Sources_of_the_Quran_Presentation_from_before quran.pptx

Pre quranic material used to write the quran

1. Sources of the Qur'an Before the Qur'an A Historical-Critical Overview

2. Introduction Topic: Exploring pre-Qur'anic sources that parallel Qur'anic verses Approach: Historical-critical (not theological) Goal: Identify texts and traditions that predate the Qur'an (610-632 CE)

3. Methodology Compare Qur'anic verses to earlier Jewish, Christian, Zoroastrian, and Arab traditions Include dates and references to original sources

4. Adam Created from Clay Qur'an: Surah 55:14 - 'He created man from sounding clay.' Sources: Genesis 2:7 (6th–5th c. BCE), Midrash Rabbah (3rd–5th c. CE)

5. Cain and Abel with the Raven Qur'an: Surah 5:31 Source: Midrash (Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer, 8th–9th c. CE, older oral tradition)

6. Abraham Destroys Idols Qur'an: Surah 37:91–95 Source: Genesis Rabbah 38:13 (3rd–5th c. CE)

7. Jesus Speaks in the Cradle Qur'an: Surah 19:30 Sources: Infancy Gospel of Thomas (2nd c. CE), Arabic Infancy Gospel (6th c. CE)

8. Mary and the Palm Tree Qur'an: Surah 19:23–26 Source: Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (late 6th or early 7th c. CE)

9. Seven Sleepers of the Cave Qur'an: Surah 18:9–26 Sources: Syriac legend (5th c. CE), Greek version (6th c. CE)

10. Satan Refuses to Bow to Adam Qur'an: Surah 7:11–12 Source: Apocalypse of Moses (Greek Life of Adam and Eve, 1st c. CE) Ref: M.D. Johnson, 'Life of Adam and Eve,' Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, vol. 2

11. Fasting in Earlier Religions Qur'an: Surah 2:183 Sources: Leviticus 16:29–31 (Yom Kippur, 6th–5th c. BCE), Early Christian Lent (formalized by 4th c. CE)

12. Heaven, Hell, and Judgment Qur'an: Surah 3:185 Sources: Zoroastrian texts (600 BCE–3rd c. CE), Jewish/Christian apocalyptic texts (e.g., 1 Enoch, 3rd c. BCE)

13. Golden Calf Incident Qur'an: Surah 7:148–150 Source: Exodus 32 (6th–5th c. BCE)

14. Conclusion The Qur'an interacts with earlier religious texts and stories Shows cultural and theological continuity across centuries Islamic perspective: These are confirmations of previous revelations

15. References Charlesworth, J.H. Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, Vol. 2 Early Jewish Writings (earlyjewishwritings.com) The Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus) The Qur'an (various translations) Zoroastrian Texts (Avesta, Denkard) Infancy Gospel of Thomas, Pseudo-Matthew (translated editions)

16. Summary Table Qur'anic Verse Source Text Approx. Date Surah 55:14 Genesis 2:7 6th–5th c. BCE Surah 5:31 Midrash 8th c. CE (oral older) Surah 37:91 Genesis Rabbah 3rd–5th c. CE Surah 19:30 Infancy Gospel 2nd c. CE Surah 19:23 Pseudo-Matthew 6th–7th c. CE Surah 18:9 7 Sleepers Legend 5th c. CE Surah 7:11 Life of Adam & Eve 1st c. CE Surah 2:183 Leviticus 6th–5th c. BCE Surah 3:185 Zoroastrian/Jewish 600 BCE–1st c. CE Surah 7:148 Exodus 32 6th–5th c. BCE