درس گفتارهای تاریخ اندیشه و تمدن اسلامی
🌐 بصورت مجازی، به فارسی
«تاریخ اهل سنت و جماعت»
توسط دکتر حسن انصاری
جلسه ششم، دوشنبه ۱۹ می، ۸:۳۰ تا ۱۰:۱۵ شب (به وقت شرق آمریکا)
🔹درسگفتار این هفته استثنائاً دوشنبه برگزار خواهد شد.
Zoom Participation (webinar):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/93933325521
YouTube Live:
https://www.youtube.com/@AhlulbaytIslamicSociety
#سنت_و_جماعت
@azbarresihayetarikhi
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
🌐 بصورت مجازی، به فارسی
«تاریخ اهل سنت و جماعت»
توسط دکتر حسن انصاری
جلسه ششم، دوشنبه ۱۹ می، ۸:۳۰ تا ۱۰:۱۵ شب (به وقت شرق آمریکا)
🔹درسگفتار این هفته استثنائاً دوشنبه برگزار خواهد شد.
Zoom Participation (webinar):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/93933325521
YouTube Live:
https://www.youtube.com/@AhlulbaytIslamicSociety
#سنت_و_جماعت
@azbarresihayetarikhi
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1CFqPwFOKQ&list=PLRagz8v-1fF7_AqcNeT2M9iFTWu86TL0m&t=1s
"Qur'an and Yemen: Looking at the Quranic Verses related to Pre-Islamic South Arabia", Lecture 1
speaker: Dr. Farhad Ghoddoussi
May 11, 2025
Session 1:
In this first lecture, we looked to the traditional commentary of the surah 85 of Qur'an surah al-Buruj. This surah is an early Meccan surah. According to Nokdeke, it is the 22nd surah, which was revealed to prophet Muhammad(ص) and according to both 1924 Egyptian Qur'an printing (Sunni) and Ayat. Marefat (Shi'i) the 27th.
This surah, like a few of the other early Meccan surahs of Quran start with 4 oaths in its three first verses which is evident by the letter "و" which is among the oath particles (instruments, ادوات قَسَم). These oaths determine the structure of the surah. The 4 oaths in the first 3 verses themselves constitute what is called the objects of oath (مُقسَمُ به ) and then the 7 verses 10 to 16 in the two clusters of 10 and 11 and 12 to 16 constitute the subject of oath ( response to the oath, جواب القسم) which is evident from the particle of emphasize (حرف تاکید) اِن (inna) in the beginning of these verses although in the verses 14 to16 it is understood but elided.
The verses 10 and 11 consist of the core message of the surah, and its primary target is the polytheist of Mecca and the believers who were persecuted by these polytheists and unbelievers. Verses 12 to 16 emphasizing on the omnipotence and omniscience of God as a guarantor of the promises of verses 10 and 11. Verses 4-9, which have come between the objects and subjects of oath, consist of a short story of the believers who were persecuted by the companion of the ditch.
This interludes story acts as an instance or context for better appreciation of the general principles, which is emphasized and highlighted by the oath structure of the surah.
The 4 verses 17-20 make another short section, referring to 2 other groups of oppressors and transgressors besides people of Ditch that are hosts of Pharoah and Thamud, which could not escape the justice and punishment of God and their fate is another instance of the fulfillment of the promise stated in verse 10 of this surah regarding persecutors of the believers. The last two verses are about the loftiness of the Qur'an and its preservation.
Therefore the structure of the surah 85 al-Buruj is as the following 3 +6+ 7(2+5)+4+2=22 and its main theme is a stern warning (v10) to the unbelievers and a bisharah (good news, v11) to the believers. Our main interest and focus is on the story of the People of the Ditch, that is, verses 4 to 9. These verses pertain to a particular historical incident. Our goal is to examine and clarify its details and context. This clarification gives a deeper and better understanding of this surah.
