YT21 Why did the Quran NOT MENTION CHINESE PROPHETS?Or AFRICAN, GREEK, INDIAN, SOUTH AMERICAN, etc?

Summary

In this thought-provoking video, the speaker explores the Quran's focus on Middle Eastern prophets and the concept of locution (vernacular) in understanding Quranic narratives. Through linguistic research, particularly by Professor Ahmad Bassam Al-Saai, it is revealed that the Quran uses unique expressions not found in pre-Islamic Arabic, shedding new light on familiar stories like that of Prophet Yusuf. The speaker argues that the Quran’s selective focus on Middle Eastern prophets is not a limitation but a divine design to maintain clarity and relevance. This exploration calls for a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the Quran's messages, particularly through the lens of modern linguistics.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Quran focuses primarily on Middle Eastern prophets because it speaks in the locution (vernacular) of their people, which allows for clear communication of divine messages.
• 😀 The principle of relevance in the Quran ensures that every verse holds significant meaning, which is why translations and interpretations must be carefully reconsidered.
• 😀 The Arabic preposition *men* in Surah Ibrahim (14:4) is better understood as meaning 'about' rather than 'from,' providing a deeper interpretation of the verse.
• 😀 Professor Ahmad Bassam Al-Saai's research reveals that the Quran uses expressions that were not found in pre-Islamic Arabic poetry, highlighting its unique language.
• 😀 The Quran's use of locution is central to understanding its stories, as it captures the specific vocabulary and expressions of the peoples to whom the prophets were sent.
• 😀 The word *Lissaan* in the Quran is best understood as referring to a locution, a dialect, or a vernacular specific to a group of people, rather than just the language itself.
• 😀 Every messenger in the Quran spoke in the locution of their people, meaning the Quran's messages are tailored to the cultural and linguistic context of each group.
• 😀 The Quran's focus on Abrahamic messengers makes sense because their stories align with the shared locution of the Middle Eastern prophets, creating a unified narrative.
• 😀 The use of locution explains why the Quran includes stories of Middle Eastern prophets and not those from other regions, such as China or South America, as these would require different linguistic frameworks.
• 😀 Understanding the locution used by the prophets helps in reinterpreting Quranic stories, as seen in the example of Prophet Yusuf’s story, where the different expressions used by his siblings point to their unique dialect.
• 😀 The Quran’s emphasis on a singular locution, specific to the Abrahamic messengers, makes the Quran both manageable and comprehensible, avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Q & A

Why does the Quran focus specifically on Middle Eastern prophets?

The Quran focuses on Middle Eastern prophets because it refers to their specific locution, which is the way they expressed themselves. The Quran's use of a shared locution allows for a more manageable and understandable message, rather than trying to include various other locutions from different parts of the world.

What is the 'principle of relevance' mentioned in the script?

The 'principle of relevance' suggests that every detail in the Quran is significant and meaningful. No part of the Quran is redundant or obvious; every word and reference serves a purposeful role in conveying the divine message.

What did Professor Ahmad Bassam Al-Saai discover about the Quran's language?

Professor Ahmad Bassam Al-Saai discovered that many expressions used in the Quran were not found in the language of the pre-Islamic Arabs. His research revealed that certain terms and forms of expression in the Quran were unique, pointing to the Quran's divine origin and its departure from the language of the time.

What does the term 'Lissaan' mean in the context of the Quran?

'Lissaan' refers not just to a language but to a specific locution, which includes the dialect, jargon, or vernacular used by a group of people. The Quran employs the locution of the people it addresses, and this locution helps make the messages of the prophets comprehensible within their cultural context.

How is the concept of locution relevant to understanding the stories in the Quran?

Understanding the specific locution used by the people in the Quran helps clarify the meanings of their expressions and actions. By identifying the unique ways in which people spoke, such as the use of certain phrases, we can gain a deeper understanding of the context and significance of the stories in the Quran.

What is the significance of the expressions used in the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph)?

In the story of Prophet Yusuf, the use of expressions like 'Tallah', 'Hacha Lilah', and 'MaazAllah' helps identify the characters and their cultural background. These expressions are unique to different groups of people in the story, which also leads to a surprising discovery: one of Yusuf's siblings might have been the caller who falsely accused their caravan of theft.

What surprising discovery was made about the story of Prophet Yusuf and the term 'Al iir'?

The surprising discovery was that the term 'Al iir', which appears in the story of Yusuf, is uniquely used by his siblings. This suggests that one of them was the caller who accused their caravan of theft, a revelation that opens up new interpretations of the story.

Why might the Quran include only Middle Eastern messengers and not others from different parts of the world?

The Quran focuses on Middle Eastern messengers because it deals with the locution of these specific prophets, which allows for a cohesive narrative. Including messengers from other parts of the world would complicate the Quran's message, making it more difficult to manage and understand. The focus on one locution maintains clarity and relevance.

What does the speaker suggest about the complexity of the Quran if it had included messengers from all over the world?

The speaker suggests that if the Quran had included messengers from all over the world, it would have become too complex and unmanageable. The Quran’s manageable size and coherent message are made possible by focusing on the Middle Eastern prophets, whose stories share a common locution.

What role does the concept of locution play in the reinterpretation of Quranic stories?

The concept of locution plays a crucial role in reinterpreting Quranic stories because it helps us understand the specific ways in which different groups of people expressed themselves. By identifying these locutions, we can gain a clearer understanding of the meanings behind the Quranic narratives and explore new insights into the characters and events described.