Interpreting the Qur'an : a guide for the uninitiated / Clinton Bennett.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Bennett, Clinton.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Qurʼan--Introductions.

Qurʼan.

Qurʼan--Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Qurʼan--Paraphrases, English.

Genre:

Introductions.

Physical Description:

xi, 157 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : Continuum, [2010]

Summary:

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 complex passages easier to understand by discussing context, history and different interpretations, and by 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. This is the ideal companion for those approaching the Qur'an and Islam for the first time.

Contents:

Introduction : the Qur'an, the prophet and the community

The prophet's call

The Qur'an on God, humanity and itself

The community takes shape

The community consolidates

Conclusion : the Qur'an in Muslim life and practice with final thoughts.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780826499431

9780826499448

0826499430

0826499449

OCLC:

277204353