I want to start reading Qur'an--as a Christian.

That's great! the beauty of the Quran is indescribable. and the Quran in Arabic is awesome as it is the exact word of God. (The Quran was revealed in Arabic).

In other languages, they are just translations of the Word of God but it's beauty still comes across.

The Quran was revealed over 23 years but it's current arrangement is not in chronological order (order of Revelation). The Quran has 114 chapters, the ones at the beginning are long and the ones at the end are short.

It would be best to start with the last Surahs (those in the end) as they are short (sometimes less than a page each) and were revealed earlier. the ones in the beginning have more islamic law (for Muslims) but the ones in the end are more appropriate for nonmuslims. They contain information about the end of the world and the Day of Judgment. Since they are short, you can read each in little time.

For example, chapter 75:


I swear by the Day of Resurrection

And I swear by the reproaching soul [to the certainty of resurrection].

Does man think that We will not assemble his bones?

Yes. [We are] Able [even] to proportion his fingertips.

But man desires to continue in sin.

He asks, "When is the Day of Resurrection?"

So when vision is dazzled

And the moon darkens

And the sun and the moon are joined,

Man will say on that Day, "Where is the [place of] escape?"

No! There is no refuge.

To your Lord, that Day, is the [place of] permanence.

Man will be informed that Day of what he sent ahead and kept back.

Rather, man, against himself, will be a witness,

Even if he presents his excuses.

Move not your tongue with it, [O Muhammad], to hasten with recitation of the Qur'an.

Indeed, upon Us is its collection [in your heart] and [to make possible] its recitation.

So when We have recited it [through Gabriel], then follow its recitation.

Then upon Us is its clarification [to you].

No! But you love the immediate

And leave the Hereafter.

[Some] faces, that Day, will be radiant,

Looking at their Lord.

And [some] faces, that Day, will be contorted,

Expecting that there will be done to them [something] backbreaking.

No! When the soul has reached the collar bones

And it is said, "Who will cure [him]?"

And the dying one is certain that it is the [time of] separation

And the leg is wound about the leg,

To your Lord, that Day, will be the procession.

And the disbeliever had not believed, nor had he prayed.

But [instead], he denied and turned away.

And then he went to his people, swaggering [in pride].

Woe to you, and woe!

Then woe to you, and woe!

Does man think that he will be left neglected?

Had he not been a sperm from semen emitted?

Then he was a clinging clot, and [ Allah ] created [his form] and proportioned [him]

And made of him two mates, the male and the female.

Is not that [Creator] Able to give life to the dead?



You can also read about Mary and Jesus in chapter 3 (verses 33 - 84), chapter 5 (verses that i posted before), and chapter 19. You can read the Quran online at http://www.quran.com

As for favorite verse, it's so hard to choose. Each verse is so beautiful and amazing! indeed, each verse is a Sign, just as it is called "Ayah" , arabic for "Sign."

try to listen to the recitation of the Quran sometime to see the beauty of the Quran. It is truly unique.

Ernest, I would suggest that you pick up a translation that you like and just get started reading.

I have a blog where I am tracking my progress, and also putting any questions and comments as I have when I read. You can find it here if you are interested: http://yeshmayin.wordpress.com/ The comments that people have provided me are what makes the blog. There is another Christian who read through the Qur'an last year and his blog is here: http://christianreadsquran.wordpress.com/2011/01/ I would suggest that you look for the comments on his as well, because there are some Muslims who provided some good comments. There are times that the individual of that blog missed the mark in understanding about Islam, but the comments help to provide a more accurate balance.

Why don't you make a thread on the forum or a blog where you can track your progress, ask questions as you read, or write notes about what you find since you want to compare the Qur'an with the Bible?

The Qur'an was not revealed in the same order of as it's written form. Verses were revealed in relation to different situations at different times, so in a chapter you find verses which speak of different things and of different times. However, that is not a problem nor will it cause you any difficulty in reading/understanding.

I have a few favourite verses, 3 of them are 255, 285 and 286 of chapter 2.

As for the poll, I have read verses here and there from the Bible, and did read a few pages of a small copy of the NT.

If during your reading of the Qur'an you come to a difficulty, please post here and we'd all be happy to help you.

