About this Event
Join us at Waterstones Tottenham Court Road for Q-Club. Register below to reserve a seat.
This Year’s Focus – Joseph (Q. 12):
“There are lessons in the story of Joseph and his brothers for all who seek them” (Q. 12:7).
This year, Q-Club will delve into the story of Joseph (Q. 12), exploring all 111 verses that narrate the tale of Joseph, son of Jacob, both prophets in Islam. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of Joseph’s story, examining themes such as family relationships, power, self-delusion, and betrayal. The sura also highlights how blessings can be tests, sincere intentions do not justify wrongful actions, and that forgiveness and redemption are always possible.
Attendance:
1. Reserve a Chair: £7 (online), includes a hot drink. Reserve your seat online via the Waterstones webpage. Seats are held until 6.50pm, after which they may be reallocated. No refunds for no-shows or latecomers. Limited availability.
2. Turn Up on the DaY: £4 (on entry), includes a hot drink. If you haven’t reserved a chair or if they’re sold out, you can still join by securing a spot on the floor or standing space. Availability is first-come, first-served.
History:
Q-Club began in 2013 and has been held in various Soho cafés in London, fostering active participation and engagement. Each year, the club undertakes a guided reading of a new sura, with detailed discussions on a few verses per session. Attendees are encouraged to bring a copy of the text, *The Qur’an: A New Translation* by M.A.S Abdel Haleem, available at Waterstones, to enhance their understanding and participate fully in discussions.
Facilitator:
Dr. S. Ashraf, who studied under Professor M.A.S. Abdel Haleem at SOAS, University of London, and holds a DPhil on the Qur’an from Oxford, leads Q-Club. Dr. Ashraf has taught MA modules on the Qur’an at AKU London and leads Qur’an exegesis classes for CEI in London and Oxford.
the Qur’an:
The Qur’an, regarded as the finest work in Arabic literature, is the fundamental religious text in Islam. Comprising 114 suras of varying lengths, it is known for its eloquence and rhetorical excellence. Unlike other scriptures, it is not arranged chronologically or by topic but presents themes interwoven across suras, contributing to its unique literary style.
Professor M.A.S. Abdel Haleem’s Translation:
This translation offers the Qur’an’s verses in flowing script, organized into paragraphs, with punctuation reflecting shifts in emphasis and topic. Using clear, modern English, it makes the text accessible to all, as Abdel Haleem emphasizes in his introduction: “The message of the Qur’an was, after all, directly addressed to all people without distinction as to class, gender, or age: it does not rely on archaisms or pompous language for effect.”
Register now to reserve your seat.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Waterstones, 19-21 Tottenham Court Road, London, United Kingdom
GBP 7.00
