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Islam Through Its Scriptures

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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.

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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

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

Understanding islam through quranic texts

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to understanding Islam primarily through its holy text, the Quran. Many appreciate the high-quality lectures and the knowledgeable instructors from Harvard University, finding the content well-structured and engaging. The course provides valuable historical and cultural context, helping students develop skills for nuanced reading and explore diverse interpretations. While many find it excellent for beginners and those seeking a broad overview, some with prior knowledge found parts too basic and wished for more depth on specific topics. Overall, it is seen as a thought-provoking and insightful exploration.
Emphasizes scriptural analysis.
"The course heavily focuses on analyzing specific passages and their historical context..."
"It provides tools and perspectives for understanding the role of the Quran..."
"I learned interpretive skills that enable a more nuanced reading of the Quran..."
"Explores the influence of the Quran on diverse Muslim understandings..."
Well-suited for those new to the topic.
"Perfect for someone with little to no background in Islamic studies."
"The pace and level are ideal for beginner learners."
"Makes a complex subject approachable for a general audience."
"I had no prior knowledge and felt comfortable learning the material."
Instructors are knowledgeable and engaging.
"The professors are clearly experts and deliver the lectures in a very engaging way."
"Excellent teaching and insightful explanations of complex material."
"The quality of instruction from Harvard faculty is evident throughout the course."
"I appreciated the professors' approach to presenting diverse viewpoints objectively."
Provides a solid, accessible overview.
"This course provides an excellent, accessible introduction to the Quran and its place in Islam..."
"As someone new to studying Islam, I found this course incredibly helpful and easy to follow..."
"A great starting point for understanding the historical context and various interpretations of the Quran."
"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course."
May be too basic for some learners.
"While a good overview, those with some prior knowledge might find it too introductory..."
"I was hoping for more in-depth coverage of certain topics..."
"Could use more advanced materials or suggestions for further study."
"Felt a bit superficial in some areas if you already know the basics."

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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of Religion
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Religious Historian
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Imam
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chaplain
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

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.
Cover image
Quranic Arabic
Save
A historical overview of the major schools of Quranic interpretation and the major debates within them.
Quranic Arabic: From Its Hijazi Origins to Its...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Approximation to the Meanings of Universal Message,...
Save
A highly readable and influential translation of the Quran, with a focus on the ethical and spiritual teachings.
Approximation to the Meanings of Universal Message,...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Revival and Reform in Islam
Save
A classic work of Islamic thought that challenges traditional interpretations of the Quran and offers a more rational and humanistic approach.
Revival and Reform in Islam: A Study of Islamic...
Paperback
$$
Revival and Reform in Islam: A Study of Islamic...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Inside the Gender Jihad
Save
An examination of the Quran's teachings on women from a feminist perspective.
Inside The Gender Jihad: Women's Reform in Islam...
Paperback
$$
Inside the Gender Jihad: Women's Reform in Islam...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Quran: a Reformist Translation
Save
A translation of the Quran that seeks to convey its meaning in a more accessible and contemporary way.
Quran: a Reformist Translation: A book betrayed by...
Paperback
$$
Quran: a Reformist Translation (Koran, Kuran in...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
The Emergence of Islam, 2nd Edition
Save
A detailed examination of the early revelations of the Quran, providing historical and literary context.
The Emergence of Islam, 2nd Edition: Classical...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Oxford Handbook of Islam and Politics
Save
A comprehensive overview of the relationship between Islam and politics, with chapters on topics such as the Quran and law, Islamic ethics, and Islam and democracy.
The Oxford Handbook of Islam and Politics (Oxford...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Qur'an
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A collection of essays by leading scholars on various aspects of the Quran, including its history, interpretation, and impact on Muslim thought and practice.
The Encyclopaedia of the Qur'an (Volume One: A-D)
Hardcover
$$$$
The Cambridge Companion to the Qur'ān (Cambridge...
Paperback
$$
Encyclopaedia of the Qur'ān: Volume Three (J-O)
Hardcover
$$$$
The Qur'an: A Norton Critical Edition (Norton...
Paperback
$$
The Foreign Vocabulary of the Qur'an (Texts and...
Hardcover
$$$$
Encyclopaedia of the Qur'an (Volume Five: Si-Z)
Hardcover
$$$$
Encyclopaedia of the Qur'ān: Volume Two (E-I)
Hardcover
$$$$
The Qur'an: What Everyone Needs to Know?
Kindle Edition
$$
Encyclopaedia of the Qur'an, Vol. 4: P-SH
Hardcover
$$$$
Encyclopaedia of the Qur'an: Index Volume...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
The Qur'an and its Interpretative Tradition
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A textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of the field of Quranic studies.
The Qur'an and its Interpretative Tradition...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Spiritual Quest
Save
A commentary on the Quran that focuses on its spiritual and mystical dimensions.
Spiritual Quest: Reflections on Quranic Prayer...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Critique of Religious Discourse
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A concise and accessible introduction to the Quran, its history, and its teachings.
Critique of Religious Discourse (World Thought in...
Hardcover
$$
Critique of Religious Discourse (World Thought in...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Islam and Morality
Save
A comprehensive reference work on the Quran, with entries on topics such as its history, interpretation, and major themes.
Islam and Morality: A Philosophical Introduction
Kindle Edition
$$

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Rating
5.0 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star
Effort
5 to 10 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructor
Ali Asani
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a collection called World Religions Through Their Scriptures. It's comprised of seven courses:
  1. Christianity Through Its Scriptures
  2. Buddhism Through Its Scriptures
  3. Sikhism Through Its Scriptures
  4. Hinduism Through Its Scriptures
  5. Judaism Through Its Scriptures
  6. Islam Through Its Scriptures (viewing)
  7. Religious Literacy: Traditions and Scriptures
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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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