The Qur'anic Narrative: The Journey of Life as Told in the Qur'an

by Louay M. Safi

Overview

Recent arguments surrounding the meaning and message of the Qur'an often focus on whether or not it supports or exhorts violence. Such arguments, though, tend to ignore the fact that the scriptures found there speak to various aspects of life and living. The Qur'anic Narrative attempts to show that the Qur'an has an inspiring message that aims to enlighten the path of those who embrace it and guides them through the jourbaney of life. Exploring various themes related to everyday experiences, Safi reveals the meaning of the Qur'an with regard to issues of spirit, faith, charity, patience, fasting, salvation, pride, charity, moral discipline, and other relevant topics.

In an attempt to recapture the Islamic spirit promoted in the Qur'an, this book offers an approach that speaks to areas of life many people are concerned about. It pastes together a narrative that is more consistent and more representative of the overall Qur'anic message, which, the author contends, is ultimately one of peace and hope. Safi places the Qur'an in context, too, by examining its meaning to early recipients of the scriptures and its place in that particular social and historical context. He continues by updating that meaning for modern readers and adherents, relating the intended meaning to an evolving human audience and to contemporary experiences. The author contends that extremist readings are misinterpretations and that those who may view the Qur'an as a holy text that encourages, even demands, violence are incorrect. Ultimately, readers will come away from this work with a broader appreciation of the Qur'an and its intended meaning and message.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313361999
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/30/2008
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Louay M. Safi is Executive Director of ISNA Leadership Development Center (ILDC), Plainfield, Indiana. He is a fellow of the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding and serves on the steering committee of the Muslim-Christian Initiative on the Nuclear Weapons Danger. He is the author of eight books, including Tensions and Transitions in the Muslim World, Peace and the Limits of War, and others. He has served as the Executive Director and Director of Research of the International Institute of Islamic Thought, Editor of the Jourbanal of Islamic Social Sciences, and President of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists. Safi taught at Wayne State University, and served as Visiting Professor at George Washington and as Associate Professor of Political Science.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
Part I. Spirit
1. Origin and Purpose
2. Divine Presence
3. Prophets of Transcendence
4. Engaging Religiosity
5. Trust in God
Part II. Faith
6. Revealed Guidance
7. Knowledge and Wisdom
8. Power of Choice
9. Faith and Infidelity
10. Calamity and Patience
Part III. Inner Peace
11. Gratitude and Praise
12. Reconnecting through Prayer
13. Moral Discipline and Fasting
14. Purification through Giving (zakah)
15. Lifes Ultimate Spiritual Jourbaney (Hajj)
Part IV. Community Peace
16. Integrity
17. Humility and Pride
18. Moderation and Excess
19. Jihad for Peace
20. Shariah Principles
Part V. Universal Peace
21. Recognition and Right
22. Responsible Freedom
23. Justice is Paramount
24. Faith in Interfaith
25. Covenants and the Social Contract
Part VI. Eternal Peace
26. Life and Death
27. Salvation - The Path to God
Appendix A Surahs of the Quran
Appendix B Chronology of the Quran
Appendix C Prophets in the Quran
Appendix D Interpreting and Translating the Quran
Glossary

What People are Saying About This

Ingrid Mattson

"In presenting the Qur'anic narrative, Safi eschews the selective literalism of extremist Muslims as well as ideological opponents of Islam who distort the meaning of the Qur'an. This is an excellent book for readers who sincerely wish to know how mainstream Muslims read the Qur'an."

Aminah McCloud

"This text is a compelling and clear articulation of how Muslims traditionally understand the Qur'an. For non-Muslims, it is not pedagogic or mystifying but a gift for those misinformed by current media. For many twenty-first century Muslims it will inspire personal growth and serve as a reminder of the truth as they read and ponder. I found it not a defense of Islam but an invitation to explore."

Scott C. Alexander

"Safi has done a great service for all those who may be tempted by a superficial and decontextualized reading of the Qur'an. The great value of this book is the elegant yet accessible way in which it uncovers and celebrates the authentic narrative of faith and human flourishing that lies at the heart of Qur'anic teaching."

Sayyed Hossein Nasr

"In an age when verses of the Noble Qur'an are often taken out of context to misrepresent the foundational teachings of Islam, it is important to study this book in order to see how each part of the Sacred Text provides the deepest solutions to different present day human problems. The author is to be congratulated on being able to turn to the most central concerns of contemporary humanity and demonstrate how the eternal and yet timely message of the Word of God provides the deepest answers to predicaments with which men and women of thought and discernment are confronted today."

Sulayman S. Nyang

"Dr. Louay Safi has written a book that deserves immediate attention and is a must read for both the academic and general readers. The book opens a new way of relating Islamic beliefs and values to the demands of modern life."

Charles E. Butterworth

"Louay Safi's meditations or short essays about the message of the Qur'an perform a needed service today. They set forth clearly and gently the core teachings of this important book and show how important it is to put bewildering passages into their literary and historical context so as to make sense of them. Safi's explanatory exposition of themes in the Qur'an shows clearly why it appeals to so many and why all of us, regardless of our religious orientation, need to become acquainted with its enduring teachings."