Nat Geo's 'Inside The Koran' a must see documentary, Aug 5

WordieAug 6th, 2008 - 05:58:22

April: I was amazed by this statement of yours:
Given the continuous mire our U.S. Military Operations personnel are placed in, this is an important program for everyone to fully understand the complexity of the cultural and the dogmatic effects of Islam, a culture and religious belief structure that is opposed to our Western way of life...[emphasis mine]

Where did you get the idea that Islam is opposed to our Western way of life? I thought if anything, the program did a good job of showing that not all of the different interpretations of Islam are extreme, as you apparently belive, and that in fact, the majority of Muslims are peace-loving, with no inherent opposition, particularly religious opposition, to those in the West.

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PalamasAug 6th, 2008 - 21:28:39

Unless we are using an extremely unusual definition of the word 'interpretation' the use of such word in the context used already and continued to be used is non-sensical. The first thing that you must realize is Islam considers the Quran to be the immutable, unchangeable, eternal text existing in heaven. It is to be taken literally for teaching, law, and examples. Islam is a total belief system using this text and supplemental texts that provide and make sense of the Quran: the hadith/sira etc. which are the traditions of the islamic prophet.

There is no way to 'interpret' Quran verse 9:29 or 9:5. It mandates violence against non-believers. If you want to ignore it, suit yourself, however that's not an interpretation. There is no ambiguity in, (Yusuf Ali): 'Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.'

It is open-ended and mandates violence. It is not time specific nor has ever been thought to be that by any muslim exegete for 1400 years. What's more, there ARE plenty of contradictions in the Quran, and the way the exegetes got around this (and muhammad himself) is through verse 2:106, 'None of Our revelations do We abrogate [nansakh] or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar: Knowest thou not that Allah Hath power over all things?' That is, the LATTER verse takes precedence. You'll see that alcohol was looked at as being marginal and then it was prohibited later (the first revelation was abrogated). There are many other examples, but the point is that Chapter 9 'Repentance' has for all of history been treated as the last chapter revealed to Muhammad (a few succeeded but didn't have impact or didn't abrogate anything). So, the abrogation of all peaceful verses is in effect, because that is the only way to make sense of the Quran. Those in islam have painted themselves in a corner by saying that these words came straight from God. Anyone with discipline of mind can see the reality of the situation. But it is indeed hard to overcome emotional and familial ties for the truth.

Finally, for the previous poster, how isn't Islam incompatible? Shari'a and islam for centuries has allowed for the beating of women when disobedient (up to man's discretion) 4:34, Al-Azhar university, the most respected sunni muslim university in the entire muslim world details as acceptable how parents cannot be punished for killing their offspring or grandchildren. Women are half the value in testimony as a man, and get unequal inheritances ... the list goes on and on. I am not saying this, Muslims themselves say this because this is what the Quran says and they believe it comes from God. No, it is NOT interpretation. Muslims, as human beings, can rationalize or ignore whatever they desire but they rarely 'interpret' anything. Muslims may be moderate, but Islam is not. It is self evident from the most respected historians and exegetes, Ibn Ishaq, Ibn Kathir, Ibn Juzaay, etc. on their commentaries of the Quran and what the Quran says. Wishing this weren't the case doesn't make it disappear. Unfortunately, the example of Muhammad does not help this either. It fuels the fire. All you have to do is listen to the most respected Muslims and the examples of the Islamic prophet.

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tonny from belgiumAug 7th, 2008 - 11:45:46

The bible too allows for beating your wife...and your servants and slaves.Now what ?How will previous poster wiggle out of this trap .He wont....

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Dear WordieAug 7th, 2008 - 16:26:15

'The show premieres August 5, 2008, in the United States on the National Geographic Channel, and presents a cross section of Muslims living according to their varied interpretations of the Koran, from grand imams to simple farmers, and from modern women in positions of power to those living in fully veiled seclusion.

Given the continuous mire our U.S. Military Operations personnel are placed in, this is an important program for everyone to fully understand the complexity of the cultural and the dogmatic effects of Islam, a culture and religious belief structure that is often opposed to our Western way of life, and gives insight on why many who follow the religion have been indoctrinated into a subverted version of the original Koran text.

With so much at stake, a deeper understanding of the Muslim faith and its sacred text is more important than ever before.'

The show received 5 stars from me, and I reiterate, it covers the gamut of views within Islam, including the disturbing ones. - AM

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brahmanAug 7th, 2008 - 22:02:29

I'll tell you what's inside the koran, the same as what's inside the bible - Total Bullcrap!

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RapleeAug 8th, 2008 - 12:42:08

We give it 9 stars. Thank you for telling the truth. You might not be allowed in Saudi Arabia, but who cares considering they have altered the word of God which is condemned in all Holy Books.

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RBAug 8th, 2008 - 19:04:24

To those who have not read and understood what the Holly Koran, (Quran), and the amazing insights it has, they are willing to say what makes them feel good. I simply can't accept the fact that a verse or a sentence taken out of context to be translated to a different language and build an entire paradox arround it. The Holly Koran, (Quran) may share some parallel lines with the Bible, but it is not the same as the Bible. I resent all negative comments to the Holly Koran made by people who have not read it and understood 1% of it.

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A TravelerJul 29th, 2009 - 23:01:36

I caught part of this program at midnight last night - while very tired. I checked Nat Geo Channel today to find that last night was the last scheduled showing. Will it be available on video or scheduled again in the future?

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paul shawJul 30th, 2009 - 19:12:28

Religion. Anyone who believes any of it in this day and age is just a plain IDIOT!

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in4merAug 4th, 2009 - 07:05:31

Originally I wanted to address some of the previous comments but then decided that would be pointless. One guy is so hot over the topic he comes off confused while another literally has no faith. Simply, all I want to say is that to the Muslim, the Quran is without a doubt a miracle. It's not a miracle because it does something physically miraculous, it's a miracle because with it's array of knowledge and its depth in specific subject matter it is impossible to believe it came from one man. You can't help but to think this is something extraordinary. This knowledge I'm refering to isn't just what comes forth from the Qur'an but what comes out of its student since application of knowledge can be so diversified. Also, I'm not referring to sprituality like in all other religions, although this is one of the side effects. It is for this reason the Qur'an should be read by anyone with sensibility. Thank you for your time.

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