How to Read the Qur'an
A New Guide, with Select Translations
Published on 28. February 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-0-7486-5070-5 (ISBN)
Description
With new translations of 725 verses, this compact introduction and reader's guide to the Qur'an gives non-Arabic speakers the most precise translations available together with the tools they need to understand the text. It deals with sensitive issues regarding the interpretation of sacred texts and helps students to understand the differing points of view and major debates. A substantial explanatory introduction summarises the historical and literary issues and engages with the religious and political context of understanding the Qur'an today, including an appreciation of the ritual and oral uses of text.
Reviews / Votes
This book is aimed at University students, particularly those working in Islamic Studies and Comparative Religion, digesting the main current scholarship on the Qur'an, as well as a wider (non-Muslim) audience...Ernst's structural and literary analyses provide thought-provoking reflections on the Qur'anic text and his literary approach to the Qur'an has a great many merits. Most importantly, Ernst's analysis reveals the complex literary nature of the Qur'an, bringing out the nuances and complex internal interactions within the Qur'anic suras.' -- Stephen R. Burge * British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, Vol 42, No 4 * This elegant guide on how to read and understand the text sacred to Muslims ... clearly explains several scholarly concepts behind Qur'anic understanding ... and the interweaving and symmetrical structure of the book. * Publishers Weekly * Outstanding, timely and much needed.'Amir Hussain, Professor of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University 'A very well-written, remarkably accessible, timely and important book. It is sure to be ready widely.' Muhammad Qasim Zaman, Robert H. Niehaus '77 Professor of Near Eastern Studies and Religion, Princeton University -- Amir Hussain/Muhammad Qasim Zaman This elegant guide on how to read and understand the text sacred to Muslims ... clearly explains several scholarly concepts behind Qur'anic understanding ... and the interweaving and symmetrical structure of the book. -- Publishers WeeklyMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
8 black and white illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
444 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7486-5070-5 (9780748650705)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Carl W. Ernst is a W.R. Kenan Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and Director of the Carolina Center for the Study of Middle East and Muslim Civilizations at UNC Global. He is author of several books including Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World (EUP, 2004), Sufi Martyrs of Love (Palgrave, 2002) and Teachings of Sufism (Shambhala Publications, 1999).
Content
Acknowledgements; Introduction: The Problem with Reading the Qur'an; 1: The History and the Form of the Qur'an and the Practices of Reading; 2: Early Meccan Suras; 3: Middle and Later Meccan Suras; 4: Medinan Suras; Conclusion: Toward a Literary Reading of the Qur'an; Appendix A: Reading the Structure of the Meccan Suras; Appendix B: Ring Structure in Sura 2 and Sura 5; Appendix C: Suggested Interpretive Exercises; Notes; Suggested Reading; Index of Scriptural Citations; General Index.