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Ali Asani

How can you improve your understanding of Islam and its most important holy text, the Quran? How can you make sense of a tradition and a text that have been interpreted in different ways across vast geographical spaces for nearly a millennium and a half?

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How can you improve your understanding of Islam and its most important holy text, the Quran? How can you make sense of a tradition and a text that have been interpreted in different ways across vast geographical spaces for nearly a millennium and a half?

Using a multimedia and student-centered approach, this religion course provides tools and perspectives for understanding the role of the Quran in the Islamic tradition. Learners will develop the skills and context to read the text themselves, while also being introduced to some of the issues classical and contemporary interpreters have addressed. This approach enables learners to explore the influence of the Quran on diverse Muslim understandings of Islam.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • An introduction to the place of the quran in muslim cultures
  • Major themes of the quran
  • The historical and cultural contexts of the quran
  • Interpretive skills that enable a more nuanced reading of the quran
  • Diverse approaches muslims have adopted to engaging with quranic texts, including issues in contemporary interpretation

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Ali Asani, who are recognized for their work in the topic of Islam
Develops interpretive skills that enable a more nuanced reading of the Quran
Explores the historical and cultural contexts of the Quran, which is standard in religious studies
Examines major themes of the Quran, which is highly relevant to Islamic studies
Introduces learners to some of the issues classical and contemporary interpreters have addressed

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Reviews summary

Valuable course on islamic scriptures

Learners say this course is a valuable introduction to the truth of Islam through a close examination of its scriptures.
This course provides historical context for the development of Islam.
"you can know the connection between iran and Islam and how the book of Islam were existed."
Students find this course to be positive and informative.
"In the name of god I believe that in this class you really can understand the truth of Islam and the base of that."
"I chosen this class for fun but now i tell that it's not a joke and it's important."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Islam Through Its Scriptures with these activities:
Revisit early Muslim history
Reviewing early Muslim history can provide a solid foundation for understanding the Quran's context.
Show steps
  • Read a brief overview of early Muslim history
  • Watch a documentary or listen to a lecture on the subject
Review 'The Study Quran'
Reading 'The Study Quran' provides a comprehensive understanding of the Quran and its context.
View The Study Quran on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and background information
  • Study the Quranic text with the accompanying commentary
Follow online Quranic translation tutorials
Online tutorials can assist in learning the Arabic language for Quranic comprehension.
Browse courses on Language Learning
Show steps
  • Identify online Quranic translation tutorials
  • Follow the tutorials regularly and practice translating Quranic passages
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a Quranic glossary
Compiling a glossary can help you master Quranic terminology and concepts.
Show steps
  • Identify the key terms and concepts from the Quran
  • Define and explain each term in your own words
Join a Quran study group
Participating in a study group can foster collaboration and enhance understanding.
Show steps
  • Find a Quran study group in your area or online
  • Attend the group meetings and actively participate in discussions
Attend a Quranic exegesis workshop
Attending a workshop can provide practical guidance on interpreting the Quran.
Show steps
  • Find a Quranic exegesis workshop in your area
  • Participate actively in the discussions and activities

