Discovering Sacred Texts

The Qur’an

The Qur’an, the sacred text of Islam, is believed to be the Word of God as revealed to the Prophet. Here Dr Mustafa Shah describes the historical context of its revelation, its transmission and codification and its shared spiritual heritage with the other main Abrahamic faiths.

The Torah

The Buddha and Buddhist sacred texts

Professor Peter Harvey recounts the life and teachings of the Buddha, as well as considering the role that the Buddha plays in the deferent branches of Buddhism and how his teachings have been collected.

An introduction to Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest living world-religions. Almut Hintze explores its history and some of the key components of the religion: its beliefs, sacred texts and rituals.

An introduction to the Baha’i Faith

Peter Smith looks at the central features of the Baha’i Faith, including its history, and the key beliefs, organisation and world-view of the Baha’i community.

Henry VIII and the Reformation

Professor Susan Doran discusses Henry VIII and the Reformation, looking at the Catholic devotional texts that were owned by the king, his break with the Catholic Church and the development of the English Bible following the Reformation.

Jewish prayer at home and in the synagogue

Islamic pilgrimages and sacred spaces

Hajj is the most well-known pilgrimage in Islam. Here Dr Sophia Arjana discusses its role in the religion, whilst also looking at Shi‘a and regional pilgrimages, sainthood and sacred space in Islam.