How Orality and Shared Cultural Context Shape the Nature of the Quran Adis Duderija For over a millennium, the Quran has resonated across continents and cultures, its verses shaping the lives of billions. Yet, to truly grasp the nature of this profound text, we must move beyond the static image of the written word and immerse ourselves in the vibrant world of its genesis: a world steeped in orality and defined by a shared cultural understanding. George Archer’s “ The Prophet’s Whistle: Late Antique Orality, Literacy, and the Quran” offers a compelling lens through which to understand the Quran not merely as a book, but as a dynamic oral performance deeply interwoven with the social, cognitive, and technological landscape of its time. Archer’s work underscores a fundamental truth often overlooked in contemporary engagement with the Quran: it was “made to be said, not read”. As William A. Graham, cited by Archer, aptly states, “in Muslim piety...the written w...
A Healthy Way to Look at Religion: What Helps Us Grow Spiritually and Include Everyone ADIS DUDERIJA ( BELOW IS BASED ON THIS ARTICLE- https://religionsforpeaceaustralia.org.au/?p=20061 ) It's clear today that the world is more connected than ever, with different cultures, religions, and ways of thinking all mixed together. Sometimes, people have very strong, opposite ideas about religion. That's why it's really important to have a healthy way to look at religion, one that brings people together. This essay will talk about eight things that I think are important for a healthy approach to religion. These ideas also shape how I see the world. They focus on a shared spiritual feeling, learning, respecting everyone, being open, personal experiences, not being too strict with religious texts, not just following rules, and valuing creativity and beauty. 1. Believing in a Shared Spiritual Feeling The most important part of a healthy religion is believing that there's a spir...