Introduction to Islamic Texts

(4 Credits)

This class is divided roughly into two broad sections: in the first half of the semester samples of the Qur'an are read, translated and analyzed for orthographic and phonetic features, as well as structure and meaning and basic aspects of variegated styles within the developing scripture. Early Surahs are read, as well as, later, samples of narrative and, in the last section, of legalistic (i.e. Medinan) materials. In the second half of the semester we read examples of Hadith and Qur'anic exegesis, highlighting throughout the styles and protocols of this literature. The Hadith come mostly out of Bukhari and the Sirah of the Prophet; and the exegesis includes readings from Baydawi, Qurtubi, Razi and Qushayri (the last being an example of mystical hermeneutics).