How did the Arabs become a people of the book? In the first three decades of the Hijri era; all the world knew that a prophet had come to the children of Ishmael. They were less sure on what the prophet had brought with him. The essays in A Garden for the Poets discuss what may be deduced from the earliest sources available. Such sources include Arabic monuments; Arab battle-cries and threats recorded by their foes; and Arab traditions often later dismissed for unorthodoxy. These sources reveal that the pre-Muhammadan Arab tribes had not one but several prophets; and pilgrimage rituals that did not involve Mecca. Rhymed religious texts; when they appeared (notably suras 10 and 17); were oral and exposed to variant readings and recastings. When the Arab conquerors settled down to become administrators; among their projects was the organisation of the Qur'an. This was accomplished through the sûrat al-an'âmi; now sura 6; likely in 30 AH / 650 CE.
#77493 in Books Freeman Henry 2016-07-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .27 x 6.00l; .37 #File Name: 1534611347118 pagesSumerians A History from Beginning to End
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great bookBy Richard MyersI had known some minor things about the region but this book goes into great detail about the Sumerian people and how their civilization came about. There is a lot of information here and I highly recommend that anyone who likes archaeology read this book!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Sumerians for DummiesBy ShahdaI read this book after a conversation with a friend where we casually mentioned that Mesopotamia is the cradle of civilization. I have had it in my kindle for some time now; and have always been putting off reading it; but I decided to go for it now. Sitting in a quiet cafe on an early morning off seemed like the perfect setting to indulge in this historic book. I found it to be an easy read and I liked the way it was arranged for easier comprehension. I was also pleasantly surprised to find really recent events and dates incorporated in it (as recent as 2016) with major political events of today also brushed upon. However; as with most historic books; I find that certain elements get repeated so much that they are engraved in our memories (like the bit about Sumerians being the first to write; agriculture advancements and the 60 minutes in an hour and 360 degrees in a circle); while more interesting elements (atleast for me) are not highlighted as much (like monuments; relevance of the names; more about kings; etc).Did I enjoy this book? Yes; tremendously! I learnt a lot of new things and small interesting facts that will make me smile every time I remember them. It is a good book for anyone to read; but would be of special importance for my fellow Mesopotamians.Would I recommend it? I think the above makes it clear. However; I would add to it that I think Henry Freeman explains the Sumerian civilization in a "Sumerians for dummies" sort of way; which I happen to be a big fan of.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A great little book about an really ancient civilization.By Douglas D. PattersonThis little book offers a lot of information about a civilization that existed as long as five thousand years ago in the Middle East and that is still influencing us in numerous ways today. Our ancestors were really quite advanced in arts and science and commerce; and learning about them may help to teach us moderns a little humility.
