Detail explanation of the Book of Enoch
The Book of Enoch is an ancient religious and historical text that holds extraordinary importance in Jewish and early Christian traditions. Although this book is not included in the Hebrew Bible or most copies of the current Christian Bible, it has left a profound impact on religious thought, the concept of angels, the afterlife, and moral obligations. Below is a detailed introduction to the Book of Enoch and its main themes.
1. Who was Enoch?
Enoch is considered to be a righteous man in the seventh generation from the lineage of the Prophet Hazrat Adam. According to the Bible, he was a man who “walked with God” and then disappeared from the world, meaning that his death is not generally mentioned. Because of this special position, in later traditions he was considered the bearer of heavenly secrets, and the Book of Enoch was attributed to him. According to Islamic point of view, he is the Prophet and the grand father of Hazrat Nooh. His name was Hazrat Idrees.
2. Introduction to the Book of Enoch
The Book of Enoch is not actually a single book, but a collection of writings written in different periods. According to experts, this book was composed between approximately the third century BC and the first century AD. Its complete copy is preserved today mostly in the Ethiopian Church, which is why it is also called the Ethiopian Book of Enoch.
The book consists of five major parts:
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- The Book of the Guardian Angels
- The Book of Parables
- The Book of Astronomy
- The Book of Dreams
- The Book of Advice and Sermons
The Book of Enoch is an ancient non-Muslim (non-inspired) religious text, while in Islam the primary sources are the Holy Quran and authentic Hadiths. Therefore, in Islamic comparison, the principle is that whatever is consistent with the Quran and Sunnah can be seen as historical or intellectual similarity, and whatever contradicts it is not accepted.
3. The Book of the Watchers
This is the most famous and important part of the book. It mentions the “Watchers” who descended from heaven to earth. According to tradition, these angels disobeyed God’s command, married humans, and taught them sciences that were harmful to them, such as making weapons of war, magic, and deception.
The descendants of these angels were called the Nephilim, powerful but cruel creatures. Their cruelty and corruption spread throughout the world. Eventually, God decided to punish these angels and cleanse the world, which is associated with the flood of Noah.
4. Book of Parables
This section contains the concept of the afterlife, justice, and a savior figure called the “Son of Man.” This character is described as the one who rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked.
This section is considered particularly important because it clearly depicts the resurrection, heaven and hell, and the final judgment. Many scholars believe that this section is influenced later Christian thought.
5. Astronomical Book
This section deals with the calculations of the sun, moon, stars, and time. It states that the natural system operates according to a fixed law that is a manifestation of God’s will.
This book of Enoch provides a glimpse into ancient astronomical knowledge and shows how time, seasons, and the calendar were viewed during this period.
6. Book of Dreams
This part of book is consists of two main dreams of Enoch. These dreams show the human history in symbolic form, i.e. the detail of the nations and individuals by various animals.
These dreams are considered as a summary of history from Hazarat Adam to the end of time, and it prominent the struggle and fight between good and evil forces in the world.
7. Epistle of Enoch
This section of the Book of Enoch contains moral teachings. It emphasizes justice, goodness, humility, and the obedience to God. Enoch comforts the righteous that although injustice seems to prevail in the world and the justice will eventually be established in the world
This section warns young people and future generations to avoid sin, arrogance, and tyranny.
8. Religious Status and Influence
The Book of Enoch has been viewed differently by Jewish and Christian scholars. Although it is not part of the Bible, it is:
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- It was found in the Dead Sea Scrolls, which proves its antiquity.
- It is referenced in the New Testament Epistle of Jude.
- Many concepts about angels, demons, and the afterlife appear to be influenced by this book.
From an Islamic perspective, although the Book of Enoch is not considered an inspired book, some of the concepts it describes (such as the disobedience of angels, the afterlife) are similar to other divine teachings, but it is still seen as a historical and literary text.
9. Summary
The Book of Enoch is a very important ancient text that helps us understand religious history, the concept of angels, moral principles, and ideas about the afterlife. This book tells us how ancient man viewed God, the universe, and justice. Although it is not a formal religious scripture, its study is very useful for understanding religious thought and history.