Qur'an in conversation
By: Michael Birkel
Publisher: Baylor University Press
Published: 2014
Language: eng
Number of pages: 282
ISBN-13: 9781481300971
Subjects: Criticism, interpretation; Qurʼan; History
Description: The Qur'an is God's verbatim speech for most traditional Muslims. Qur'an in Conversation reflects how this sacred text of Islam comes into dialogue with the contemporary world through the voices of the eloquent interpreters gathered in this volume. In Qur'an in Conversation, author Michael Birkel engages North American Muslim religious leaders and academics in conversations of scriptural interpretation. Scholars, practicing imams, and younger public intellectuals wrestle with key suras of the Qur'an. Qur'an in Conversation demonstrates a wide spectrum of interpretation and diversity of approaches in reading Islam's scripture. The discussions directly address key issues in Muslim theology-good versus evil, the nature of God, and the future of Islam. Younger North American Muslims read the Qur'an in varied ways; this is analogous to the diverse ways in which Jews and Christians have interpreted their own holy books. Michael Birkel welcomes people of goodwill into a public conversation about the current role of Western Muslims in Islam. Qur'an in Conversation encourages non-specialists and Muslim scholars alike to imagine how the Qur'an will be interpreted among North American Muslims in years to come.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 251-252) and indexes.
Table of contents: title: Knowledge hidden and manifest; title: Close readings, old and new; title: Living tradition; title: Encountering others; title: Contemporary contexts; title: Justice; title: The journey inward; title: Concluding reflections.