Interpreting the Qur'an: A Guide for the Uninitiated

by Clinton Bennett

Overview

Post 9/11, sales of translations of the Qur'an have greatly increased. Students and general readers alike are increasingly interested in the sacred writings of Islam. But the Qur'an can often make difficult reading. It lacks continuous narrative, and different types of material dealing with different topics are often found in the same chapter. Also, readers often attempt to read the book from start to finish and without any knowledge of the life and experiences of both Muhammad and the community of Islam. Introductions to the Qur'an attempt to make interpretation of these complex scriptures easier by discussing context, history and different interpretations, and presenting selective textual examples.

Bennett's new introduction takes a fresh approach to studying the Qur'an. By reordering parts of the Qur'an, placing its chapters and verses into a continuous narrative, the author creates a framework that untangles and elucidates its seemingly unconnected content. Through this new approach the reader will come to understand various aspects of the Qur'an's interpretation, from Muhammad's life, to Muslim conduct and prayer, to legal considerations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826499448
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/15/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Clinton Bennett teaches Religious Studies at the State University of New York at New Paltz,
USA.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Qur'an, The Prophet and the Community

1. The Prophet's Call

2. The Qur'an on God Humanity and Itself

3. The Community Takes Shape

4. The Community Consolidates

Conclusion: The Qur'an in Muslim Life and Practice with Final Thoughts
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

"This book introduces students to the Qur'anic text by relating it to the life of Prophet Muhammad and the development of the first Muslim community in the early seventh century. An interesting and relevant approach that will help the uninitiated make sense of this extremely complex text." - Abdullah Saeed, Sultan of Oman Professor of Arab and Islamic Studies and Director of the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia

"Bennett seeks to elucidate, de-perplex and illuminate Muslim scripture, but also to help strangers acquire an appreciate and even love for it. He proceeds partly by highlighting some particularly powerful passages and metaphors, but also by placing the verses into their historical, cultural, religious, and political contexts. His introduction looks at the Qur'an, the Prophet, and the community. Then chapters cover the Qur'an on God, humanity, and itself; the community takes shape; and the community consolidates. A conclusion explores the Qur'an in Muslim life and practice." -Eithne O'Leyne, BOOK NEWS, Inc.

"This is a carefully conceived work, sensitive to Muslim perspectives on the Qur'an, although as a matter of principle Bennett always offers his independent judgment when questions of interpretation are involved. This volume can be commended especially to newcomers to the Qur'an and to those who have found it a difficult text. Summing Up Highly recommended. Academic and public libraries, lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers, general readers."
-M. Swartz, CHOICE, September 2010

From the Publisher