An Anthology of Qur'anic Commentaries: Volume 1: On the Nature of the Divine (Qur'anic Studies Series) - Softcover

a sumptuous book that is copiously annotated and immensely rewarding for the reader...This anthology is as rich, if not richer, than any single tafsir work in the original Arabic, and provides an unparalleled journey through the entire gamut of Qur'anic commentaries. I eagerly await the next volume. (Scott C. Lucas. Journal of Shi'a Islamic Studies.)

A remarkable and unique contribution to the field of Qur'anic research and scholarship in English language...I recommend this book to all students and scholars of the Qur'an. (Muhammad Khan. The Muslim News)

superb collection ... Over and above the consistently high quality of the individual contributions, a major strength of Suleman's collection is its breadth of chronological and geographic coverage ... With a useful glossary, and generous bibliography, this volume definitely belongs in all university libraries supporting comprehensive art history, comparative religion, and Islamic Studies programs. (John Renard, Religion and the Arts)

a significant advance in the burgeoning field of Tafsir studies ... This anthology is the resuly of a careful process of deliberation and insightful judgements. The meticulousness of the editors is apparent in every aspect of the book. The selections are extensive, the translations read well and are faithful to the Arabic original. (Walid A. Saleh, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies)

[a] superbly presented and valuable effort (Gibril Fouad Haddad, Journal of Islamic Studies)

this volume is a stunning achievement, whose breadth and depth successfully demonstrate the extraordinary diversity of the faith from its very earliest, formative years through to the present. As such, the editors, and Oxford University Press and the Ismaili Institute are to be congratulated and thanked for the service this contribution renders both the specialist and layperson alike. (Andrew J. Newman, Journal of Qur'anic Studies)

This pioneering volume, the first in a series, presents a plurality of voices, methods and concerns in Qur'anic interpretation ranging from the 8th century to the present day. No previous work has drawn on such a comprehensive range of commentaries and covered such a wide spectrum of theological approaches.
On the Nature of the Divine analyses the works of Sunni, Shi'i, Ibadi, Mu'tazili, and Sufi commentators on six Qur'anic verses, revealing varied approaches to the scripture and its meaning. In their attempts to discern God's nature, the commentators inevitably introduce their theological concerns. Contextual introductions and annotated translations allow the reader to follow the genesis of key intellectual debates and religio-political attitudes still relevant to the lives of Muslims today. This combination of previously untranslated texts and extensive annotation provides an invaluable and innovative contribution to the field of Islamic Studies.