Monday, June 14, 2010

Koran: The Opening

Thought it would be fun to add in some more "sacred" texts.  Here is the beginning of the Koran.

 The Opening

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
[1.1] All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.
[1.2] The Beneficent, the Merciful.
[1.3] Master of the Day of Judgment.
[1.4] Thee do we serve and Thee do we beseech for help.
[1.5] Keep us on the right path.
[1.6] The path of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed favors. Not (the path) of those upon whom Thy wrath is brought down, nor of those who go astray.

It seems that Allah likes as much praise as the Judeo-Christian God.  There is a lot of similarity in their roles, according to this opening.  The language of prostration, of course, is similar, as well as that of judge.  The bible also speaks of serving God.  I am not sure if the bible instructs one to ask God for help, but Judeo-Christian doctrine sure does.  Lines 1.5-6 are interesting because they seem to highlight that humans are weak and that we need the guidance of supreme parent to keep us in line.  This reminds me of the saying "God willing"... which I absolutely detest.  I feel that this type of sentiment implies a lack of control over our own choices and futures.  It is a simple way of saying that one is not responsible for one's own circumstances or actions.  Just think of all the "wrong-doing" that this can encompass.  

 

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