#Quran_Pre_Islamic_South_Arabia
"Qur'an and Yemen: Looking at the Quranic Verses related to Pre-Islamic South Arabia", Lecture 1
speaker: Dr. Farhad Ghoddoussi
May 11, 2025
Session 1:
In this first lecture, we looked to the traditional commentary of the surah 85 of Qur'an surah al-Buruj. This surah is an early Meccan surah. According to Nokdeke, it is the 22nd surah, which was revealed to prophet Muhammad(ص) and according to both 1924 Egyptian Qur'an printing (Sunni) and Ayat. Marefat (Shi'i) the 27th.
This surah, like a few of the other early Meccan surahs of Quran start with 4 oaths in its three first verses which is evident by the letter "و" which is among the oath particles (instruments, ادوات قَسَم). These oaths determine the structure of the surah. The 4 oaths in the first 3 verses themselves constitute what is called the objects of oath (مُقسَمُ به ) and then the 7 verses 10 to 16 in the two clusters of 10 and 11 and 12 to 16 constitute the subject of oath ( response to the oath, جواب القسم) which is evident from the particle of emphasize (حرف تاکید) اِن (inna) in the beginning of these verses although in the verses 14 to16 it is understood but elided.
The verses 10 and 11 consist of the core message of the surah, and its primary target is the polytheist of Mecca and the believers who were persecuted by these polytheists and unbelievers. Verses 12 to 16 emphasizing on the omnipotence and omniscience of God as a guarantor of the promises of verses 10 and 11. Verses 4-9, which have come between the objects and subjects of oath, consist of a short story of the believers who were persecuted by the companion of the ditch.
This interludes story acts as an instance or context for better appreciation of the general principles, which is emphasized and highlighted by the oath structure of the surah.
The 4 verses 17-20 make another short section, referring to 2 other groups of oppressors and transgressors besides people of Ditch that are hosts of Pharoah and Thamud, which could not escape the justice and punishment of God and their fate is another instance of the fulfillment of the promise stated in verse 10 of this surah regarding persecutors of the believers. The last two verses are about the loftiness of the Qur'an and its preservation.
Therefore the structure of the surah 85 al-Buruj is as the following 3 +6+ 7(2+5)+4+2=22 and its main theme is a stern warning (v10) to the unbelievers and a bisharah (good news, v11) to the believers. Our main interest and focus is on the story of the People of the Ditch, that is, verses 4 to 9. These verses pertain to a particular historical incident. Our goal is to examine and clarify its details and context. This clarification gives a deeper and better understanding of this surah.
#Quran_Pre_Islamic_South_Arabia
YouTube
[1] Qur'an and Yemen, Dr. Farhad Ghoddoussi
"Qur'an and Yemen: Looking at the Quranic Verses related to Pre-Islamic South Arabia"
Session 1:
In this first lecture, we looked to the traditional commentary of the surah 85 of Qur'an surah al-Buruj. This surah is an early Meccan surah. According to Nokdeke…
Session 1:
In this first lecture, we looked to the traditional commentary of the surah 85 of Qur'an surah al-Buruj. This surah is an early Meccan surah. According to Nokdeke…
Dua Kumayl & Lecture, Nahj al-Balagha Series
🌐 Hybrid, in English
Date
Thursday May 22nd, 2025
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm (Eastern Time)
Location
MIT Tang Center, E51-395, 2 Amherst St, Cambridge, MA 02142
Schedule
7:00-7:05 Quran Recitation
7:05-7:30 Dua Kumayl
7:30-8:15 Nahj al-Balagha Series, in English, H. I. Doagoo (joining by zoom)
Topic: Letter 53, Letter of Imam Ali (p) to Malik al-Ashtar, Session 6, “Leadership Rooted in Justice, Moderation, and Public Welfare”
8:15-8:20 Q&A
8:20-8:25 Ziyarat Warith
8:27-8:45 Prayer
8:45-9:30 Dinner
- About Speaker (Bio)
Zoom Participation (hybrid):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/95948516788
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
🌐 Hybrid, in English
Date
Thursday May 22nd, 2025
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm (Eastern Time)
Location
MIT Tang Center, E51-395, 2 Amherst St, Cambridge, MA 02142
Schedule
7:00-7:05 Quran Recitation
7:05-7:30 Dua Kumayl
7:30-8:15 Nahj al-Balagha Series, in English, H. I. Doagoo (joining by zoom)
Topic: Letter 53, Letter of Imam Ali (p) to Malik al-Ashtar, Session 6, “Leadership Rooted in Justice, Moderation, and Public Welfare”
8:15-8:20 Q&A
8:20-8:25 Ziyarat Warith
8:27-8:45 Prayer
8:45-9:30 Dinner
- About Speaker (Bio)
Zoom Participation (hybrid):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/95948516788
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
upcoming events, May 26-30, 2025
▫️Monday May 26, 7:30-9:15 pm (virtual, in English)
Special Topics, 3, "Qur'an and Yemen", Farhad Ghoddoussi, Wayne State University, Michigan. (this week's lecture will be held on Monday due to the long weekend)
▫️Tuesday May 27, 8:30-10:15 pm (virtual, in Farsi | Eng Subs)
Lecture Series, 7, "The History of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah", Hassan Ansari, IAS, Princeton.
