The Quran with Christian Commentary

“Nickel reads the Quran primarily as a rhetorical text engaged in polemics, mostly against Jews and Christians. His reading is done largely through the lens of – and to some extent in response to – classical Muslim exegesis, though he does not often refer to the classical occasions of the revelation as the Quran’s exclusive historical setting. This, in my view, is very commendable, for it allows him to adopt a fresh reading of the text. He does, nevertheless, often assume this classical rhetorical reading, and in this sense his commentary is often a response to classical interpretation. Nickel’s reading resists the temptation of being driven by a polemical agenda, and indeed he allows himself to be positively surprised by the Quran’s primary meaning, even when he shows awareness of more classical polemical readings. By doing so, Nickel reflects a desire to discern in the Quran a more positive and apologetic stance towards earlier scriptures and their recipients, removing himself from a negative polemic. By doing so, he is, in my view, imminently fair to the text. The occasional articles on specific issues, interspersed throughout his commentary, such as on the tampering with the scriptures, jihad, apocryphal references in the Quran, the death of Jesus, manuscripts of the Quran, or the Quran’s language of love, are useful to varying degrees. Some contain a more polemical edge than others, reflecting more or less faithfulness to the spirit of the Quran. Overall, Nickel’s Christian commentary on the Quran is a very helpful work that offers the contemporary English reader a useful entry into a text that can otherwise appear as rather opaque to the uninitiated.”

Martin Accad

“This admirably comprehensive commentary explains the contents of the Quran to non-Muslim readers. In analyzing and interpreting key verses and passages that address the “People of the Book,” namely Christians and Jews, Gordon Nickel, along with his team of top-ranking scholars, brilliantly opens up the varied historical contexts, meanings, and implications of the Quran to a wider readership. Muslims and non-Muslims alike will benefit immensely from the erudition and exegesis that this commentary manifests, resulting in a more accurate understanding of how Islam fundamentally stands apart from the other Abrahamic faiths.”

Grant Havers

“for Christians to appear this year. This translation of the Quran contains commentary by Gordon Nickel, a foremost scholar of Islam who lived among Muslims for many years. The commentary is immensely informed, fair, and accessible. Every class on Islam ought to use this text.”

Gerald R. McDermott

“In this landmark study, Dr. Nickel carefully explains the meaning of the text of the Quran for non-Muslim readers. Dr. Nickel is a highly respected authority on the Quran, and his knowledge of its content, historical context, and the history of its interpretation by Muslim commentators is astounding. He writes with a gracious respect for the Quran and for Muslims, but he also raises important questions for thoughtful readers to consider. This is a treasure trove of information and insight, and it will undoubtedly become the standard work on the subject for years to come.”

Harold Netland

“Gordon D. Nickel’s Christian commentary on the Quran fills a gap in the Christian book market, allowing non-Arabic speakers to get deep insight into the contents and theology of the Quran. All 114 surahs of the Quran are translated and commented on with a focus on quranic statements about Christianity. This much-desired work is the fruit of a life-long study of Islam and interaction with Muslim friends – a must-have for all who aim at obtaining a deeper understanding of Islam and engaging with Muslims.”

Christine Schirrmacher

“In this commentary on the scripture of Islam, Gordon Nickel has performed a great service for Christians who wish to know about Islam. The Quran presents distinctive accounts of stories familiar from the Bible and directly denies fundamental Christian doctrines. Nickel’s unfailingly respectful yet unmistakably Christian responses present the similarities and differences between the quranic and biblical traditions with unflinching directness. He has produced a reliable and accessible resource for both students studying the Quran and general readers.”

David Thomas