Measuring Up

Measuring Up

1989 3 March 19 1989 3 March 19 Measuring Up (204) Muslims take tremendous pride in being the chosen bearers of the authentic divine scripture. Far from being a matter of pride, however, it is a great responsibility, for it means conveying the word of God not only to Arabic-speaking peoples, but to people all over the world. Since the Quran was written in classical Arabic, spreading the divine message calls for accurate translations into every language in the world and one might imagine that this work would already have been undertaken with great thoroughness and zeal. But this is not the case. The Quran, to date, has been translated into very few modern languages.

Compare this with the achievement of the Christians who have had the Bible translated into 286 languages, the New Testament into another 594, with partial translations into a further 928 languages. Complete Bible translations are available in 109 African, 90 Asian and 55 European tongues. In Latin America the Bible has been translated into Spanish and Portuguese, and full versions are soon to be published in two South American Indian languages.

Spiritual States can be Brought about only if Conditions are Conducive

1989 3 March 19 Spiritual States can be Brought about only if Conditions are Conducive (81) The Prophet was visited by an angel. “Mohammad,” he said, “the Lord greets you. He says that, if you wish, he will turn the rocky terrain of Mecca into gold.” The Prophet lifted up his eyes to heaven. “Lord,” he said. ‘Please, no. I prefer to be full one day and hungry the next. When I go hungry, I humble myself before you and seek your help, and when I eat my fill, I give thanks to you and praise you.”