What The Koran Really Says

This excellent collection of critical commentaries on the Koran brings together outstanding articles by noted scholars from the beginning of the 20th century to recent times. These important studies, as well as the editor's own lengthy introduction, show that little about the text of the Koran can be taken at face value. Among the fascinating topics discussed is evidence that early Muslims did not understand Muhammad's original revelation, that the ninth-century explosion of literary activity was designed to organize and make sense of an often incoherent text, and that much of the traditions surrounding Muhammad's life were fabricated long after his death in an attempt to give meaning to the Koran. Also of interest are suggestions that Coptic and other Christian sources heavily influenced much of the text and that some passages reflect an essential background reaching back to the community of the Dead Sea Scrolls. This valuable compilation will be a welcome resource to interested lay readers and scholars alike.

Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood—especially in the West. Particularly since 9/11, critics of Islam have attacked the faith and attributed violence by extremists to its holy book, the Qur’an. This leaves many people with questions about Islam: How could a so-called religion of peace advocate violence? What does Islam truly say about violence, war, and peace? And how much of what the critics and the extremists claim is true? Does the Qur’an (Koran) Really Say That? attempts to answer such questions by addressing some of the myths, misrepresentations, and misunderstandings often propagated by critics who assert themselves as experts on the faith. Interestingly, this includes extremists who claim to be experts on the faith as well. Author Naqi Elmi offers an analytical and balanced approach in explaining and addressing topics especially related to Islam and issues of peace and violence. To transcend the many misconceptions about Islam, there must be mutual understanding—for we do not have a clash of civilizations, but rather a clash of perceptions. Therefore, for peaceful coexistence, there is a greater need to understand world religions objectively and to explore common ground so we may promote solidarity and world peace.

Forget all those evening news sound bites or diplomatically correct half-truths about the Koran and the religion of Islam. If you want to know what the Koran is really about, you have to know what it really says. Don Richardson gives you a nitty-gritty inside look at the Koran, helping to separate fact from fiction. These hard-hitting observations are not the author's opinion based on what he thinks the Koran seems to imply. Muslim boys are indoctrinated in military camps. Madrasa schools force memorization and repetition of the Koran particularly those verses that promise heavenly rewards for martyrdom. It took courage to write this serious, documented and well-sourced book. But the price of truth is courage, regardless of ones religion.

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.

Those who practice the Muslim faith have resisted examinations of their religion. They are extremely guarded about their religion, and what they consider blasphemous acts by skeptical Muslims and non-Muslims alike has only served to pique the world's curiosity. This critical examination reveals an unflattering picture of the faith and its practitioners. Nevertheless, it is the truth, something that has either been deliberately concealed by modern scholars or buried in obscure journals accessible only to a select few.

Warraq's unique volume points out the advances that have been made in explaining the origins of the Koran and at the same time highlights key questions yet to be answered. Origins of the Koran is an indispensable source book for anyone interested in investigating the historical basis of one of the world's most influential books.

"In a lengthy introduction, Warraq notes that historical and linguistic evidence suggests that there was considerable confusion regarding what should be included in the Koran in the early years of Muslim history. Although the caliph 'Uthman canonized a specific text some fifteen years after the death of Muhammad, variant readings of certain passages have persisted to the present. This can be seen in discrepancies between the two main printed versions of the Koran available today (the Warsh transmission found in West and Northwest Africa and the Hafs transmission, stemming from Kufa - an important center of Koranic scholarship located in Iraq - and widely available through the standard Egyptian edition of 1924). In addition, the Hadith, a revered collection of Muslim secondary literature on the life of Muhammad, discusses missing Koranic verses and even Muhammad's sometimes-faulty memory. Such evidence strongly indicates that the Koran cannot be considered an inerrant revelation."--Back cover

"Understanding the Koran" is a nontechnical, popular introduction that shows the essence of what the mysterious Koran is all about and how it differs from the Bible. This lay-level introduction is designed to help Christians understand the book and the 1.3 billion Muslims who follow it.