The Qur'an: An Introduction (The Foundations of Islam) - Hardcover

[A] masterful exposition of the sacred book's content, format and literary style, the history of its interpretation, and its relevance to a host of contemporary issues. . . This book will provide a gateway to intercultural understanding and a deeper appreciation of the world's diverse spiritual heritage. --Mark Juergensmeyer, Professor of Sociology at the University of California, editor of A Handbook of Global Religion, and President of the American Academy of Religion

Those who seek an explanation of what Muslim readers look for in the Qur'an will find this introduction to be a useful and rewarding text. --Carl Ernst, William R. Kenan, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies, University of North Carolina

With a concern for both context and relevance, Anna Gade's lucidly written work presents an accessible introduction to the Qur'an, intricately exploring the text within the compass of traditional perceptions of its form and content --Department of the Languages and Cultures of the Near and Middle East, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

Explaining the language and the major themes of the Qur'an, its unique literary structure, and its alleged "inimitability", Gade highlights how it seamlessly weaves together law, narrative, description and parable. With extensive extracts, illustrations, and detailed insights into its textual history, The Qur'an: An Introduction helps those coming to the translated text for the first time and it explains the unique issues that Qur'anic translation raises. Exploring how a huge variety of topics are dealt with in the Qur'an, from gender and conflict, to mysticism, and even ecological crisis, both students and general readers will find this an invaluable primer.