This work on The Chronological Quran is just what the title suggests; the Quran in order of the revelation of the chapters as officially determined and agreed upon by the major Muslim scholars over the centuries. God has blessed Prophet Muhammad by revealing the Quran to him through the Angel Gabriel. The Quran (The Recitation) is considered by many to be Prophet Muhammad s greatest miracle. In furtherance of understanding the Quranic signs related directly to Prophet Muhammad; all signs (ayah; verses) that refer to the lives of other Prophets and Messengers; whose stories are revealed in the Quran; have been indicated; but the signs themselves do not appear here. This was done so that what would remain of the Quranic signs would relate to either addressing Prophet Muhammad directly or relate directly to his prophethood. It should be noted by the reader that The Chronological Quran presented in this work cannot be read in place of the original Arabic or English translation of the complete Quran if one is seeking spiritual reward. As mentioned above; the signs relating to the other Prophets and Messengers are indicated in their chronological order; but actual signs do not appear here. In studying the chronological order of the chapters; there is much to be learned. For instance; we learn that after the initial revelations of the signs to Prophet Muhammad; it was in Chapter 68:35; revealed sometime later in Makkah; that the early followers of Prophet Muhammad are referred to; for the first time; as Muslims (ones who submit). Previous to this revelation; the followers of Prophet Muhammad did not know the names of islam or muslim.
#3213044 in Books 1999-01-29 1999-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .83 x 8.96 x 10.54l; #File Name: 1565911075224 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Amazing bookBy Ryan ReiterThis is the only book of it's kind. I've lived in Korea for well over a year and I am very interested in Korean Shamanism. This book has so much information that you can't find else where in English and most about what I've read about Korean traditional religions comes from this book. You just can't find other decent books on the topic unless you can read Korea understand Korean fluently.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Review of David Mason's _Spirit of the Mountains_By Gerald Feeney_Spirit of the Mountains: Korea's SAN-SHIN and Traditions of Mountain-Worship_; by David A. Mason; is at first striking because of its physical appearance. The luxurious thick glossy stock and abundance of beautiful; full-color photographs enable it to easily pass for an elegant coffee-table book. But don't let its looks fool you. The text is substantial and informative. What's more; it informs on a subject which is certainly obscure for most non-Koreans; and perhaps for many Koreans; as well.Writing in an easy-going; first-person narrative style; David Mason treats the reader to a comprehensive survey of Korean _San-shin_ (or Mountain spirit) imagery; together with a thorough analysis of its composition; history; development; influences; etc. Mason collected the images first-hand over a period of some fifteen years. While Mason's writing is casual in style; it is at the same time; quite scholarly; given its numerous references; notes; and a substantial bibliography.San-shin means "Mountain-spirit; Mountain God; or Spirit of the Mountains;" Mason explains. It refers to an ancient belief that each mountain is the home of a spirit or mountain-god that can grant protection; healing; and even spiritual gifts. The iconography associated with San-shin is amazingly diverse and rich in symbolism. The essence; though; is nearly always a grandfatherly figure; a tiger; and a gnarly pine tree in the background. The book contains several hundred photographs of various San-shin icons (as well as of other subjects); and Mason offers the reader explanations and analyses of the underlying meanings of the symbols.Mason explains that mountain worship is both primordial and universal in its oldest form; but at the same time; San-shin has been assimilated and syncretized with other traditions that make it uniquely Korean. For instance; he writes that nearly a century ago; a Christian missionary observed that Korean mountain worship had certain similarities to worship practices he'd found on mountains in the Middle East. Indeed; those instances as well others found in the Himalayas; Greece; among natives of North and South America; and elsewhere; allude to the mythological construct that Joseph Campbell discussed as "the central mountain of the earth." But Mason also shows how San-shin evolved from ancient shamanism and over time blended with Taoism; Neo-Confucianism; Buddhism; and Korean nationalism to form part of the core of the collective Korean psyche. And it's interesting that mountain worship practices have survived and flourished to a far greater extent in Korea than anywhere else on earth._Spirit of the Mountains_ is visually dazzling; a worthwhile read; and a fascinating pilgrimage to Korea's sacred sites - one that very few people could ever hope to make in person.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Very scholarly and well-researchedBy KmamaI was very impressed by Mr. Mason's research. He was able to capture and express the deep roots of what underlies so much of Korean culture through his thorough investigation. This type of work can only be accomplished through significant investment of time and thought. Korea has been influenced by Buddishm; Daosim; Confucianism and it has embraced Christianity with a fervor that surpasses western vigor; yet the San-Shin spirit will always live and continue to permeate the mind; heart and soul of the Korean people.
