The Qur’án
(April 15, 2005 - July 15, 2005)

TOPIC: The Qur’án is the divine revelation on which the religion of Islam is based. The Bahá'í sacred writings are filled with quotations from it and allusions to it, and many words used by the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh, and `Abdu'l-Bahá have qur’ánic resonances. Its study by Bahá'ís is emphasized by Shoghi Effendi: “They must. . .approach reverently and with a mind purged from preconceived ideas the study of the Qur’án 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” (ADJ 49). “The Guardian would certainly advise, and even urge the friends to make a thorough study of the Qur'án, 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). The course will examine the entire text of the Qur’án and Islamic and Bahá'í commentaries on its meaning. Technical terms will be explained in order to make the text accessible to those who do not know Arabic.

DATES: April 15 to July 15, 2005

TEXTS: The Qur’án and various commentaries and supplemental readings assigned by the Institute.

FACULTY: Necati Alkan, Susan Maneck, and Habib Riazati

COST: $150 (individual); $300 (group)
Financial aid is available.

STUDY GROUP: Any individual can plan a local study group (of two or more) in consultation with the Wilmette Institute or with a Bahá’í institution. The group must have an official correspondent, who will copy course materials and distribute them to the group. Members must commit to attending two meetings per month. Every member will have full course privileges (copies of materials, access to the course’s web site, help from a mentor, and so on).

HOW IS THE COURSE TAUGHT?
It is conducted over the worldwide web. There are no residential requirements.

WORK EXPECTATIONS: Each course has five to ten study units. In each unit, one reads assigned texts and discusses them with fellow students on web-based discussion boards or by voluntary participation in conference calls. Local study groups should plan two meetings per month. The course typically takes three to five hours per week.

At the end of the course students are expected to do two things: submit something in writing to their mentor and complete some sort of presentation to one or more people.

SUPPORT PROVIDED: Each student is assigned a mentor who reviews your final work and answers your questions. All members of a study group will have the same mentor, who can telephone the group when it meets.

All students have access to the course’s password-protected web site, which includes supplemental study material.

LEVEL OF STUDY:
The course may be taken at the introductory level (an overview to help you teach the Faith more effectively), the intermediate level (equivalent to a first-year university course), or the advanced level (equivalent to graduate school work). The Wilmette Institute may be able to help you obtain college credit for the intermediate level from your local university.

GRADING OPTIONS: The course is usually taken for pass/fail with review and comments by your mentor but may be taken for a grade (A, B, C, D, F).
WHAT LEARNING PROGRAMS DOES THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE OFFER?
Basic Sequence Distance-Learning Program: Four distance-learning courses covering basic aspects of the Bahá’í Faith. One course is offered every six months; the entire sequence can be covered in a two-year period.

Studies in the Bahá’í Faith Distance-Learning Program: Specialized distance-learning courses (such as this one) on a variety of topics (including the Bahá’í writings, history, teachings, and world religions). Some forty courses are rotated on a four-year cycle.

Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization Program: A four-year program including two weeks of intensive study each summer in Wilmette and ten months of home study.

Wilmette Institute
536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091-2849
877-Wilmette (945-6388) (toll-free voice)
info@wilmetteinstitute.org (e-mail)
http://www.wilmetteinstitute.org (web site)