▫️Friday May 30, 7:30-9:30 pm (hybrid, in English)
Quran Study, Surah Maryam.
- All times US Eastern Time
visit us:
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
▫️Monday May 26, 7:30-9:15 pm (virtual, in English)
Special Topics, 3, "Qur'an and Yemen", Farhad Ghoddoussi, Wayne State University, Michigan. (this week's lecture will be held on Monday due to the long weekend)
▫️Tuesday May 27, 8:30-10:15 pm (virtual, in Farsi | Eng Subs)
Lecture Series, 7, "The History of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah", Hassan Ansari, IAS, Princeton.
▫️Friday May 30, 7:30-9:30 pm (hybrid, in English)
Quran Study, Surah Maryam.
- All times US Eastern Time
visit us:
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XjqbHUFIVA&list=PLRagz8v-1fF64syWCOntMn8fHSwQMxjFp&t=1s
"Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 53", Session 6
speaker: H. I. Hasan Doagoo
May 22, 2025
#Nahj_al_Balagha_Letter_53
"Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 53", Session 6
speaker: H. I. Hasan Doagoo
May 22, 2025
#Nahj_al_Balagha_Letter_53
YouTube
[06] Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 53, H. I. Hasan Doagoo
Reflections on Letter 53, Letter of Imam Ali (p) to Malik al-Ashtar
"Leadership Rooted in Justice, Moderation, and Public Welfare"
#nahjulbalaghaenglish #nahjulbalagha #islam #quran #religion #islamiclectures #historyofislam #islamictheology #islamicjurisprudence…
"Leadership Rooted in Justice, Moderation, and Public Welfare"
#nahjulbalaghaenglish #nahjulbalagha #islam #quran #religion #islamiclectures #historyofislam #islamictheology #islamicjurisprudence…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m80Z5ex1Nyw&list=PLRagz8v-1fF7hvJEPcEyp_xo0h7wSkz9N&t=1s
"The History of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah", Lecture 6
speaker, Dr. Hassan Ansari
May 19, 2025
🟥 Lecture in Farsi, can be watched with closed caption (CC) and auto-translate on our channel.
Session 6:
In this session, by examining a number of the most important documents and texts from the 3rd century AH, we showed that contrary to the claim made from the late 3rd century AH onward, "tradition" (sunnah) in the context of the caliphate was established as a reaction to what was later labeled as "innovation" (bid‘ah). For two centuries, those who were later referred to as the ancestors of Ahl al-Sunnah wa'l-Jama‘ah held different views regarding the order of the caliphate, the merit and justice of the Companions, and the wars of the "fitnah" (civil strife). Within this constructed tradition, some individuals were considered Shi'a, although they were not truly Shi'a, in order to preserve the image of a consistent and unbroken "tradition" reaching back to the Prophet (PBUH). We stated that "innovations" emerged earlier than "traditions."
