Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Primary sources are primary


This book review continues... 

WALLACE TOM Jr. (2015) Refuting Islam, The Christian Patriots Guide to Exposing the Evils of Islam, Bellingham, Fundamental Publishers.

Mr. Wallace reasons that the best English source for learning about Islam is not the Qu'ran, nor it is the Sunnah. (58). The author suggests a classic text on Islamic law titled Reliance of the Traveller (ROT). (58)

This text, according to Mr. Wallace will state an Islamic law, provide an interpretation, and then provide a source (s) from the Qu'ran and/or the Sunnah. (58).

I respect his attempt to assist the reader in studying Islam. It is logical, however...

Based on my academic training, especially from England, Wales, if I quote for example, Islamic Scripture, even though not originally in English, I should primarily attempt to document an original Arabic source. I use online websites that present the original Arab scripture and English translation. Based on my education, I need to use primary sources, that can be translated, and then these can be complemented by secondary sources.

This book review is however reviewing Mr. Wallace's book on Islam, so in many contexts, his text is the primary source. A primary online source I have used for this review when dealing with Islamic Scripture is:

The Noble Qu'ran

Within Biblical studies and biblical theology, the original Scriptural sources, including manuscripts, if need be, should be reviewed in context for the integrity of an overall academic review, as primary sources. Not just the opinions of writers, academics and scholars, as secondary sources, should be considered.

I was advised to follow such an approach when writing my British theses work. This was good, academic advice.

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