select two of the Suras from the primary texts page and explain what you think the themes are. Be specific in your analysis and give examples from the text. Your explanation should take into account the lectures and textbook discussion of the Quran as well as evidence from within the Sura itself. The goal of this post is to engage this important text and to begin to familiarize you with Islamic scriptures. If you use any other sources, be sure to cite them.
THE QURAN, VERSES 1, 53, AND 81-87
The Quran is the central scripture for Muslims. This document contains English translations of nine suras or chapters from the Quran. Read all nine suras. The first Sura, The Opening, or the Fatiha, is the most recited chapter of the Quran. When reading it, ask yourself how this brief prayer describes God and how it guides the faithful. When reading Sura 53, think about how the text portrays Muhammad as a recipient of divine revelation. Similarly, pay attention to the metaphors for God used and how do they present God. Finally, the Suras 81 though 87 contain a variety of themes. For instance, in Sura 81, how is revelation represented? Or the representaiton of justice and judgment in Suras 82 and 86, or the call to be pious Sura 87. Be sure to recognize how each of these Suras touches on themes found in the other Abrahamic traditions.
Document 2
The religion in everyday life assignment asks you to turn on your ethnographic gaze by spotting and photographing religion everywhere you find it. You will be surprised to learn that pop culture is imbued with religion in many ways. Fashion, music, TV, art, and food are just some of the mediums though which religion is articulated. Take a picture of a religious symbol, artifact, person, etc. Anything religious that catches your attention. In addition to the picture your will need to write a short paragraph, no less than 250 words briefly explaining how religion is present and relevant in your discovery. On the description tell us where your photograph took place, when did you take it and why do you think it is a religious symbol. Also tell us why this caught your attention.
In order to receive full credit for this assignment you MUST submit both a picture and written discussion on your picture. The picture must also be one that you took. This means either a photograph you took with a camera or a screen capture of a program you are watching. DO NOT submit pictures you found on the internet, this defeats the whole purpose of you doing your own ethnographic work.
Document 3
, write a post indicating:
1. What is the sociological imagination?
2. How is the sociological imagination being applied to understand obesity and anti-fatness in the videos. Include timestamps from both videos to indicate where the information/examples can be found.
3. Choose a social problem that interests you. Describe how the sociological imagination can be used to understand this issue. Provide at least 3 specific examples.
Sura 1: The Opening (Al-Fatiha)
This foundational sura provides insights into Islamic beliefs and practices. It addresses God directly, invoking His praise, seeking His guidance, and acknowledging His power. The sura emphasizes the importance of the Day of Judgment and the need to follow the straight path.
- God’s Attributes: The Fatiha describes God as the Lord of the Worlds, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. These attributes highlight God’s power, compassion, and benevolence.
Sura 1: The Opening (Al-Fatiha)
This foundational sura provides insights into Islamic beliefs and practices. It addresses God directly, invoking His praise, seeking His guidance, and acknowledging His power. The sura emphasizes the importance of the Day of Judgment and the need to follow the straight path.
- God’s Attributes: The Fatiha describes God as the Lord of the Worlds, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. These attributes highlight God’s power, compassion, and benevolence.
