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The Bible, the Koran, and the Talmud (Classic Reprint): Or, Biblical Legends of the Mussulmans, Compiled From Arabic Sources, and Compared With Jewish Traditions
Excerpt from The Bible, the Koran, and the Talmud
This idea is suggested by the learned German compiler, and is corroborated by the fact that the legends were unknown to the Arabs before Mohamed began to preach, while in the Koran he refers to them as already familiar to his hearers.
This idea is suggested by the learned German compiler, and is corroborated by the fact that the legends were unknown to the Arabs before Mohamed began to preach, while in the Koran he refers to them as already familiar to his hearers.
292 pages, Paperback
First published November 27, 2002
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July 12, 2018
Finally, after a long procrastination I manage to pick up this book. Not because of its thickness, but ones need to really sit down in hibernation mode to enjoy this piece. The book, which was compiled from Arabic sources, and compared with Jewish traditions, was written in German (1846) with the original title being Biblische Legende der Muselma̲nner (Biblical legends of the Mussulmans). This collection of important scriptural stories was drawn from the Quran and other Arabic manuscripts describing the lives of the prophets. Ever since, this genre has been perennially popular in the would of Islam (then was called Mohammaden).
Most of the characters present in the stories are the same prophets which are familiar from the Bible and other Jewish and Christian sources (notable exceptions to this are Hud and Saleh, as well as Khidir, who appears in the story of Moses). Although the selections and translations appear to be fair and accurate enough, the commentary is hostile to Islam throughout, rendering the omnipresent editorial hand suspect. The introduction speculates that Muhammad's instruction in Jewish and Christian tradition was given to him orally by people from those faiths. Some footnotes compare the stories collected here with the same stories from the Talmud or Bible or otherwise comment on the differences in detail.
There are more recent versions of the stories, which are more comprehensive and sympathetic. For example, The Tales of the Prophets of al-Kisa’i, (translated by W. M. Thackston) and Legends and Narratives of Islam: The Biblical Personalities
As for me, it is like reading fairy tales, the same stories told in different words and interpretation, yet still full of excitement, contentment and satisfaction. This kind of tales is closer to me and my culture of believe system that defined my faith. Reading this book is like walking down the memory lane, when I was a little girl listening stories from grandmother, teachers, preachers. The difference is that I read this book as a refreshment of information and knowledge, for me to reevaluate myself, my view on my believe system as well as the purpose and assignment of my faith.
I consider this book is rare and not very popular, what a shame. I somehow would like to encourage everyone in Abrahamic faith to read this piece. It worth all the time spent on this book.
Most of the characters present in the stories are the same prophets which are familiar from the Bible and other Jewish and Christian sources (notable exceptions to this are Hud and Saleh, as well as Khidir, who appears in the story of Moses). Although the selections and translations appear to be fair and accurate enough, the commentary is hostile to Islam throughout, rendering the omnipresent editorial hand suspect. The introduction speculates that Muhammad's instruction in Jewish and Christian tradition was given to him orally by people from those faiths. Some footnotes compare the stories collected here with the same stories from the Talmud or Bible or otherwise comment on the differences in detail.
There are more recent versions of the stories, which are more comprehensive and sympathetic. For example, The Tales of the Prophets of al-Kisa’i, (translated by W. M. Thackston) and Legends and Narratives of Islam: The Biblical Personalities
As for me, it is like reading fairy tales, the same stories told in different words and interpretation, yet still full of excitement, contentment and satisfaction. This kind of tales is closer to me and my culture of believe system that defined my faith. Reading this book is like walking down the memory lane, when I was a little girl listening stories from grandmother, teachers, preachers. The difference is that I read this book as a refreshment of information and knowledge, for me to reevaluate myself, my view on my believe system as well as the purpose and assignment of my faith.
I consider this book is rare and not very popular, what a shame. I somehow would like to encourage everyone in Abrahamic faith to read this piece. It worth all the time spent on this book.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review