Farthest Mosque
As an International Studies major with a concentration in the Middle East, I have always been fascinated with Islam. My first semester at Trinity I took a class on the Quran. Of course, Surahs 17 and 53 about Muhammed's Night Journey were a big focus in that class. Both are pivotal in many ways especially in relation to this class. Primarily, this surahs set up a number of central tenants of Islam. Second, the surahs establish a strong link between Islam and the other two main monolithic religions which expands on the "people of the book" concept. Finally, they establish Islam's connection to Jerusalem, the focus of our class.
The image to the left is of Buraq the creature that was believed to carry have carried Muhammed on his night journey. Muhammed is not pictured in images depicting the Night Journey because it is forbidden to have images of Muhammed. Surah 17 says, "His servant travel by night from the sacred place of worship to the furthest place of worship". The sacred place refers to Mecca and the furthest refers to Jerusalem. On the Night Journey Muhammed was carried by God from Mecca to Jerusalem up to Heaven and then back again.
Both Surahs highlight the importance of the Quran, Surah 53 describes it as divinely revealed to Muhammed. Additionally, Surah 53 goes on to refute the claims of disbelievers and says that the evil will be repaid "according to their deeds". On the Night Journey God commanded 50 prayers a day which Muhammed begged to be reduced. That is why there are now 5 prayers a day. Finally, the Surah describes how certain behaviors will be judged in a precursor to the Day of Judgment.
One very interesting aspect of both Surahs is the continued mention of figures very prominent to both Judaism and Christianity. These individuals are described as prophets. Not only does the Night Journey connect Islam to Jerusalem but it connects Islam to Judaism and Christianity. I have always been intrigued by the concept of "people of the book". This is a Muslim concept that suggests the Hebrew Bible, Bible, and Quran are all connected. It places the Quran and Muhammed as the final book and prophet meaning they have the most complete understanding. However, Christians and Jews are still to be respected as "people of the book". This brings about extremely pertinent questions about how our monotheistic religions interact today. There is no doubt the overall narrative between them today is hostile. This is in contrast to the "people of the book" which maybe we could all learn a little more from today.
Finally, I encourage you to listen to a recitation of the surah. Surah recitation is a very common practice and it brings the words to life even if you do not speak Arabic.
Both Surahs highlight the importance of the Quran, Surah 53 describes it as divinely revealed to Muhammed. Additionally, Surah 53 goes on to refute the claims of disbelievers and says that the evil will be repaid "according to their deeds". On the Night Journey God commanded 50 prayers a day which Muhammed begged to be reduced. That is why there are now 5 prayers a day. Finally, the Surah describes how certain behaviors will be judged in a precursor to the Day of Judgment.
One very interesting aspect of both Surahs is the continued mention of figures very prominent to both Judaism and Christianity. These individuals are described as prophets. Not only does the Night Journey connect Islam to Jerusalem but it connects Islam to Judaism and Christianity. I have always been intrigued by the concept of "people of the book". This is a Muslim concept that suggests the Hebrew Bible, Bible, and Quran are all connected. It places the Quran and Muhammed as the final book and prophet meaning they have the most complete understanding. However, Christians and Jews are still to be respected as "people of the book". This brings about extremely pertinent questions about how our monotheistic religions interact today. There is no doubt the overall narrative between them today is hostile. This is in contrast to the "people of the book" which maybe we could all learn a little more from today.
Finally, I encourage you to listen to a recitation of the surah. Surah recitation is a very common practice and it brings the words to life even if you do not speak Arabic.
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