#sunnah_wa_jamaah
"The History of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah", Lecture 6
speaker, Dr. Hassan Ansari
May 19, 2025
Session 6:
In this session, by examining a number of the most important documents and texts from the 3rd century AH, we showed that contrary to the claim made from the late 3rd century AH onward, "tradition" (sunnah) in the context of the caliphate was established as a reaction to what was later labeled as "innovation" (bid‘ah). For two centuries, those who were later referred to as the ancestors of Ahl al-Sunnah wa'l-Jama‘ah held different views regarding the order of the caliphate, the merit and justice of the Companions, and the wars of the "fitnah" (civil strife). Within this constructed tradition, some individuals were considered Shi'a, although they were not truly Shi'a, in order to preserve the image of a consistent and unbroken "tradition" reaching back to the Prophet (PBUH). We stated that "innovations" emerged earlier than "traditions."
#sunnah_wa_jamaah
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YouTube
[6] The History of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah, Dr. Hassan Ansari
Lecture in Farsi, can be watched with closed caption (CC) and auto-translate.
Session 6:
In this session, by examining a number of the most important documents and texts from the 3rd century AH, we showed that contrary to the claim made from the late 3rd…
Session 6:
In this session, by examining a number of the most important documents and texts from the 3rd century AH, we showed that contrary to the claim made from the late 3rd…
Audio
تاریخ اهل سنت و جماعت، دکتر حسن انصاری
جلسه ششم: در اين جلسه با بررسی تعدادی از مهمترين اسناد و متون مرتبط از سده سوم قمری نشان داديم برخلاف ادعای آنچه از اواخر سده سوم قمری به بعد ادعا شد "سنت" در زمينه موضوع خلافت به عنوان واکنشی به آنچه بعدا "بدعت" خوانده شد تأسيس شد. برای دو قرن کسانی که بعدها اسلاف اهل سنت و جماعت خوانده شدند تصور متفاوتی از ترتيب خلافت، تفضيل، عدالت صحابه و جنگ های دوران "فتنه" داشتند. در اين سنت برساخته بود که عده ای را شيعی می پنداشتند، در حالی که واقعا شيعه نبودند، تا تصوير "سنت" يکدست و متصل تا عصر پيامبر (ص) مخدوش نشود. گفتيم که "بدعت" ها زودتر از "سنت" ها شکل گرفتند. (۱۹ می، ۲۰۲۵)
#سنت_و_جماعت
@azbarresihayetarikhi
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
جلسه ششم: در اين جلسه با بررسی تعدادی از مهمترين اسناد و متون مرتبط از سده سوم قمری نشان داديم برخلاف ادعای آنچه از اواخر سده سوم قمری به بعد ادعا شد "سنت" در زمينه موضوع خلافت به عنوان واکنشی به آنچه بعدا "بدعت" خوانده شد تأسيس شد. برای دو قرن کسانی که بعدها اسلاف اهل سنت و جماعت خوانده شدند تصور متفاوتی از ترتيب خلافت، تفضيل، عدالت صحابه و جنگ های دوران "فتنه" داشتند. در اين سنت برساخته بود که عده ای را شيعی می پنداشتند، در حالی که واقعا شيعه نبودند، تا تصوير "سنت" يکدست و متصل تا عصر پيامبر (ص) مخدوش نشود. گفتيم که "بدعت" ها زودتر از "سنت" ها شکل گرفتند. (۱۹ می، ۲۰۲۵)
#سنت_و_جماعت
@azbarresihayetarikhi
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
Special Topic Lecture Series, Qur’an and Yemen
🌐 Virtual, in English
Date
Monday May 26th, 2025
7:30 pm to 9:15 pm (Eastern Time)
Location
Online, Detail Below
Schedule
7:30-7:35 Login to zoom
7:35-9:00 Lecture, in English, Dr. Farhad Ghoddoussi
Title: “Qur’an and Yemen: Looking at the Quranic Verses related to Pre-Islamic South Arabia”, Session 3
9:00-9:15 Q&A
- About Speaker (Bio)
🔹This week’s lecture will exceptionally be held on Monday.
