Why did the Qur'an say that the Arabs are preferred to other nations?

Could it be because it was compiled by Arabs?

Let’s see who the Torah says is the preferred nation:

“For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.”

I think I’m seeing a pattern here.

Ask an Imam.

It seems like the Koran is a self-serving document. Religious documents are inherently suspect.

The Qur’an didn’t say that the Arab are the best among nations, but it says that the offspring of Adam who are all human beings, are honored and preferred to all other creatures of God, God says about this: “We have honored the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favors, above a great part of our creation.” (Surat Al-Israa’, verse 70)

Every religion says their practioners are the best. Tha’s what I don’t like about religion.

In order for a religion to be successful, they rely on lots and lots of people to be adherents. One method is to make sure everyone has lots of babies (“don’t use birth control,” etc.). Another method is to make followers believe that if they follow the religion, they are the chosen ones to go to heaven, etc.

@jca – and the other mechanism is to take over other tribes and force them to convert….

It does not.
In fact prophet Mohammad says that the message of the Quran is the same message which was given to prophet Abraham & Jesus, by the very same God.
And the only people who are better than others are those who follow that revelation, be they man, woman, black, white yellow, green or what have you…

What would you expect it to say?

This question and it’s responses have lingered in my mind. How easily things can vear and slip over the edge, leaving flotsam/jetsam in their wake. This came out of my thoughts as an observer of this, and other similar situations being discussed in the media. Like it could be plugged in to any like-discussions.
IMHO.
The Bible, for Christians, has as many varied interpretations as does the Koran.
Anyone can take Any text and make it fit what they are trying to push as the ‘God’s Truth’.
Groups of human’s interpretations of written words may cause differences between each of a religion’s sects, and then even these sects can sometimes suffer sharp divisions amongst themselves, all the while still within a titled religion. (Or in the name of their religion.)
Religious warfare is usually one group believing their interpretation is better, or more pure -above all others.
Books that were written or information that was/is shared via various methods or percieved messages directly from God, have been recorded by mere mortal humans, and even then- predominantly by the male perspectives.
Spirituality, on the other hand, is a plane where individual humans make their own decisions from well thought out self-beliefs, as they fit into their own personal world. Often these persons use other’s human words or human thoughts as their basis. Their expression of these beliefs varies by each individual.
A person may also find their spiritual humility through their studying of all various faiths, and then formulate their own individual Interpretation. By using this gained knowledge, (plus some may add the inclusion of any religious beliefs they may already hold in esteem,) people direct their self-guidance towards their own ideas of Spirituality: using their own reason, or shaping of thoughts, to follow throughout their lives.
Neither type needs reaffirmation from any other being.
Many people also choose to include a knowledge of science-as understood by humans to this point in time, and how that science may figure in to some of their beliefs and/or their spirituality, as well. Science, as well as religion, is based upon mere human supposition, interpretation of facts or data as it is seen, or as ideals created by mortal human beings.
Some people struggle in their lives towards fitting said verifiable scientific facts in with a recognition of faith, as they try to separate or compartmentalize the difference between religion and science.
Some deny all religious materials, or belief systems, choosing their own definitions of life and it’s purpose via their scientific beliefs and studies.
These are all acts of human nature. Each with their own factions.
The last of Spiritualistic groups are individuals who sometimes believe that they have been contacted or have had first-hand experience or knowledge via ‘divine intervention’, or additional intelligence about written human laws or beliefs. These people need no approval nor reaffirmation from anyone,-concerning their Spirituality. It is their private conclusion to the spiritual questions they have proven to themselves.
All fall under some group.

Unfortunately,
currently, as has happened elsewhere down through human history, a choice of a religion’s written beliefs is, and for some, the Only means for a sacred or meaningful life or perceived salvation. Stating that it is a human’s duty to pursue what they ‘know’ as the most true, using only their own conjectures as interpreted beliefs. And as it goes, these specific religious beliefs are used as a control for all others. Even via causing the death or annihilation of All everywhere, in order to achieve the perfection as they perceive it to be.
These groups may fall under the title of an established religion. But they do Not represent the entire religions beliefs nor actions.
Every recognized established religion has had their own zealots or troublemaking sections to deal with, deny, or survive.
This does not however, mean that the entire group is responsible for actions of a facet or sect within their own faith or religion.
Have a care when speaking of an entire group within whom a problem may exist. Your own words on the subject may be more hurtful or deadly, than correct.

Small brushes used for detail are sometimes better than large brushes which cover too much and blanket everything.

Wow. I was going to point out that the bible says the same thing about the Jews, and look who wrote it. But uh, looks like y’all got it covered, so