Interpreting the Qur'an
Subtitle: a guide for the uninitiated
By: Clinton Bennett.
Publisher: Continuum
Published: 2009
Place of publication: London; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 157
ISBN-13: 9780826499431; 9780826499448
Subjects: Koran -- Introductions; Koran -- Criticism, interpretation, etc; Koran -- Paraphrases, English
Description: "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."--Bloomsbury Publishing.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction: The Qur'an, the prophet, and the community; title: The prophet's call; title: The Qur'an on God, humanity, and itself; title: The community takes shape; title: The community consolidates; title: Conclusion: The Qur'an in Muslim life and practice with final thoughts.