What does 'messiah' mean to you? because I don't see any contradiction.

by Ahmad Deedat

The word CHRIST is derived from the Hebrew word Messiah, Arabic-Masih. Root word m-a-s-a-h-a, meaning to rub, to massage, to anoint. Priests and kings were anointed when being consecrated to their offices. But in its translated, Grecian form "CHRIST", it seems unique:befitting Jesus only. The Christian has a knack of transmuting baser metals into shining gold. What he is wont to do is to translate names into his own language like "cephas" to Peter, "messiah" to Christ. How does he do that? Very easily MESSIAH in Hebrew means anointed. The Greek word for anointed is "christos". Just lop off the 'os' from christos and you are left with christ. Now change the little 'c' to a capital 'C', and "hey, presto!" he has created a unique (?) name! Christos means ANOINTED, and anointed means APPOINTED in its religious connotation. Jesus (pbuh) was appointed (anointed) at his baptism by John the Baptist, as God's Messenger.Every Prophet of God is so anointed or appointed. The Holy Bible is replete with the "anointed" ones. In the original Hebrew - made a "messiah". Let us keep to the English translation - "anointed." Not only were prophets and priests and kings anointed (christos-ed), but borns, and cherubs and lamp-posts also.

I am the God of Beth-el, where you ANOINTED a pillar.....

Genesis 31:13

If the priest that is ANOINTED do sin....

Leviticus 4:3

And Moses....ANOINTED the tabernacle and all things that was therein...

Leviticus 8:10

...THE LORD SHALL....EXALT THE HORN OF HIS ANOINTED

1 Samuel 2:10

Thus saith the Lord to his ANOINTED to Cyrus....

Isaiah 45:1

Thou art the ANOINTED cherub....

Ezekiel 28:14

There are a hundred more such references in the Holy Bible. Everytime you come across the word ANOINTED in your English Bible, you can take it that that word would be christos in the Greek translations, and if you take the same liberty with the word that the Christians have done, you will have - Christ Cherub, Christ Cyrus, Christ Priest and Christ Pillar, etc.
SOME TITLES EXCLUSIVE

Although, every prophet of God is an ANOINTED one of God - a Messiah, the title "Masih" or "Messiah" or its translation "CHRIST" is exclusively reserved for Jesus, the son of Mary, in both Islam and in Christianity. This is not unusual in religion. There are certain other honorific title which may be applied to more than one prophet, yet being made exclusive to one by usage: like "Rasul-lullah", meaning Messenger of God, which title is applied to both Moses (19:51) and Jesus (61:6) in the Holy Quran. Yet "Rasul-lullah" has become synonymous only with the Prophet of Islam among Muslims.
Every prophet is indeed a FRIEND OF GOD, but its Arabic equivalent "Kha- lil-lullah" is exclusively associated with Father Abraham. This does not mean that the others are not God's friends. "Kalimul-lah" (One who spoke with God) is never used for anyone other than Moses, yet we believe that God spoke with all His Messengers, including Jesus and Muhummed (May the Peace and Blessings of God be upon all His servants). Associating certain titles with certain personages only, does not make them exclusive or unique in any way. We honour all in varying terms.

Check out this link http://ibnayyub.wordpress.com/2007/0...mani-complete/

For an extensive read that would most likely answer the questions you had and will have. Also regarding my favourite verse from the Quran, it's hard to say as there are many. I remember reading one of the english translations and I copied down whatever I found to touch me at the heart, near the end I noticed I pretty much copied every verse..

format_quote Originally Posted by Ernest

Thank you! You were very helpful. I have decided to start my reading on Chapter 3:33
I liked the last bit of that chapter (75).

After reading 3:33 - 3:50 I noticed a verse that has confused me 3:45 [And mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah ].

Why does the Quran refer to Jesus as the Messiah, if it later contradicts that Jesus is no more than a messenger? And is equal to Adam?

In Islam, Jesus is viewed as the messiah. You may also be surprised to find that Islam believes Jesus will return again (just as you believe he is coming back).

The problem that I think you are having, is because you believe that messiah = God.

If you look back at the original belief about the messiah in Judaism, you will find that the messiah does not equal God. The Jewish moshiach is not God, and will not be God incarnate. I could speak more on this topic, but I don't want to confuse you. I am trying to make things simple.

Peace with you

as question was Muslims: Have you read the Bible (for whatever purpose) yes I have - to educate myself to understand other people whose believe different than I.

I advice start to read Quran from end.

All Prophets were human beings and no more than that. However, some have special titles, for example Prophet Moses (Musa Alaihi asalaam - peace be upon him) was called "Kaleem Ullah" because he spoke directly to God. But a title doesn't change the fact that they were all just Prophets/Messengers and were human beings.

It was recommended to me by a Muslim friend to read the Qu'ran from back to front. Would you all agree with that?

format_quote Originally Posted by glo

It was recommended to me by a Muslim friend to read the Qu'ran from back to front. Would you all agree with that?

Someone earlier in this thread mentioned that also. I found it interesting and had never heard that suggestion before. I think it could be a good suggestion, as the surah near the end are shorter, read faster, etc. One of my favorite surah is near the end. I can see where someone starting out might get too bogged down with the front matter and give up too easily if not motivated.