“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful, Muḥammad, who is the servant of God, and His Apostle, to Hiraql, the Qaiṣar of Rūm. Peace be on whoever has gone on the straight road. After this I say, Verily, I call you to Islām. Embrace Islām, and God will reward you twofold. If you turn away from the offer of Islām, then on you be the sins of your people. O people of the Book (i.e. Christians), come towards a creed which is fit both for us and for you. It is this, to worship none but God, and not to associate anything with God, and not to call others God. Therefore, O ye people of the Book, if ye refuse, beware! We are Muslims, and our religion is Islām. (Seal.) “Muḥammad, the Apostle of God.”
The letter was sent to the Governor of Buṣrā that he might convey it to Cæsar, but we have no record of a reply having been received. He also wrote to Kasra-Parwiz, King of Persia, but Kasra tore the letter in pieces. On hearing the fate of his letter, Muḥammad said, “Even so shall his kingdom be shattered to pieces.” His third embassy was to Najāshī, the King of Abyssinia, who received the message with honor. The fourth was to Jarīḥ ibn Matta, the Muqauqis, or Governor, of Egypt. Jarīḥ sent a polite reply, and begged the Prophet’s acceptance of two beautiful Coptic slave girls. One of these, Shirīn, the Prophet gave to Ḥassān the poet, but he reserved the other, Māriyah, for himself. In due time, Māriyah presented the Prophet with a son, who was named Ibrāhīm, the birth of which made the mother a free woman and placed her in the honorable position of his wife.
Key Islamic Concepts 📚
📜 Qur’ān: The Holy Book of Islam
Definition: The Qur’ān is the holy scripture of Islam, believed to be a divine revelation to the Prophet Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel. It consists of 114 chapters (known as Sūras) and covers every aspect of human existence.
Etymology: The word “Qur’ān” derives from the Arabic verb “qara’a,” meaning “to read” or “to recite.” It suggests that the Qur’an was initially recited aloud.
Background: The Qur’ān was revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years, beginning in 610 CE. It’s written in classical Arabic and remains always in this language for recitation, but there are many translations for non-Arabic speakers.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
- Christianity: Considered the Bible a similar holy book, centered on teachings and religious doctrine.
- Judaism: The Torah holds a similar place as the divine law revealed.
- Hinduism: While different in concept, the Vedas serve as an ancient guiding light and are considered sacred texts.
Synonyms:
- Recitation
- Divine Revelation (In context with Christian and Jewish texts)
Antonyms:
- Secular texts
Related Terms:
- Hadith: The sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad.
- Sunnah: Practices of Prophet Muhammad considered exemplary.
Exciting Facts:
- The Qur’ān is etched in the memories of millions of Muslims worldwide, known as ‘Hafiz,’ who can recite the book in its entirety.
- It’s structured uniquely; its chapters are organized neither chronologically nor thematically but by length.
Quotations: “The Qur’an guides us to the straight path, a source of mercy and wisdom amid life’s chaos.” - Rehana Sadik
References & Suggested Literature:
- “The Qur’an: A New Translation by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.”
- “How to Read the Qur’an: A New Guide, with Select Translations” by Carl Ernst.
Quizzes 🏆
“May this exploration of Islamic terms bring you wisdom and inspire your journey toward knowledge.” 🍂
Farewell, till our paths cross again in the quest for learning. 🌟
Amina Al-Fahad, October 3, 2023
