The Historical Development of the Qur'an

Rev. Canon Sell

People International, Tunbridge Wells, England, n.d. (1989?)
(Facsimile of [probably] the 4th ed., London, 1923)

CONTENTS

Page Introduction vii CHAPTER I THE MECCAN PERIOD The first revelation—Indifference of the Quraish—The political factor—Persecution of the Muslims—Denunciation of opponents—Theory of inspiration—Absence of Miracles—Scepticism of the Quraish—Joys of Paradise—Influence of Khadijah—Description of Hell—The Prophet as Warner—Emigration to Abyssinia—al-Lat and al-'Uzza—Idolatry reproved—Hostility of the Quraish—Opposition to former Prophets—Reproof of the Quraish—Claim to inspiration—Denial of forgery—Uniqueness of the Qur'an—Jews, Christians and Sabians—Relation to Judaism—Tales of the Ancients—Visit to Ta'if—Visitors from Madina—The men of Madina—First pledge of 'Aqaba—The Mi'raj—Second pledge of Aqaba—Departure to Madina—The prospect in Medina 1 CHAPTER II THE MADINA PERIOD The entry into Madina—The Jews—Opposition of the Jews—Accusation against the Jews—Islam the only true religion—Jews charged with hypocrisy and with corruption of the Scriptures—Obedience to the Bible enjoined—Qur'an the safeguard of previous Scriptures—Change of the Qibla—Breach with Judaism—Sanction given to the Hajj—Persecution and massacre of the Jews—Warlike expeditions— Battle and Victory of Badr—Battle of Uhud—Defeat of Uhud—Hopefulness of the Prophet—Zainab and Zaid—Wives and concubines—Siege of Madina—Desire for the Hajj—Treaty of Hudaibiya—Special claims for Islam—The embassies—Attack on Khaibar—The 'Umra or Lesser Pilgrimage—Battle of Muta—Capture of Mecca—Victory of Hunain—Year of the Deputations—Expedition to Tabuq—Compulsion of Jews and Christians—The employment of force—Rebuke of the Hypocrites and the Arabs—The Prophet's war cry—Abu Bakr and the Hajj—Engagements made with Arabs not binding on the Prophet—The Greater Pilgrimage—The influence of the Hajj—God and His Apostle—Style of the Madina Suras—Importance of the chronological Order—Change of style 75 Passages cited from the Qur'an 196 Table showing the approximate chronological order of the chapters of the Qur'an 203 Index 205 List of authorities 207