Customer Reviews

Heart of the Koran (Quest Book)

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An excellent book written with love and insight.

In order to make the decision whether or not to buy this book, it's important to understand what it is and what it is not.

First of all, it is not a translation of the Quran. Nor is it strictly speaking "tafsir" - explanatory commentary which accompanies the Quranic text in the form of "footnotes". Rather it is a series of interpretative meditations on selected verses from the Quran (not all the verses) - which take the form of recasting the verses themselves.

Second, it was written with a particular "non traditional" perspective. While Lex Hixon was trained as a scholar in comparative religions with a Ph. D from Columbia, this is really not the critical factor in the construction and value of the book. Rather it is his background as a mystic, expressed in one form through his membership in the Havleti-Jerrahi Sufi Order - of which he became a Sheikh, though it is clear from other of his works that Hixon was comfortable in other traditions. (Please note this is not meant to imply that Hixon was not Muslim. He is clearly very committed to Islam both in the book and in his life).

Typically mystics understand their faith through direct experience of the Divine rather than through scholastic or philosophic reasoning. As a result, mystics often express their insights in forms which are disturbing to more traditional minded of their co-religionists. For example, Hixon states that Hell is not an eternal punishment, but rather a transitory cleansing state. There are other of his views which may be equally disturbing to his co-religionists who will have an equal commitment and love for Islam but approach it from another non mystical viewpoint.

The point of all this is that if you are looking for a close translation of the Quran or a description of "orthodox" Islam then this is probably not the book for you.

If, however, you are interested in understanding the mystic strand within Islam, then this is definitely the book. Hixon writes with great love for Islam and with great insight. It would be useful to read this book in conjunction with his work. "Coming Home the Experience of Enlightenment in Sacred Traditions" to see how the mystic experience cuts across various religious traditions.

I have been on a powerful spiritual journey for about 10 years now, at least that I noticed consciously. I was born a Muslim, but in my intellectual stage of growth became somewhat agnostic. God however had other ideas for me, and in sometimes subtle, sometimes astounding ways He has not only proven his existence to me but has continually blessed me with pointing me toward readings which answer my questions at the time of asking. This book came to me when I was feeling like God's laws didn't make sense anymore. I had been watching Oprah,and Gary Zukav was on speaking about things and said :we were not here to be judged, but to learn and grow. THis was very unsettling to me because it was conflicting with what I was taught, but it resonated so much within me. I was in spiritual crisis of sorts. Shortly after stewing over this in my mind, I "found" this book, and it was the answer to my prayers. All beliefs came together and made sense again, and I have started performing salat more regularly for the first time. Alhamdullillah, I was blessed to find it, and I hope others will find the Peace which I found within its pages.

This book was exactly what I was looking for. As an American Muslim, sometimes the esoteric meaning is hard to find or interpret reading scripture alone. This book has been most helpful. There is a saying that after you have completely digested the book, you won't need it anymore. I still need it. I loved it.

Lex Hixon composed meditations on some verses (Ayat) from each chapter (Sura) of the Quran. "Heart of the Koran" covers 991 of the 6666 verses of the Muslim's Holy Book, that the author thinks are essential verses. I did not find this book instantly appealing. Partly because I am not used to reading this type of mystical prose and I don't really have a taste for it. Looking beyond the mystical language, I did find many inspiring and unique interpretations of the verses. I think the best way to advice you about this book is to give you a taste of it, then you can find out for yourself whether you like it or not. I will quote the translation of Chapter 1 in the Koran called "The Opening" (Al-Fatihah), as it appears in Mohammad Asad's English translation of the Quran (the Message of the Qur'an) followed by Lex Hexon's meditation on this chapter, which is titled "The Direct Path".

The Opening
(1) In The Name Of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser Of Grace (2) All praise is due to God alone, the Sustainer of all the worlds, (3) The Most Gracious, The Dispenser Of Grace, (4) Lord of the Day of Judgment! (5) Thee alone do we worship; and unto thee alone do we turn for aid. (6) Guide us the straight way- (7) the way of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, not of who have been condemned [by Thee], nor of those who go astray!

The Direct Path
My beloved Mohammad, please inspire My precious human beings to affirm with their entire being the Majestic Name, Allah Most High, who is the Ultimate Source now speaking through as tender Mercy and sublime Love. Please teach humanity to pray this way: " Spontaneous praise arising from the hearts and minds of all beings flows toward Allah alone, the Ever-Present Source and Goal of Being, Who sustains and cherishes every being, the Source of Love who over-flows constantly with compassion and forgiveness. The Supreme Source brings all conscious beings to their Day of Truth, their homecoming into the Radiance of Allah. To Allah alone, as the Source of Being, can living beings truly offer their entire being. From Allah alone, as the Source of Power and Love, can true strength and guidance be received. Most precious Allah, You alone teach human beings to turn consciously toward their own True Source. This is the direct path of Islam, revealed through all the Prophets and courageously taken by all the lovers of Love who follow the Call of Love directly to the Source of Love. This is not one of the mundane paths that wander through creation, taken by those who heedlessly turn away from the Source of Creation."

It is very difficult to understand, I've read much better translations