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ISBN-10: 0-86037-109-3
ISBN-13: 9780860371090
Publisher: Islamic Foundation
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Year: November 1983
Number of pages: 200
Binding: Hardcover
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This classic and popular introduction to the sciences developed to interpret and understand Islam's holy book is ideal for all serious students of the Qur'an. Precise, yet comprehensive, it covers the traditional disciplines, including the meaning and contexts of revelation, the history and transmission of the text, and exegesis, as well as more contemporary topics like the recording of the Qur'an, the history of Orientalist approaches, and a survey of translations. It ends with a guide for the correct recitation of, and etiquette toward, the Qur'an.
reviews
Many Muslims recommended this book to me (as a non-Muslim) and I finally went ahead and got it. It's an excellent book for studying the history of the Quran and how it came to be. The author, a Muslim, is very honest about the Quran's compilation, which happens to not match the typical propaganda stories which are promoted by Muslims all over the world. In this book, he discusses the textual variances in the ancient copies of the Quran and the presence of non-Arabic words found within it's pages. As most of us know, Muslims take great pride in the idea that the Quran is and has always been the exact same way as the present one used today. However, this author is unafraid to state the truth in that there are some textual variants as well as the existence of foreign words found in the Quran (i.e., not purely Arabic). It's a great book for Muslim and non-Muslim alike. It's time to get away from the propaganda and the hype and start being real and honest about Islam and the Quran.
This was one of my setworks while studying Islamic History. I found the book tedious to wade through, and I am sure that there are much better books out there dealing with the same subject matter. Ahadith, etc are dealt with herein, but I found certain statements pertaining to the collection of the Qur'an contradictory to what he had written about a paragraph or two previously. Also, one of the Chapters refers to the Sciences of the Qur'an, but do not be deceived! It pertains to the sciences of HOW to study the Qur'an. Mr Von Denffer also expresses a view that »Science and scientific truths, therefore, cannot be generally accepted as criteria for the … non-human origin of the Qur'an, … «. I think that to ignore the science of creation and the laws governing physics, atrology, astronomy, biology, etc that are contained within the verses of the Qur'an reveals a very shortsighted approach towards studying the Qur'an. All in all, a disappointing study.
As a person who converted to Islam and curious about how the Quran was revealed and compiled, this book answers a lot of questions. Despite the so called bad review from the person before me, this book is very accurate, non contradictory. Any educated Muslim or person interested in Islamic history knows this book is a fine work and a must for those who want to learn more about the Quran. It even presents arguments by the Orientalists (those who study islam who are not muslim) on the Quran.
There have been very few translations in ulum al-Quran from the Arabic sources (books) and this book by Ahmad Von Denffer is one of them. It consists of six chapters, namely:
CHAPTER 1: The Qur'an and Revelation This chapter mainly discusses God's communication with man. How revelation came to previous Messengers, and what are their scriptures. How Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). What is the difference between hadith and Quran.
CHAPTER 2: Transmission of the Qur'anic Revelation This chapter discusses how Quran was memorized by Prophet himself and his companions, and how it was transmitted orally. It also discusses the transmission of the written text and how Quran was collected.
CHAPTER 3: The Qur'an in Manuscript and Print This chapter discusses about the old transcripts of Quran and when it first came to light in print.
CHAPTER 4: Form, Language and Style It discusses division of the text to surah and ayah, and the language and vocabulary used in the text. Style narrative in the Quran. Non-Arabic words in Quran. Literary forms and style.
CHAPTER 5: Understanding the Text It discusses about Makkan and Medinan revelation. Division of the surahs according to this two phases. The reasons of the revelations, sometimes revelations came to specific event and sometimes response to general question … etc Variety of the Modes in reciting Quran.
CHAPTER 6 – Interpreting the Text This chapter deals with Importance of Interpreting the Text (Tafsir). Different kinds of Tafsir. Grades of sources. And basic conditions.
It is a great start in understanding Quran. I would recommend for all english speaking Muslims (non-Muslims) who does not have the opportunity to read the arabic books on this topic.
I agree with the previous review. This is an extremely useful introduction that takes into account traditional and contemporary takes on Islam (though most certainly it is geared for the Muslim). Von Denffer deftly takes the reader through the key sciences and traditions used by Muslims in understanding and interpreting the Qur'an and Sunnah, from tafseer to ahadith even to tajweed. This is a highly useful book for the introductory student and not a bad reference for Islamic historians to keep handy.
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