Chapter 1 text in 3 English versions.
Here we begin the Koran with praise and description of Allah. From the get go Allah is placed at the top. It's almost as if Mohammed is giving every ultimate descriptor for Allah he can think of: merciful, compassionate, master of the day of Judgment - Allah is everything.
Allah also seems to be a Deity of contrasts. Worthy of worship and also capable of great wrath. Apparently there are those worthy of this wrath.
Mohammed asks on behalf of some "we" for guidance from Allah. Guidance is good. Mohammed knows where to start and what to ask for.
There is also this sense that Allah is ready and willing at any time to unleash wrath. There is a fear-based obedience.
If not fear (big if), it is certainly respect. Allah owns all power, that much is clear. It is a respect for the great power of Allah. More will have to be known about this Allah in order to understand what causes wrath to be unleashed. More will have to be learned if Allah induces fear or respect - or both.
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2 comments:
Agreed. Mercy is first mentioned the order should be honored.
You have explained "The Exordium" as if Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has written its verses. The truth is these verses were revealed none other than Allah!! These are the initial verses of Holy Koran which are used as a prayer by every Muslim!!
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