We’ve left the ancient world behind and entered upon medieval time.
Original language: Arabic.
The central religious text of Islam.
I read the Penguin Classics edition, translated by N.J. Dawood, first published in 1956.
According to Clifton Fadiman, “it is important to note that most believers deny that any translation [of the Koran] from the original Arabic can be valid.”
The Koran is repetitive. It could have been a lot shorter!
Because I don’t personally believe in God, the arguments that depend on God’s creation didn’t work with me.
I like the Koran’s constant emphasis on giving alms and feeding the poor, the hungry, and the orphan.
Last thoughts on the Koran
It was a disappointment to read it for purely literary purposes. There was a lot of repetition. The basic message is that the devout Muslims will be in paradise and the unbelievers in hell.
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