FREE TASTER SESSION

INTRODUCTION TO Q-CONNECT, THE CONSISTENT QUR’AN AND TAFSIR OF SURA AL-FATIHA

Free to Attend – In-Person/On-line – Free Food and Networking

This free introductory session on Wednesday 22 November 2023, 7:00 – 9:30 pm will explore the contrast between the consistency of the message of the Qur’an and the fact that it reveals new insights on repeated engagement. Q-Connect remains on-line and accessible for all.

There will, for the first time, be the opportunity to attend the introductory session IN-PERSON as well as ON-LINE. Registration is mandatory.

In-Person Location: The Wesley Euston, 81-103 Euston St., London (Euston), NW1 2EZ

19:00-19:45

The Consistent Qur’an: Always the same, always different

Dr Ashraf will talk about the contrast between the narrow range of Qur’anic messages and themes and the breadth of insights it offers. The second part will consist of a Tafsir and demonstration of ring structure analysis in Q. 1 and the session will end with free food and networking.

19:45 – 20:30

Introducing Ring Structure Analysis of Sura Fatiha

Q-Connect always begins with analysis of a Sura that is fundamental to our lives, ubiquitous in our worship and worthy of repeated, deep contemplation to help apply lessons that are hidden in plain sight. We will introduce the format of Q-Connect and the methodology to be adopted for mapping Suras Q. 95 and Q. 96 through ring structure analysis and tafsir of Sura al-Fatiha.

20:30 – 21:30

Free Food and Networking

Join us to explore the elegance of God’s language and how, through attempting to engage with His Book, we can draw nearer to Him.

Scroll down for further details and click on register to join this free introductory session.

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THE CONSISTENT QUR’AN:

ALWAYS THE SAME, ALWAYS DIFFERENT

Over the past three years, we have covered 150 verses of the Qur’an in Q-Connect. The meanings we have derived and the insights we have gained are vast and, when we review what we have covered, the material seems new and our insights fresh. There is a contrast between what appears to be a limited thematic palate and the pictures one can draw using it.

There is consistency in the nature of God and His creation, the form and guidance He creates, the hardship and ease He ordains as tests, the nature of prophecy and the prophets’ calling to God.

The Qur’an uses common phrases and themes repeatedly with shades of emphasis and juxtaposition to allow for limitless interpretations. The elision of names and places, the lack of linearity promote engagement and thought on the part of the audience and allows us to reach our own conclusions.

Dr Ashraf will explore how the Qur’an allows for constant interrogation and reflection. The messages, themes and language are the same, yet the presentation and emphases differ. He will discuss how we can engage with the Qur’an meaningfully and consistently.

SURA FATIHA:

RING STRUCTURE

The Qur’an has structure at every level; it begins and ends with prayers and there are relationships between sections of a Sura and between Suras.

Structural Analysis, Semitic rhetoric in particular, searches for symmetry in a Sura. The centre is often the key and the other sections, which from a Ring around it, are defined in relation to it.

The centre of the Sura al-Fatiha connects the beginning, a prayer of Praise, and end, a petition for guidance. The order of Man’s relation to God is established; Praise predicates petition and God precedes Man.

LONDON SHORT COURSE:

Starts 20.05.24: Registration for the new 'Remembrance' short course is now open, click on London Short Course for full course details. Click on register to join.

Q-SYMPOSIUM:

starts 28.04.24: Registration for the new ‘Q-Symposium 2024’ day course is now open, click on for full course details. Click on register to join.

Q-CLUB:

We will continue our study of Q. 71 in term 3, starting on 30th April 2024, 7.15pm. Click on Q-Club for dates and details.

LONDON ACADEMY:

Term 3 will start on Friday 19 April 2024. Registration for this academic year is sold out! Click on London Academy for the term 3 timetable and details on our website for all other course details.

RAMADAN SHORT COURSE:

Forty Hadith on The Excellence of the Clear Qur’an by Mulla ‘Ali al-Qari. Click on Short Course for full details and to register.

KIDS ACADEMY:

Registration for term 3 beginning on 13th April 2024 in Hazelwick School is open. Click on Kids’ Academy for full details and to register, including ticketing options for siblings.

Q-CONNECT:

The next session is on 17th April 2024. We will continue to study Juzz Amma, focussing on Suras al-Tin (Q. 95) and al-‘Alaq (Q. 96). Registration for this online Zoom course is open. Click on Q-Connect for more details and register to join.

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