Unit 8

English 203: Literature of the NonWestern World

Questions:

Chat:

• The Old Testament offers a history of the relationship between the Hebrews & Yahweh. From the little you read, what seems to be the main purpose/s of the Koran?
• Many Westerners believe that Muslim societies are prejudiced against women, restricting their rights & freedom. Muslims often argue that Sura 4, “Women,” was progressive in the 7^th c.e.  If it was progressive at the time, why is it impossible for Muslims to reassess the status of women today to grant them all the rights & freedoms men have?
• Christians tend to be most concerned with tenants of belief. Muslims tend to be most concerned with specifics acts (what they eat, how they pray, etc.). How does the Koran foster that attitude? Contrast its interests with those of the New Testament. How does the text of the Koran breed a Muslim outlook?
• Does the “Mother of Book” contradict or cause difficulty for the idea of tawid (the absolute unity & oneness of God)? Our text says, “like God, it was not created but exists for all eternity” (868). The Koran says, "With Him is the Mother of the Book" (13:39).  Compare the "Mother of the Book" to the Greek notion of logos & to fate. Compare it to the Dao & to Hindu Dharma.

When you finish answering the questions, go to the next page:

Review