What does the Qur’an say about God, humanity, and the prophetic tradition? This six-week course offers an accessible introduction to one of the world’s most influential texts. Despite its importance, there are few reliable English resources that provide information about the Qur’an or serve as guides to its contents. The goal of this course is to introduce students to the origins, structure, and content of the Qur’an by mainly focusing on carefully selected passages from an English translation of the original Arabic text. We will explore the descriptions of God and the major prophets, many of whom are also mentioned in the Bible. These prophets include Adam (and Eve), Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and Jesus. The course ends with a discussion of Muhammad and the emerging Muslim community as depicted in the Qur’an. By examining the historical and theological context, we hope to deepen our understanding of the text’s lasting spiritual and ethical messages. Designed for those with little or no background in Islamic studies, this seminar invites open, thoughtful dialogue about the Qur’an’s relevance in today’s world.
Registration Opens Online:
Monday, August 4, 2025, at 8 AM (AZ Time)