Zoom Participation (virtual):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/92377466698
#Quran_Pre_Islamic_South_Arabia
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
🌐 Virtual, in English
Date
Monday May 26th, 2025
7:30 pm to 9:15 pm (Eastern Time)
Location
Online, Detail Below
Schedule
7:30-7:35 Login to zoom
7:35-9:00 Lecture, in English, Dr. Farhad Ghoddoussi
Title: “Qur’an and Yemen: Looking at the Quranic Verses related to Pre-Islamic South Arabia”, Session 3
9:00-9:15 Q&A
- About Speaker (Bio)
🔹This week’s lecture will exceptionally be held on Monday.
Zoom Participation (virtual):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/92377466698
#Quran_Pre_Islamic_South_Arabia
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
درس گفتارهای تاریخ اندیشه و تمدن اسلامی
🌐 بصورت مجازی، به فارسی
«تاریخ اهل سنت و جماعت»
توسط دکتر حسن انصاری
جلسه هفتم، سه شنبه ۲۷ می، ۸:۳۰ تا ۱۰:۱۵ شب (به وقت شرق آمریکا)
Zoom Participation (webinar):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/93933325521
YouTube Live:
https://www.youtube.com/@AhlulbaytIslamicSociety
#سنت_و_جماعت
@azbarresihayetarikhi
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
🌐 بصورت مجازی، به فارسی
«تاریخ اهل سنت و جماعت»
توسط دکتر حسن انصاری
جلسه هفتم، سه شنبه ۲۷ می، ۸:۳۰ تا ۱۰:۱۵ شب (به وقت شرق آمریکا)
Zoom Participation (webinar):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/93933325521
YouTube Live:
https://www.youtube.com/@AhlulbaytIslamicSociety
#سنت_و_جماعت
@azbarresihayetarikhi
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
The Crescent Moon of the Month of Dhu al-Hijjah, 1446 A.H. From the Moon-Sighting Committee of The Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America - Read more here:
https://ow.ly/GXmE50VXPC5
7 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 3, 2025): Martyrdom of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (p) (Year 114 A.H.)
8 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 4, 2025): Imam Hussain (p) left Mecca for Iraq (Year 61 A.H.)
9 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 5, 2025): Day of Arafah / Martyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqil (p) (Year 61 A.H.)
10 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 6, 2025): Eid al-Adha
15 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 11, 2025): Birth of Imam Ali al-Naqi al-Hadi (p) (Year 212 A.H.) (Date according to a different narration)
18 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 14, 2025): Eid al-Ghadir
24 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 20, 2025): Day of Mubahila
https://ow.ly/GXmE50VXPC5
7 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 3, 2025): Martyrdom of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (p) (Year 114 A.H.)
8 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 4, 2025): Imam Hussain (p) left Mecca for Iraq (Year 61 A.H.)
9 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 5, 2025): Day of Arafah / Martyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqil (p) (Year 61 A.H.)
10 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 6, 2025): Eid al-Adha
15 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 11, 2025): Birth of Imam Ali al-Naqi al-Hadi (p) (Year 212 A.H.) (Date according to a different narration)
18 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 14, 2025): Eid al-Ghadir
24 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 20, 2025): Day of Mubahila
Quran Study, Maryam [19:64-72]
🌐 Hybrid, in English
Date
Friday May 30th, 2025
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Eastern Time)
Location
MIT Tang Center, E51-376, 2 Amherst St, Cambridge, MA 02142
Schedule
7:30-7:40 Ziyarat Ale-Yasin
7:40-8:45 Exegesis (Tafsir), in English, Dr. Hassan Khalil
Topic: “Chapter 19, Maryam, Verses 64-72”, Part II
8:45-9:00 Q&A
9:00-9:30 Dinner
(prayer will be performed at Maghrib)
- About Speaker (Bio)
Zoom Participation (hybrid):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/95948516788
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
🌐 Hybrid, in English
Date
Friday May 30th, 2025
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Eastern Time)
Location
MIT Tang Center, E51-376, 2 Amherst St, Cambridge, MA 02142
Schedule
7:30-7:40 Ziyarat Ale-Yasin
7:40-8:45 Exegesis (Tafsir), in English, Dr. Hassan Khalil
Topic: “Chapter 19, Maryam, Verses 64-72”, Part II
8:45-9:00 Q&A
9:00-9:30 Dinner
(prayer will be performed at Maghrib)
- About Speaker (Bio)
Zoom Participation (hybrid):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/95948516788
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
🔹Please Note: Our events take place in shared spaces where other programs may be occurring simultaneously. We kindly ask that children be supervised at all times to help maintain a quiet and respectful environment. These areas are not intended for running or playing.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
@zekrMIT
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
@zekrMIT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDmLDDs_Ikc&list=PLRagz8v-1fF7_AqcNeT2M9iFTWu86TL0m&t=1s
"Qur'an and Yemen: Looking at the Quranic Verses related to Pre-Islamic South Arabia", Lecture 2
speaker: Dr. Farhad Ghoddoussi
May 18, 2025
Session 2:
In this second lecture of the Qur'an and Yemen lecture series, we mainly focused on the western academic discussions on the surah 85 of Qur'an sura al-Buruj.
