Here's what I received:
The package included a welcome note, an "Introduction to Islamic Beliefs & Practice" and a pocket-size copy of The Holy Qu'ran.
The welcome note from YourMuslimNeighbor.com is a very brief introduction to the Quran. It lists some of the messengers Allah has spoken through (Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, Muhammad) and advises me to contact the senders of the package if I have any questions. It also says that the "best way to read this book is with an open mind and heart," which I will absolutely do. It warns me to "[s]eek refuge in God from the accursed satan before reading The Quran, for the goal of satan is to turn us away from the Word(s) of God," but, since I as yet see no evidence of a being who could be called satan (SEE NOTE 1) that's a tough one. The note also asks that I treat the "Holy Book" with care and respect" (which I will, as I do with all books) and that I "keep it away from filth and impure places." There goes my idea of reading it in the bathroom or carrying it in a pants pocket, I guess.
The next item is a 22-page introduction to "The Basics." It starts out with "Peaceful greetings and a warm welcome" (in Kristen ITC font). That's a neighborly greeting, for sure. It includes a great deal of information, including definitions, which, as I mention every so often, are important to establish for productive conversation (SEE NOTE 2). Also included are sections such as "Our Belief As Muslims," "Learning About God (SEE NOTE 3)," "The 5 Pillars of Islam, (SEE NOTE 4)" how to pray, and more. It really is a good primer on the topic: concise, yet quite explanatory.
The coup de grace of the package is, of course The Holy Qu'ran itself. This particular one, a pocket-sized version translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, has a photo on the cover that would certainly make for a nice background for any meditative practice. Don't let its diminutive size fool you -- there are 114 chapters of messages from Allah to mankind via Mohamed and Ali's translation, plus a thorough index (Camels are mentioned in 23 sections!) and a list of various translations of the Qu'ran. In all, 555 pages of Allah-powered text.
These people were nice enough to send me a free book and a polite letter, so I will give them every chance to convert me. I am going to read every word of everything they sent me, once I finish up with the book I am reading right now. You can be pretty sure I'll post some of my thoughts on it as I progress.
The welcome note from YourMuslimNeighbor.com is a very brief introduction to the Quran. It lists some of the messengers Allah has spoken through (Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, Muhammad) and advises me to contact the senders of the package if I have any questions. It also says that the "best way to read this book is with an open mind and heart," which I will absolutely do. It warns me to "[s]eek refuge in God from the accursed satan before reading The Quran, for the goal of satan is to turn us away from the Word(s) of God," but, since I as yet see no evidence of a being who could be called satan (SEE NOTE 1) that's a tough one. The note also asks that I treat the "Holy Book" with care and respect" (which I will, as I do with all books) and that I "keep it away from filth and impure places." There goes my idea of reading it in the bathroom or carrying it in a pants pocket, I guess.
The next item is a 22-page introduction to "The Basics." It starts out with "Peaceful greetings and a warm welcome" (in Kristen ITC font). That's a neighborly greeting, for sure. It includes a great deal of information, including definitions, which, as I mention every so often, are important to establish for productive conversation (SEE NOTE 2). Also included are sections such as "Our Belief As Muslims," "Learning About God (SEE NOTE 3)," "The 5 Pillars of Islam, (SEE NOTE 4)" how to pray, and more. It really is a good primer on the topic: concise, yet quite explanatory.
The coup de grace of the package is, of course The Holy Qu'ran itself. This particular one, a pocket-sized version translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, has a photo on the cover that would certainly make for a nice background for any meditative practice. Don't let its diminutive size fool you -- there are 114 chapters of messages from Allah to mankind via Mohamed and Ali's translation, plus a thorough index (Camels are mentioned in 23 sections!) and a list of various translations of the Qu'ran. In all, 555 pages of Allah-powered text.
These people were nice enough to send me a free book and a polite letter, so I will give them every chance to convert me. I am going to read every word of everything they sent me, once I finish up with the book I am reading right now. You can be pretty sure I'll post some of my thoughts on it as I progress.
XXX
NOTE 1: I am tempted to name some people who might be satan, but I am trying to be serious here, so I won't... (cough -- Sarah Palin -- cough)
NOTE 2: An important part of "The Basics" are the definitions (you know how I love definitions) of Islam ("Submission") and Muslim ("One who submits"). By this definition, all who have submitted to Allah have been Muslims. This must, by definition, include all the prophets prior to Mohamed. I have to admit that I never have heard Jesus referred to as a Muslim, and it makes me wonder if Christians are trying to hide this fact. One concern I do have, is that I hope somewhere there is a definition of "God," as this term is thrown around so sloppily by the general public that it is practically meaningless in everyday conversation.
NOTE 3: Under "Learning About God," we are told that "[t]hrough observation and critical thinking, we can learn about God and see His mercy and supreme design in action. It is one of our duties to reflect and ponder upon the natural world." Wow, this Islam thing might work out well for me -- just check my last two blogs, which encourage critical thinking and honest observation. Very cool.
NOTE 4: The "5 Pillars of Islam" are Testimony, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, and Pilgrimage.
NOTE 2: An important part of "The Basics" are the definitions (you know how I love definitions) of Islam ("Submission") and Muslim ("One who submits"). By this definition, all who have submitted to Allah have been Muslims. This must, by definition, include all the prophets prior to Mohamed. I have to admit that I never have heard Jesus referred to as a Muslim, and it makes me wonder if Christians are trying to hide this fact. One concern I do have, is that I hope somewhere there is a definition of "God," as this term is thrown around so sloppily by the general public that it is practically meaningless in everyday conversation.
NOTE 3: Under "Learning About God," we are told that "[t]hrough observation and critical thinking, we can learn about God and see His mercy and supreme design in action. It is one of our duties to reflect and ponder upon the natural world." Wow, this Islam thing might work out well for me -- just check my last two blogs, which encourage critical thinking and honest observation. Very cool.
NOTE 4: The "5 Pillars of Islam" are Testimony, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, and Pilgrimage.
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