Quran

A Quran is written in Arabic.   When a Muslim picks up the book, they kiss it before opening it.   Sometimes a Muslim will wear an amulet around their neck containing a verse from the Quran or even dip a page of Quran in water, let the ink wash off, and then drink the ink.  However, the most profound way that a Muslim brings the Quran into their self is by memorizing it.  A Muslim who has “written the entire Quran on their heart” takes the name Hafiz.

Muslims believe that the Quran is the word of God, word for word and syllable by syllable.  Therefore translating the Quran has no value.  The sounds are themselves more important than the meaning.  By pronouncing those same sounds the Muslim experiences a communion with God.

Fatiha (1:1)

In the name of God,
the most Merciful and Compassionate.

All praise is due to God, the lord of worlds.

The most merciful and compassionate,

Master of the day of judgment,

Thee alone do we worship,

And to thee alone do we ask for guidance.

Lead us on the path of those who you give grace

and not those who go astray.

Amen

Ayat al-Nur (24:35)

God is the light

of the heavens and the earth.

His light is like a niche

in the niche is a lamp,

in the lamp is in a glass,

the glass is like shining star,

lit from a blessed olive tree

neither of the East nor of the West,

its light shines even if no fire touches it.

Light upon light!