In the beginning we looked to the meaning of the words بُروج (Constellations and Towers) and الاخدود (ditch, trench, and groove). We then read related Hadiths.
Our discussion of the western academic views regarding the sura al- Butuj and specially the "People of Ditch" was based on the article, "The Qur’an and Communal Memory: Q. 85 and the Martyrs of Najrān", by Walid Saleh. His abstract to this article summarizes the situation very well:
Sūrat al-Burūj, one of the early, short Meccan revelations, has attracted sustained interest from scholars working within the Euro-American sphere since the nineteenth century due to its association with a major event that took place in the Middle East in 523 CE: the massacre of a group of Christians carried out by the Jewish ruler of Yemen in the Christian town of Najrān in northern Yemen. As a result of the massacre, a major war broke out in the region that resulted in Ethiopia invading Yemen and imposing a new Christian regime.
The event reverberated throughout the Christian Middle East, and the invasion of Yemen was seen as just retribution.
The massacre was commemorated in Syriac Christian hagiography, and the victims came to be known as the Martyrs of Najrān. Although there is no explicit reference to the massacre in Q.85, the Islamic tradition (in the Qur’an commentary literature) tied this sura to the Najrān massacre, and early Muslims viewed Sūrat al-Burūj as a commemoration of this event. However, no non-Islamic sources on this massacre were available until some previously unknown Syriac writings that purported to be eyewitness reports of the massacre were unearthed in the late nineteenth century. Since it was the Islamic tradition that linked Q. 85 to the massacre, a debate ensued among modern scholars as to the veracity and historicity of this connection.
In terms of perspectives, European scholars can be broadly divided into two main camps when it comes to their views on the interpretation of this sura. One group of scholars – the majority – agreed with the Islamic tradition, that the sura indeed referred to the massacre.
The second group – a tiny minority – saw Q. 85 as a reference to the story of Daniel and the three youths in the ‘fiery furnace’ told in the Biblical Book of Daniel, chapter 3.
Soon, however, a third group of scholars emerged, who discounted any such historical connections and claimed that the sura referred to an apocalyptic scene of the torments of Hell rather than any historical event. This eschatological interpretation became the standard and dominant opinion in the European literature about this sura."
Different views were explored and discussed in this lecture.
#Quran_Pre_Islamic_South_Arabia
"Qur'an and Yemen: Looking at the Quranic Verses related to Pre-Islamic South Arabia", Lecture 2
speaker: Dr. Farhad Ghoddoussi
May 18, 2025
Session 2:
In this second lecture of the Qur'an and Yemen lecture series, we mainly focused on the western academic discussions on the surah 85 of Qur'an sura al-Buruj.
In the beginning we looked to the meaning of the words بُروج (Constellations and Towers) and الاخدود (ditch, trench, and groove). We then read related Hadiths.
