend or associate with Kafir - if you do then you are as evil as them (12 verses); do not marry Kafir; what kinds of animals you may eat, how to slaughter them; how to use a toilet; how to wash yourself for prayers; how and when it's permissible to beat your wife - not on the face; how to punish lesbians, adulterers and fornicating women and wives - by locking them in your house till they die - women have half the value of men; do not gamble; do not waste; care for the environment; avoid usury; how to fight battles; advice on what to do if you can't find or afford a wife - have sex with your house slaves but do not marry them; how to punish a thief - cut off their left foot and right hand, or the other way around; how to carry out the "eye for an eye" payback- but not just using eyes; respect your elders.
The Koran is presented in a total
of 114 Surahs or chapters covering specific topics with each Surah containing
differing numbers of verse. There are 6,236 verses. Often the Surah topics overlap
or are seemingly interrupted with off-topic narrative. As an example, Allah may
be espousing his repetitive hate for the Kafir and how to deal with them, only
to find the narrative morphing into one flowing with great love and mercy (for
the Muslims).
For Allah's full narrative, the Koran (also spelt Quran) is easily obtainable at most bookstores, libraries and online.
June 2017
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