Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations

Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations
by MIchael Sells

Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations
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Book Summary Information

Author: MIchael Sells
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-01-01
ISBN: 1883991692
Number of pages: 236
Publisher: White Cloud Press

Book Reviews of Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations

Book Review: A Wonderful Window into a Complex Spiritual Classic
Summary: 5 Stars

Yes, this is the book that, some years ago, touched off a controversy at the University of North Carolina -- an unfortunate misunderstanding of the importance of this book.

If you're a non-Muslim shopping for something helpful to read about Islam -- and you want to learn about the Quran -- you should realize that this is NOT the entire Quran. Editions of that sacred text in Arabic and English are widely available at bookstores, but they're also provided to visitors at virtually all Muslim centers. And, visiting a mosque or other Muslim center also should be a step in learning about Islam. I am a non-Muslim journalist and I have been welcomed in hundreds of mosques all around the world -- so paying a visit and finding a copy of the Quran is not hard.

What is very difficult for American readers, especially, is understanding the complex poetry of this spiritual classic. Even in an English translation with footnotes, so much context is missing that one would pick up while growing up in a Muslim community and bring to the text.

This book is about understanding that essential context of the Quran and its beautiful, timeless poetry. Among other great concepts in this book is an audio CD that allows you to hear recitations from the Quran -- an absolutely essential step in grasping its power and beauty over so many centuries.

The author is an educator and the book really is ideal for classes or small groups -- whether you're Muslim or not. It's a great choice as a "first book on the Quran" for newcomers -- and a number of Muslim reviewers have pointed out over the years that it's also an eye-opener for many Muslim readers as well.

Personally, I own two copies -- because I often find myself wanting to give away a copy to an inquisitive friend.

Summary of Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations

Approaching the Qur?án is a major event in religious publishing. Professor Michael Sells has captured the complexity, power, and poetry of the early suras of the Qur?án, the sacred scripture of Islam. In this second edition, Sells introduces important new translations of suras and a new preface that addresses the ongoing controversy over teaching about Islam and the Qur?an in American universities. Approaching the Qur?án presents brilliant translations of the short, hymnic suras associated with the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. Most of these early revelations appear at the end of text and are commonly reached only by the most resolute reader of existing English translations. These suras contain some of the most powerful, prophetic and revelatory passages in religious history. They offer the vision of a meaningful and just life that anchors the religion of one-fifth of the world?s inhabitants. Approaching the Qur'án is enriched by inclusion of free downloadable audio recordings of Quranic reciters, allowing readers an opportunity to hear the Qur'án in its original form. The book includes Sells? Introduction to the Qur?án, commentaries of the suras, a glossary of technical terms, and chapters discussing the sound nature and gender aspects of the Arabic text.

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