An Andalusian Arabic Version of the Four Gospels (Paperback)

Paperback. Within one year of the conquest of Spania (AD 711), the Muslimconquerors struck coins, with legends in Latin, demonstrating the tenetsof their faith: 'In the Name of God; there is no deity other thanGod, Alone, without compeer'. This proclamation was followed by abilingual mint,drawn from the Qur'an: 'He is God, Unique, GodEverlasting, He who has not begotten, and who has not been begotten, andequal to Him is not any one' (Qur'an 112). Then solely in Arabic,the coins replaced the legend Spania with al-Andalus.As the Christian population of Al-Andalus became increasinglyarabicised, the need for translating their sacred scriptures into Arabicundoubtedly ensued. It is interesting to note that article 26 of theFourth Council of Toledo (AD 633) had decreed that when priests wereassigned to their districts (parishes), the bishops were to provide themeach with a copy of the Gospels so that, having mastered the teachingsof the Gospels, the priests would not err in the application of God'slaw and intent. An Arabic translation of the Scriptures - particularlythe Gospels - would meet that requirement and satisfy a growing need ofthe priesthood and the faithful laity - non-conversant in Latin - toread and hear the sacred text in the language that they comprehendedbest. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.…