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....

Including historical foundations, scripture, society, thought, ethics, rituals, spirituality and aesthetics, this is the ideal study aid for those approaching Islam for the first time. This first volume in the "Studying World Religions" series, this is an essential guide to the study of the Islamic faith. Clearly structured to cover all the major areas of study, including historical foundations, scripture, society, thought, ethics, rituals, spirituality and aesthetics, this is the ideal study aid for those approaching Islam for the first time. Rather than attempting to cover all the material, the critical and methodological issues that students need to grasp in the study of Islam - and religion in general - are drawn out, and the major contemporary debates explored. With helpful suggestions for further study, pointing students towards material such as primary sources (scriptures), films and novels and including ideas for teaching, discussion topics and exercises, "Studying Islam" is the perfect companion for the fledgling student of Islam. A series of introductory guides, books in the "Studying World Religions" series are designed as study aids for those approaching the world's religions for the first time....