The Qur'an: An Introduction

by Abdullah Saeed

Overview

There is much more to the Qur'an than the selective quotations favoured by Islamic fundamentalists. This book provides a student-friendly guide to the many ways in which the Qur'an can be read.

Designed for both Muslims and Western non-Muslim students, it examines the Qur'an in Western scholarship as well as giving an overview of the rich interpretive traditions from the time of the Prophet Muhammad to the present day.

This guide is a concise introduction to all aspects of the Qur'an: history, understanding and interpretation, providing:

• coverage of both pre-modern and modern periods
• plenty of examples to illustrate key points and aid student understanding
• summaries, timelines and a glossary.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415421256
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/24/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	284
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Abdullah Saeed is Sultan of Oman Professor of Arab & Islamic Studies and Director, Centre for the Study of Contemporary Islam at the University of Melbourne, Australia. His previous works include Islamic Thought (2006) and Interpreting the Qur'an (2005) both published by Routledge.

Table of Contents

Introduction Part 1 1. The Qur’an in Context 2. The Prophet, Prophesy and Revelation 3. The Qur’an as a ‘Book’ Part 2 4. The Qur’an and other Scriptures 5. The Qur’an and Western Scholarship 6. Translations of the Qur’an Part 3 7. The Qur’an and Traditions of the Prophet 8. Principles of Understanding the Qur’an 9. Early Interpretation of the Qur’an 10. Approaches to Interpretation Today 11. Epilogue 12. Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

'Saeed's Introduction is an excellent work for students and general readers who are seeking a well-written and sympathetic introduction to the Qur'an that does not avoid the critical questions that feature in contemporary scholarship. The book provides a comprehensive view of both what the Qur'an says and how Muslims have interacted with the text during history. The full power of the Qur'anic text is conveyed along with the diversity of reactions to it in both olden and modern times. Overall Saeed has provided us with a valuable classroom tool that is both accessible and informative.' - Andrew Rippin, University of Victoria, author of Muslims: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices

'It is ideal as a text for serious academic work on the Qur'an. Summing up: Highly recommended.' - Choice

From the Publisher