• What elements of prophethood come to the fore in these accounts?
• Does anything in these passages challenge readers’ expectations about prophets and prophecy? Do any elements conform to or exemplify readers’ expectations about prophets and prophecy? How can you tell?
• How do interpreters respond to these biblical or qurʾanic passages, and what seems to motivate their interventions?
• What motifs appear, and how do they function in these accounts?
• Compare and contrast elements of your prophetic account with those that we have encountered in the accounts of other prophets. Justify your choice of comparisons (i.e., what is the relationship between your text and the one that you are comparing to?).
• How do these passages inform your understanding of prophecy in Islam and Judaism, and the role of interpretation in these religious communities?
Each essay must advance a coherent argument, which draws upon textual evidence and explains your interpretation of that evidence. Remember that arguments anticipate and respond to a reader’s doubts. Imagine counter-claims and counter-evidence that skeptical readers might present, and modify your argument to respond to them. This work is crucial for advancing strong, logical arguments.
The prophet which the essay should be on is:
Khidr
Q18:60-82
Prophets pp. 222-225 (“Khidr” and “Status as Prophet”)
