Tag Archives: Quran

Caliph al-Mamoun’s Controversies

Posted on March 27, 2022 by Ruth

At first, Caliph al-Mamoun remained in Merv, at the border of Iran and Afghanistan, which had been his regional seat of power. Among the troubles going on in the west, the Shi’ite descendants of Ali rebelled in various places, starting … Continue reading →

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Zayd ibn Thabit and the Quran

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Ruth

During Muhammad’s lifetime, his revelations were mostly conveyed by listening, remembering, and repeating. But even then, a few literate Muslims were writing them down on whatever materials were at hand. The written copies could be used as memory prompters or … Continue reading →

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Mecca and the Revelations

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Ruth

One reason that, at first, Muhammad’s message stayed among his clan is that in Mecca, people tended to live in family and clan blocks. It’s a typical way that older cities grew: each patriarch built additions onto the house, and … Continue reading →

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Muhammad’s Family and the Revelations

Posted on December 8, 2020 by Ruth

Sometimes there were long silences, while other times, the revelations came in quick succession. Muhammad was able to recite each one to his family and close friends, who also memorized them. Each revelation incident became a surah, a chapter in … Continue reading →

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The First Revelations of Muhammad

Posted on December 8, 2020 by Ruth

When Muhammad was forty years old, probably in the year 610, he was staying in the cave of al-Hira for prayer and meditation when the first revelation occurred. He saw the figure of a man appear to him and command, … Continue reading →

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Writing in Arabia

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Ruth

Until very late in Arabia’s history, writing was used only for inscriptions and other short statements made for important occasions. The first book written in Arabic—or in any form of Arabian language—was the Quran. East Arabia used Sumer’s cuneiform during … Continue reading →

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