Interpreting the Qur'an

Publisher Description

This book guides readers through the Qur'an by reordering its chapters into a continuous narrative. Post 9/11, sales of translations of the Qur'an have rocketed. 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. Furthermore, 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" attempts 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, guiding readers through the whole of the Qur'an, and reordering its chapters to create a framework that untangles and de-perplexes its seemingly unconnected content by placing its chapters and verses into a continuous narrative. 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.