The Early Qur'an in Mecca: Apocalyptic Expectation at the Dawn of Islam

In this study, R. K. Farrin offers a fresh perspective on the emergence of Islam by tracing the structural and thematic development of the Qur'an in Mecca. He analyzes the form and content of the Qur'an at its earliest stage (ca. 609–14 CE), when it grew from a few verses to a scriptural corpus. From quantitative and literary evidence, Farrin argues that a Qur'anic nucleus – carrying a particularly urgent message – most likely formed during this period, to which units were then added as revelation continued in Mecca and Medina (ca. 615–32 CE). His study also situates the emerging Qur'an in the context of late antique Arabia, where monotheism's spread was still resisted by resident pagans. It also draws connections to contemporary Jewish and Christian ideas, especially regarding the anticipated Last Day. Significantly, Farrin's study peels back layers of Islamic history to consider the Qur'an and the environment in which it was first being recited. Read more