The Koran
Commonly Called the Alcoran of Mohammed; Translated Into English Immediately from the Original Arabic, with Explanatory Notes, Taken from the Most Approved Commentators. To which is Prefixed a Preliminary Discourse
📖 Summary
The Koran, published in this specific 1856 edition spanning 686 pages, stands as the foundational religious text of Islam. Regarded by Muslims as the verbal divine revelation delivered by God through the angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of approximately twenty-three years, the text serves as the ultimate source of faith, guidance, and law for its adherents. Divided into chapters known as surahs, the book addresses a vast array of spiritual, moral, legal, and social subjects. Its core message emphasizes rigorous monotheism, declaring the absolute oneness and sovereignty of God, urging humanity to reject idolatry, and reminding readers of the transient nature of worldly life coupled with the absolute reality of the afterlife, judgment, heaven, and hell. Throughout the pages, readers encounter historical narratives of earlier prophets and messengers, including figures familiar to Judeo-Christian traditions such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, all framed within the overarching Islamic theological perspective. The text also lays down practical commandments concerning prayer, charity, fasting, pilgrimage, and ethical behavior, structuring both individual morality and communal responsibility. In the context of its 1856 publication, this massive volume represents an era when Western scholarship and publishing houses increasingly sought to make Eastern religious texts available to a broader, curious readership. Within these 686 pages, readers navigate poetic and rhythmic passages that explore the nature of the cosmos, the signs of divine creation visible in the natural world, and direct exhortations for believers to exercise patience, compassion, justice, and steadfastness in times of adversity. The work is not arranged in a simple chronological narrative, but rather moves fluidly between theological declarations, legal ordinances, ethical admonitions, and comforting reassurances. By examining this mid-nineteenth-century edition, readers engage with a text that has profoundly shaped global history, legal systems, philosophy, literature, and the daily lives of over a billion people across centuries. It remains a monument of world literature and an essential document for anyone seeking to understand the religious and cultural heritage of the Islamic world.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides direct insight into the foundational beliefs of Islam
Contains rich poetic language and profound philosophical reflections
Offers historical perspective on nineteenth-century publishing of Eastern texts
Serves as an essential resource for comparative religion studies
⚠️ Cons
Can be difficult to navigate without contextual commentary or background knowledge
Non-chronological structure may challenge readers looking for a linear narrative
❓ FAQ
What is the general subject matter of The Koran? +
It is the foundational religious text of Islam, covering theology, moral guidance, legal principles, and historical narratives.
Who is the author of this book? +
The author is traditionally unknown in secular cataloging, as Muslims believe it is the direct word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
What makes the 1856 edition notable? +
This 686-page printing represents a specific historical period when Western publishers began widely disseminating English translations of major Eastern texts.
How is the text structured? +
The text is organized into chapters known as surahs, encompassing verses that mix theological teachings, legal commands, and historical stories.
What genres does this book fall under? +
It is categorized under general non-fiction, serving as both a sacred scripture and a historical document.
