1 Historical and Cultural Context of the Qur’anLecture 3 Historical and Cultural Context of the Qur’an

2 Key Issues IntroductionContext of Pre-Islamic and Early Islamic Arabia Environmental context Socio-cultural context Linguistic context Moral context Religious context Intellectual context Prophet Muhammad’s life Occasions of revelation (asbab al-nuzul) Western historical critical scholarship and contextualising the Qur’an Case Study: The Qur’an and the Pact of Umar on Muslim/non-Muslim relations

3 Text 4:34 “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because God has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what God would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For God is Most High, great (above you all). (Abdullah Yusof Ali)

4 Introduction The revelation of the Qur’an happened within the broad social, intellectual and religious context of Arabia in the 7th century Understanding this context will help us to make connections between the Qur’anic text and the environment in which the text emerged Major events in the Prophet’s life are mentioned in the Qur’an The science of asbab al-nuzul or ‘occasions of the revelation’ helped identify the historical context of Qur’anic passages Classification into Meccan and Medinan passages Examples

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6 The Context of Pre-Islamic and Early Islamic ArabiaEnvironmental context Harsh desert climate Bedouin nomads and town dwellers Trial values/code of conduct predominant Tribal raids common Yearly pilgrimage to Mecca

7 The Context of Pre-Islamic and Early Islamic ArabiaSocio-cultural context Two regional powers: Byzantine Empire and Sassanid Empire Mecca – made up of clans of the larger tribe of Quraysh Governed by tribal elders via consultation Tribe or clam provided protection for the individual Distinctions based on gender common Many existing socio-cultural practices incorporated into the Qur’an (or slightly modified)

8 The Context of Pre-Islamic and Early Islamic ArabiaLinguistic context Revelation conveyed in Arabic Incorporation of cultural symbols, metaphors and expressions into the language of the Qur’an Moral context Common cultural values accepted as part of the new religion: i.e. patience in the face of adversity Cultural values looked down upon condemned by the Qur’an: breach of trust, hypocrisy, slander, usury, cheating and gambling etc.

9 The Context of Pre-Islamic and Early Islamic ArabiaReligious context Islam comes into a religious environment: Pagan idolatry Judaism Christianity Intellectual context Survival skills predominant Low levels of literacy

10 Qur’an in context: Prophet Muhammad’s life

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12 Prophet Muhammad’s lifeReceiving of the revelation (610 CE) Meditating in a cave near Mecca First revelation Recite: In the name of thy Lord who created, created Manan from a blood-clot. Recite: for thy Lord is Most Generous, who taught by the pen, taught Man what he knew not. (Q 96:1–5) First converts from amongst family and friends, some Meccans Growing opposition and persecution from Qurayshi leaders

13 Prophet Muhammad’s lifeMigration to Medina in 622 CE Establishment of the first Muslim community Many converts, some opposition: munafiqun (hypocrites) Tensions with Jewish tribes Prophet Muhammad becomes the spiritual and political leader of the community Introduces key religious and social reforms

14 Prophet Muhammad’s lifeOngoing struggle against the Meccan Quraysh Skirmishes and conflict Major victory: Battle of Badr Mecca taken by Muslims 630 CE Prophet Muhammad’s death: 632 CE

15 Discussion Why do we need to understand Prophet Muhammad’s life to understand the Qur’an?

16 Occasions of revelation (asbab al-nuzul)What it is How is it used in the tradition? How useful it is for a contextual interpretation of the Qur’an?

17 Western historical critical scholarship and contextualising the Qur’anSira literature: traditions about the Quran’s historical context Generally accepted by Western scholars until recently New school of historical critical analysis cast doubt on earlier works and framework provided by the sira literature Fabricated?

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19 Case Study: The Qur’an and the ‘Pact of Umar’ on Muslim and non-Muslim relationsUmar ibn Al-Khattab (d. 644 CE) Senior Companion Close advisor to the Prophet 2nd caliph Direct knowledge of both the Qur’an and the person/practice of Prophet Muhammad – intimately familiar with Qur’anic context Evidence Umar departed from some clear Qur’anic injunctions on several occasions – contextualising them

20 Case Study: The Qur’an and the ‘Pact of Umar’ on Muslim and non-Muslim relationsWhat it is Outlines the obligations of non-Muslims living in dar al-islam Defines the relationship of ahl al-dhimma (protected people) with Muslims and the Islamic state Allowed freedom of religion/ worship in return for jizya Debate about the pact’s origins

21 LINKS Pact of Umar Treaty with Najran Constitution of Madina Jizyah verse 9:29 Jalalyn, Asad, Ali, A Muslim’s view