Interpreting the Qur'an: A Guide for the Uninitiated [Paperback]

Clinton Bennett (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0826499449 | ISBN-13: 978-0826499448 | Publication Date: December 15, 2009 | Edition: 1

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. >

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book introduces students to the Qur'anic text by relating it to the life of Prophet Muhammad and the development of the first Muslim community in the early seventh century. An interesting and relevant approach that will help the uninitiated make sense of this extremely complex text." -- Abdullah Saeed, Sultan of Oman Professor of Arab and Islamic Studies and Director of the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia

"Bennett seeks to elucidate, de-perplex and illuminate Muslim scripture, but also to help strangers acquire an appreciate and even love for it. He proceeds partly by highlighting some particularly powerful passages and metaphors, but also by placing the verses into their historical, cultural, religious, and political contexts. His introduction looks at the Qur'an, the Prophet, and the community. Then chapters cover the Qur'an on God, humanity, and itself; the community takes shape; and the community consolidates. A conclusion explores the Qur'an in Muslim life and practice." -Eithne O'Leyne, BOOK NEWS, Inc.

"This is a carefully conceived work, sensitive to Muslim perspectives on the Qur'an, although as a matter of principle Bennett always offers his independent judgment when questions of interpretation are involved. This volume can be commended especially to newcomers to the Qur'an and to those who have found it a difficult text. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic and public libraries, lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers, general readers."
-M. Swartz, CHOICE, September 2010

“This book introduces students to the Qur'anic text by relating it to the life of Prophet Muhammad and the development of the first Muslim community in the early seventh century. An interesting and relevant approach that will help the uninitiated make sense of this extremely complex text.” – Abdullah Saeed, Sultan of Oman Professor of Arab and Islamic Studies and Director of the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia

About the Author

Clinton Bennett teaches Religious Studies at the State University of New York at New Paltz, and at Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY, USA.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Continuum; 1 edition (December 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826499449
• ISBN-13: 978-0826499448
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,115,708 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Clinton Bennett was awarded the PhD in Islamic Studies by Birmingham University in 1990. He also holds the M.Ed. from Oxford and his undergraduate degree in Theology from Manchester University. He is a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and of the Royal Anthropological Institute and uses ethnography in his research. He is especially interested in how sensitive but critical issues in Religious Studies can be explored without causing offense to religious insiders. He is a specialist in the study of Islam with a focus on modern Muslim thinkers and movements. An ordained Baptist minister, he has worked as a missionary in Bangladesh, as co-pastor of a multi-racial inner city congregation, on the staff of the British Council of Churches and as a College and University chaplain and teacher. He has written nine books. He has combined academic study of Islam with participation in interfaith dialogue, serving on several World Council of Churches committees. He has advised local mosques, chaired school governing bodies and represented an NGO at the UN. He currently teaches at the State University of New York at New Paltz. His homepage is www.clintonbennett.net