The Koran For Dummies [Paperback]

Sohaib Sultan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 4, 2004

With the current turmoil in the Middle East, there is a growing interest about Islam—the world’s second largest religion and one of the fastest growing—and its holy book, the Koran (or Qur’an). Now, with this easy-to-follow, plain-English guide, you can explore the history, structure, and basic tenets of Islam’s sacred scripture.

The Koran For Dummies is for non-Muslims interested in the Koran as well as Muslims looking to deepen their understanding. Islamic scholar Sohaib Sultan provides a clear road map, revealing:

• The meaning of Koran and its basic message
• The Koran’s place in history and in Islamic spiritual life
• Explanations of its language, structure, and narrative style
• How to live by the Koran’s teachings
• The Koran’s role in key global issues, such as Jihad vs. terrorism
• Different interpretations of the Koran

No other book provides such a straightforward look at what the Koran says, how it says it, and how believers live according to its guidance. From how the Koran was received by Mohammed and how it was compiled to how it’s interpreted by Islam’s two main branches, you’ll see how to put the Islamic faith in perspective.

Plus, you’ll discover:

• What the Koran really says about women and civil law
• How Islam relates to Judaism and Christianity
• The Koran’s view of God, prophets, mankind, and the self
• How its teachings are lived and recited every day by devout Muslims
• Common misconceptions of the Koran
• How to raise a family the Koranic way

Complete with lists of important passages, Koranic terminology, famous quotes, and further reading resources, The Koran For Dummies makes it easy and enjoyable for you to grasp the teachings and significance of Islam's holy book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“…I was quickly humbled by this guide, which showed me how much I had misunderstood.  I would recommend this to anyone interested in Islam…”  (Catholic Herald, 26 November 2004)

The Qur'an's overall context of hostility to those who disbelieve in Mohammed's prophecy is downplayed in one forthcoming book, The Koran for Dummies by Sohaid Sultan. Under the heading "Discovering the Basic Messages of the Koran," Sultan lists as Mohammed's basic themes "The unity of God," "Worship and service to God," "Prophets to teach and guide," "Completion of past revelations," "Guidance to a spiritual path," "Movement for social change," "Accountability of deeds." All of which sounds pretty harmless—nothing about making war on unbelievers. (Publishers Weekly, May 10, 2004)

"...provides an introduction to Islam's holy book." (Publishers Weekly, February 9, 2004)

From the Back Cover

See what the Koran says about women, family, and law

Grasp the wisdom and power of Islam’s sacred Scripture

Want to understand the Koran? This straightforward guide explains what the Koran says, how it says it, and how believers live according to its guidance. From how the Koran was revealed to Mohammad to how the Book relates to today’s world, you’ll see how to put the Islamic faith in perspective.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Discover:

• How Islam relates to other faiths
• What the Koran says about God, prophets, humankind, and the self
• The Koran’s teachings on morality
• Common misconceptions about the Koran

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (June 4, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764555812
• ISBN-13: 978-0764555817
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #120,871 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Quran

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars To be considered very carefully., March 13, 2006

By 

Jeffrey D. Joseph (Leesburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Koran For Dummies (Paperback)

This books gives an insight into the Qu'ran and the Islamic religion. It is broken into sections that explain various aspects of life using the spritual and life practice guidance of the Koran. The author repeatly explains that the laws and language of the Koran is misinterpreted yet one cannot help but feel he is rationalizing. Still, I believe we get a good sense of Islamic law and the Koran, and frankly, some of the core concepts make much sense as the true words brought forth by Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed. I have bought a translation of the Qu'ran and following the reading of Dummies, will begin to tackle it. I would suggest to readers to find other sources to compare and contrast opinions; The complexities of the Islamic tradition need to be examined through the eyes of more than one source.

66 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Good., September 2, 2004

By 

Waseem (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Koran For Dummies (Paperback)

I saw this book on my sister's desk and casually picked it not expecting much from a "for dummies" type book. However, I was quite pleased by the surprising quality of this book. I've read many of the intro to Islam and Quran type books, and would have to say this is probably the best, and it clearly beats out and of the other "for Dummies," "for Idiot's," "for beginners," etc, books on Islam.

Sohaib Sultan manages to not only introduce basic concepts about Islam and the Quran, but he takes the reader through many deeper and more complicated issues - all without sacrificing an ounce of clarity or readability. What emerges is an engaging, readable, and surprisingly in depth survey of Islam. The book is also remarkably through and even-handed. Flip through it at the bookstore (or using the "look inside" feature), my guess is you'll be impressed - something that will likely only increase when you read the author's bio and see that he was only 23 when he finished the book.

30 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Helpful Introduction To The Qu'ran, March 15, 2008

By 

Chris Luallen (Nashville, Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Koran For Dummies (Paperback)

I attempted to read the Qu'ran on my own a few years back and found it to be one of the most difficult and incomprehensible texts I have ever encountered. Besides the difficulty of translating 7th century Arabic to English, the Qu'ran does not follow a linear narrative such as most Westerners are used to. But instead has its own method of organization and logic which Sohaib Sultan does an excellent job of explaining. So this book does serve as a helpful guide to understanding the Qu'ran, though most Westerners will still likely find the Qu'ran a hard book to comprehend. But, of course, the Bible has it's challenges as well.

Sultan is a moderate American Muslim and clearly intends to present the Qu'ran and Islam in the most positive light. But he is also honest about some of the harsher aspects of what the Qu'ran says that are difficult for most non-Muslims to accept. For instance, the Qu'ran prescribes the amputation of one or both hands for thieves and execution by stoning for several other crimes including murder, rape and even adultery. The Qu'ran also strictly forbids alcohol, gambling and pork.

The Bible contains some similarly extreme punishments for homosexuals, adulterers and others as well as an even stricter code of dietary regulations. But while many modern Jews and Christians are inclined to interpret the Bible metaphorically, virtually all orthodox Muslims believe the Qu'ran to the perfect and indisputable word of God for all times and all circumstances. The Qu'ran also places much emphasis on the Day Of Judgement, when the righteous will go to Paradise while the wicked are left to suffer the agonies of Hell, which the Qu'ran decribes in lengthy and often very gory detail. To his credit, Sultan does state that all this is part of the Islamic belief system though he does accentuate the merciful and benevolent aspects of God who is always willing to forgive those who give up their sinful ways and follow the righteous path of Islam. In this respect Islam and Christianity are similar.

Most Muslims are moderate in their political beliefs and its only a small percentage of fanatics who make up terroist groups such as Al-Qaeda. But because of Islam's insistence on a strict, literal interpretation of the Qu'ran most orthodox Muslims are inherently "fundamentalist" and thus committed to following the beliefs and social norms of 7th century Arabia. Obviously, this makes it more difficult for many Muslims to adjust to modern life and especially the concept of a secular, democractic society which includes the separation of Church and State.

With over one billion Muslims worldwide it is essential that Islam and the West find some common ground where all will be able to live in peace and mutual respect. This is, of course, a tremendously difficult challenge. But one that must be accomplished.