Career center

Learners who complete Islam Through Its Scriptures will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Professor of Religion
A Professor of Religion teaches Religion at a college or university. They may teach a range of courses including Islamic Studies, Religious Studies, Arabic Studies, and the Study of Religion. A Professor of Religion must have a strong foundation in the relevant subject area. They must also have exceptional research skills to be able to publish quality research. Studying the Quran in context can greatly enhance a Professor of Religion's understanding of the subject matter. This course can especially help them teach Islamic students who may have a differing understanding of the Quran.
Religious Historian
A Religious Historian researches and writes about the history of religion. They may specialize in a particular religion, such as Islam, or they may study religion more broadly. Religious Historians typically have a PhD in Religious Studies or a related field. This course can help a Religious Historian develop a deeper understanding of the Quran, which is an important primary source for studying the history of Islam. It can also introduce them to critical tools needed to interpret the Quran.
Imam
An Imam leads a Muslim community in religious practice. They may also provide religious instruction and guidance to community members. Imams typically have a strong understanding of the Quran and Islamic law. This course can provide Imams with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can also help them develop interpretive skills that will enable them to better engage with the text.
Chaplain
A Chaplain provides spiritual care to people in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, prisons, and the military. They may also provide religious instruction and guidance. Chaplains typically have a strong understanding of the Quran and Islamic law. This course can provide Chaplains with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can also help them develop interpretive skills that will enable them to better engage with the text, allowing them to provide more effective spiritual care to Muslims.
Museum curator
A Museum Curator is responsible for planning and managing exhibitions at a museum. They may also conduct research and write about the museum's collection. Museum Curators typically have a strong understanding of the history of art and culture. This course can provide Museum Curators with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can especially help them curate exhibits that include Islamic artifacts or that explore the history of Islam.
Archivist
An Archivist collects, preserves, and makes accessible historical documents and artifacts. They may also conduct research and write about the archives' collection. Archivists typically have a strong understanding of history and archival science. This course can provide Archivists with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can also help them develop interpretive skills that will enable them to better engage with historical Islamic texts.
Librarian
A Librarian helps people find and access information. They may also provide instruction on how to use the library's resources. Librarians typically have a strong understanding of library science and information retrieval. This course can provide Librarians with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can especially help them assist patrons who are researching Islam or who are looking for Islamic texts.
Teacher
A Teacher develops and teaches lesson plans for students. They may teach a variety of subjects, including Islamic Studies, Religious Studies, Arabic Studies, and the Study of Religion. Teachers typically have a strong understanding of the subject matter they teach. This course can provide Teachers with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can also help them develop interpretive skills that will enable them to better engage with the text.
Journalist
A Journalist researches, writes, and reports on news stories. They may work for a newspaper, magazine, or website. Journalists typically have a strong understanding of current events and the ability to write clearly and concisely. This course can provide Journalists with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can help them write more informed and insightful articles about Islam.
Social Worker
A Social Worker helps people cope with personal and social problems. They may work with individuals, families, or groups. Social Workers typically have a strong understanding of human behavior and social services. This course can provide Social Workers with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can help them better understand the needs of Muslim clients and provide them with more effective support.
Counselor
A Counselor provides guidance and support to people who are facing personal or emotional challenges. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and private practice. Counselors typically have a strong understanding of human behavior and counseling techniques. This course can provide Counselors with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can help them better understand the needs of Muslim clients and provide them with more effective support.
Anthropologist
An Anthropologist studies human societies and cultures. They may specialize in a particular region or culture, such as the Middle East or Islam. Anthropologists typically have a strong understanding of social theory and research methods. This course can provide Anthropologists with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can also help them develop interpretive skills that will enable them to better engage with the text.
Sociologist
A Sociologist studies human social behavior and society. They may specialize in a particular area, such as religion or social inequality. Sociologists typically have a strong understanding of social theory and research methods. This course can provide Sociologists with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can also help them develop interpretive skills that will enable them to better engage with the text.
Political Scientist
A Political Scientist studies political systems and behavior. They may specialize in a particular region or country, such as the Middle East or the United States. Political Scientists typically have a strong understanding of political theory and research methods. This course can provide Political Scientists with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can also help them develop interpretive skills that will enable them to better engage with the text.
Historian
A Historian researches and writes about the past. They may specialize in a particular period or region, such as the Middle East or the Islamic world. Historians typically have a strong understanding of historical research methods and historiography. This course can provide Historians with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its historical and cultural contexts. It can also help them develop interpretive skills that will enable them to better engage with the text.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Islam Through Its Scriptures.
A historical overview of the major schools of Quranic interpretation and the major debates within them.
A highly readable and influential translation of the Quran, with a focus on the ethical and spiritual teachings.
A classic work of Islamic thought that challenges traditional interpretations of the Quran and offers a more rational and humanistic approach.
A detailed examination of the early revelations of the Quran, providing historical and literary context.
A comprehensive overview of the relationship between Islam and politics, with chapters on topics such as the Quran and law, Islamic ethics, and Islam and democracy.
A textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of the field of Quranic studies.
A commentary on the Quran that focuses on its spiritual and mystical dimensions.
A comprehensive reference work on the Quran, with entries on topics such as its history, interpretation, and major themes.

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