Introducing the Qur'an
For Today's Reader
- World Religions
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2011
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Publisher's Description
Watch John Kaltner discuss his new book, Introducing the Qur'an Find more videos like this on Fortress Forum Award-winning professor John Kaltner's new work offers a general introduction and orientation to the Qur'an. It surveys the origin, structure, contents, study, and use of Islam's sacred text. Offering selective rather than comprehensive coverage, the work allows for discussion and analysis of specific themes and issues of interest to modern readers. Following an introduction that describes and situates how the Qur'an is both studied and experienced, Kaltner's book takes up the following themes by chapter to foster a contemporary understanding and appreciation of the Qur'an: the natural environment, Muslim life, gender and sexuality, non-Muslims and the Other, jihad, war and peace, and life after death. Significant passages from the Qur'an are identified and analyzed, with a special focus on how modern scholars, both Muslim and non-Muslim, understand them. Kaltner intersperses his book with numerous photographs and textboxes to emphasize and highlight important elements of the Qur'an, its history, and its relevance to contemporary life. Check out the audio glossary on the Student tab to hear the author pronounce the Arabic words!
Endorsements (4)
“Accessible, timely, informative—a valuable introduction to Islam.”
“This splendid book introduces the Qur'an to the curious and the serious. Kaltner's book is enjoyable read straight through or used as a reference, and it answers many of the questions I had about the Qur'an, even some I hadn't yet thought of. Kaltner's treatment of religious differences is characterized by sensitivity and tolerance. This will be the first place I turn to get basic information about the Qur'an.”
“"Kaltner's book offers a critical reading of the text of the Qur'an covering many of the common themes in Islam's scripture and providing an in–depth analysis of each theme. The book is organized in an accessible format and is free of jargon—an asset for the modern western reader.”
“Kaltner wonderfully captures the Qur'an's profound beauty, complex theology, intricate ritual practices, and intimate ordering of social relations for a contemporary audience by shrewdly exploring such diverse themes as creation, love, gender, and jihād. Within these presentations he touches upon common human questions, beliefs, and desires. Introducing the Qur'an offers a timely, knowledgeable, and accessible view into a scripture whose message and meaning so often eludes a Western audience, as our current political discourse has sadly shown.”
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