Our discussion of the western academic views regarding the sura al- Butuj and specially the "People of Ditch" was based on the article, "The Qur’an and Communal Memory: Q. 85 and the Martyrs of Najrān", by Walid Saleh. His abstract to this article summarizes the situation very well:
Sūrat al-Burūj, one of the early, short Meccan revelations, has attracted sustained interest from scholars working within the Euro-American sphere since the nineteenth century due to its association with a major event that took place in the Middle East in 523 CE: the massacre of a group of Christians carried out by the Jewish ruler of Yemen in the Christian town of Najrān in northern Yemen. As a result of the massacre, a major war broke out in the region that resulted in Ethiopia invading Yemen and imposing a new Christian regime.
The event reverberated throughout the Christian Middle East, and the invasion of Yemen was seen as just retribution.
The massacre was commemorated in Syriac Christian hagiography, and the victims came to be known as the Martyrs of Najrān. Although there is no explicit reference to the massacre in Q.85, the Islamic tradition (in the Qur’an commentary literature) tied this sura to the Najrān massacre, and early Muslims viewed Sūrat al-Burūj as a commemoration of this event. However, no non-Islamic sources on this massacre were available until some previously unknown Syriac writings that purported to be eyewitness reports of the massacre were unearthed in the late nineteenth century. Since it was the Islamic tradition that linked Q. 85 to the massacre, a debate ensued among modern scholars as to the veracity and historicity of this connection.
In terms of perspectives, European scholars can be broadly divided into two main camps when it comes to their views on the interpretation of this sura. One group of scholars – the majority – agreed with the Islamic tradition, that the sura indeed referred to the massacre.
The second group – a tiny minority – saw Q. 85 as a reference to the story of Daniel and the three youths in the ‘fiery furnace’ told in the Biblical Book of Daniel, chapter 3.
Soon, however, a third group of scholars emerged, who discounted any such historical connections and claimed that the sura referred to an apocalyptic scene of the torments of Hell rather than any historical event. This eschatological interpretation became the standard and dominant opinion in the European literature about this sura."
Different views were explored and discussed in this lecture.
#Quran_Pre_Islamic_South_Arabia
YouTube
[2] Qur'an and Yemen, Dr. Farhad Ghoddoussi
"Qur'an and Yemen: Looking at the Quranic Verses related to Pre-Islamic South Arabia"
Session 2:
In this second lecture of the Qur'an and Yemen lecture series, we mainly focused on the western academic discussions on the surah 85 of Qur'an sura al-Buruj.…
Session 2:
In this second lecture of the Qur'an and Yemen lecture series, we mainly focused on the western academic discussions on the surah 85 of Qur'an sura al-Buruj.…
upcoming events, Jun 1-5, 2025
▫️Sunday Jun 1, 7:30-9:15 pm (virtual, in English)
Special Topics, 4, "Qur'an and Yemen", Farhad Ghoddoussi, Wayne State University, Michigan.
▫️Tuesday Jun 3, 8:30-10:15 pm (virtual, in Farsi | Eng Subs)
Lecture Series, 8, "The History of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah", Hassan Ansari, IAS, Princeton.
▫️Thursday Jun 5, 6:30-9:30 pm (in-person, in English)
Day of Arafah.
- All times US Eastern Time
visit us:
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
▫️Sunday Jun 1, 7:30-9:15 pm (virtual, in English)
Special Topics, 4, "Qur'an and Yemen", Farhad Ghoddoussi, Wayne State University, Michigan.
▫️Tuesday Jun 3, 8:30-10:15 pm (virtual, in Farsi | Eng Subs)
Lecture Series, 8, "The History of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah", Hassan Ansari, IAS, Princeton.
▫️Thursday Jun 5, 6:30-9:30 pm (in-person, in English)
Day of Arafah.
