Online Course Format

Our courses are asynchronous, so you can log in any time of the day or night to access the course materials, but they have a weekly Zoom meeting that all are encouraged to participate in (they will be recorded and posted). To facilitate the flow of discussion in the online course forums, each course is divided into units. You will be encouraged to progress through the course alongside the other course participants. A two-week period at the end of the course is provided for you to reflect on what you have learned, to consider how your learning can be applied to your daily life, to give feedback on your learning experience, and to complete any outstanding readings or assignments.

Information about all courses

 

Faculty

Susan Maneck (smaneck@gmail.com)

Introduction

The Qur’an, the divine revelation on which the religion of Islam is based, is the focus of this course. The Bahá'í sacred writings are filled with quotations from and allusions to the Qur’an, and many words used by the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh, and `Abdu'l-Bahá have Qur’anic resonances. 

The course opens with an examination of Bahá’í references to the Qur’an, a summary of the tenets of Islam, and an introduction to the Qur’an. Other units will study how the Qur’an describes itself and delve into several topics in the Qur’an: the nature of God; divine unity; the Prophets of God; and the Latter Day. A final unit will discuss some Qur’anic verses as they relate to the Bahá’í Faith.

Shoghi Effendi emphasized the importance of Bahá’í study of the Qur’an: “They must . . . approach reverently and with a mind purged from preconceived ideas the study of the Qur’an which, apart from the sacred scriptures of the Bábí and Bahá'í Revelations, constitutes the only Book which can be regarded as an absolutely authenticated Repository of the Word of God” (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 49). “The Guardian would certainly advise, and even urge the friends to make a thorough study of the Qur'an, as the knowledge of this sacred Scripture is absolutely indispensable for every believer who wishes to adequately understand and intelligently read, the writings of Bahá'u'lláh” (Directives of the Guardian, p. 63). 

Learning Objectives
  • To become familiar with the composition, history, and general content of the Qur’an
  • To become comfortable with the language, imagery, and symbolism of the Qur’an
  • To be able to relate the Qur’an to the Bahá'í Faith and explain it to Bahá'ís and others

Tuition: $150 (tuition discounts available)