NEW SEMINAR COURSE DESCRIPTION

It is a fundamental component of Muslim conviction that the Qur’an is the incomparable word of Allah and that it challenged its first audience along with generations of later audiences to produce the likes of it.  Many dimensions of the inimitability of the Qur’an have been highlighted by Islamic scholarship.  Of these dimensions, the one that has received the most attention historically and ironically is known least about, even in the Muslim world, is the dimension of appreciating the Qur’an as a historically unprecedented, never to be matched literary phenomenon.   The breathtaking study of the Qur’an’s eloquence & literary beauty remains mostly confined to classical and contemporary works in Arabic medium.  As the title suggests, this unique seminar is an unprecedented attempt to present the eloquence of the Arabic Qur’an, from various literary points of view, to an English speaking audience regardless of previous exposure to the Arabic language.    In a single weekend intensive, students will be walked through several examples of Qur’anic eloquence belonging to each of the following categories:

a.      The Strategic Use of Idioms, Expressions & Figures of Speech
b.      Incredibly Subtle Choice of Words
c.       An Unprecedented Utilization of Syntax to Deliver Nuanced Meanings
d.      The Function of Repetition in Surahs
e.      Examples & Imagery
f.       The Use of Dialogue
g.      Sudden Transition of Person & Tense
h.      The Use of Oaths
i.        The Function & Placement of Qur’anic Stories
j.        The Organized Structure of Surah Yousuf
k.      Coherence Within a Surah
l.        Coherence Between Surahs
m.    The Qur’ans Valorization of an Entire Language  

DATES & LOCATIONS

Bayyinah's best attempts will be to offer this new and exciting seminar at the following 20 locations between February and December of 2009.  Materializing the program will depend on your response.  If your interested group, community or MSA is situated in one of these locations, you are highly encouraged to contact Bayyinah by email at arabic@bayyinah.com to begin the venue & date selection process.