- All times US Eastern Time
visit us:
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
Special Topic Lecture Series, Qur’an and Yemen
🌐 Virtual, in English
Date
Sunday June 1st, 2025
7:30 pm to 9:15 pm (Eastern Time)
Location
Online, Detail Below
Schedule
7:30-7:35 Login to zoom
7:35-9:00 Lecture, in English, Dr. Farhad Ghoddoussi
Title: “Qur’an and Yemen: Looking at the Quranic Verses related to Pre-Islamic South Arabia”, Session 4
9:00-9:15 Q&A
- About Speaker (Bio)
Zoom Participation (virtual):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/92377466698
#Quran_Pre_Islamic_South_Arabia
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
🌐 Virtual, in English
Date
Sunday June 1st, 2025
7:30 pm to 9:15 pm (Eastern Time)
Location
Online, Detail Below
Schedule
7:30-7:35 Login to zoom
7:35-9:00 Lecture, in English, Dr. Farhad Ghoddoussi
Title: “Qur’an and Yemen: Looking at the Quranic Verses related to Pre-Islamic South Arabia”, Session 4
9:00-9:15 Q&A
- About Speaker (Bio)
Zoom Participation (virtual):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/92377466698
#Quran_Pre_Islamic_South_Arabia
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
درس گفتارهای تاریخ اندیشه و تمدن اسلامی
🌐 بصورت مجازی، به فارسی
«تاریخ اهل سنت و جماعت»
توسط دکتر حسن انصاری
جلسه هشتم، سه شنبه ۳ جون، ۸:۳۰ تا ۱۰:۱۵ شب (به وقت شرق آمریکا)
Zoom Participation (webinar):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/93933325521
YouTube Live:
https://www.youtube.com/@AhlulbaytIslamicSociety
#سنت_و_جماعت
@azbarresihayetarikhi
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
🌐 بصورت مجازی، به فارسی
«تاریخ اهل سنت و جماعت»
توسط دکتر حسن انصاری
جلسه هشتم، سه شنبه ۳ جون، ۸:۳۰ تا ۱۰:۱۵ شب (به وقت شرق آمریکا)
Zoom Participation (webinar):
https://mit.zoom.us/j/93933325521
YouTube Live:
https://www.youtube.com/@AhlulbaytIslamicSociety
#سنت_و_جماعت
@azbarresihayetarikhi
https://sites.mit.edu/zekrmit/
@zekrMIT
7 Dhu al-Hijjah (June 3, 2025): Martyrdom of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (p) (Year 114 A.H.)
اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ باقِرِ الْعِلْمِ، وَ إِمامِ الْهُدىٰ، وَقائِدِ أَهْلِ التَّقْوىٰ، وَالْمُنْتَجَبِ مِنْ عِبادِكَ. اللّٰهُمَّ وَكَما جَعَلْتَهُ عَلَماً لِعِبادِكَ، وَمَناراً لِبِلادِكَ، وَمُسْتَوْدَعاً لِحِكْمَتِكَ، وَمُتَرْجِماً لِوَحْيِكَ، وَأَمَرْتَ بِطاعَتِهِ، وَحَذَّرْتَ مِنْ مَعْصِيَتِهِ، فَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِ يَا رَبِّ أَفْضَلَ مَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ أَحَدٍ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّةِ أَنْبِيائِكَ وَأَصْفِيائِكَ وَرُسُلِكَ وَأُمَنائِكَ يَا رَبَّ الْعالَمِينَ.
اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ باقِرِ الْعِلْمِ، وَ إِمامِ الْهُدىٰ، وَقائِدِ أَهْلِ التَّقْوىٰ، وَالْمُنْتَجَبِ مِنْ عِبادِكَ. اللّٰهُمَّ وَكَما جَعَلْتَهُ عَلَماً لِعِبادِكَ، وَمَناراً لِبِلادِكَ، وَمُسْتَوْدَعاً لِحِكْمَتِكَ، وَمُتَرْجِماً لِوَحْيِكَ، وَأَمَرْتَ بِطاعَتِهِ، وَحَذَّرْتَ مِنْ مَعْصِيَتِهِ، فَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِ يَا رَبِّ أَفْضَلَ مَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ أَحَدٍ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّةِ أَنْبِيائِكَ وَأَصْفِيائِكَ وَرُسُلِكَ وَأُمَنائِكَ يَا رَبَّ الْعالَمِينَ.