RELIGIONS OF THE MIDDLE EAST SP02
Tuesday, June 4th, 2002


Comparison and Contrast of Bible & Quran
-Bible: Many kinds of literature, historical, narrative, poetry, philosophy, wisdom lit.,prophecy, different voices and styles(authors).
-Quran: One style, one voice, one flavor(one author).

-Bible: Long time span of revelation(1000s of yrs).
-Quran: Short time span of revelation(approximately 15 yrs).

-Bible: Chronological or thematic order.
-Quran: Disjointed narrative, jumps around both in suras and within the each sura. Only order is from longest chpt to shortest chpt. Result of spontaneous revelation.

-Bible: Emphasis on rule-following in Judaism and Old Testament/to transition of New Testament idea of love and forgiveness.
-Quran: Emphasis on rule following and punishment.

-Bible: Emphasis on sin and judgement in Old Testament/love and repentance in New Testament.
-Quran: Emphasis on obedience.

-Bible: Original stories told eloquently
-Quran: Re hashed bible stories, sometimes inaccurate.



Anachronisms(something that is out of time or place) in Quran:
-Crucification in Eygpt during time of pharoah.
-Cutting hands and feet off opposite sides of body and punishment by pharoah(Tradition of arabs during muhammads time)


Five Pillars of Islam

-Shahadah: Proclaimation of Faith. "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his Prophet".

-Salat: Prayer. Towards Mecca in Saudi Arabia and five times a day.

-Zakat: Charitable tax, Alms-Giving. Collected from all, goes to poor muslims. Can't go towards mosques or clergy.

-Sawim(Ramadan): Fasting. No eating or drinking(including water), smoking, or sex during daylight hours. You can partake at night but only in moderation. Children, pregnant woman, elderly, sick and the infirmed are exempt.

-Hajj: Pilgramidge to Mecca. Visit Mecca once in lifetime, funds permitting.