Understanding the Qur'an: Themes and Style (London Qur'an Studies)

A first rate companion to support an enhanced understanding of the brilliance and depth of The Quran.

It's simply written yet the ideas are equally as challenging, but your never left on your own, the explanations are beautiful.. it's gripping and has really changed my opinion about some texts. Extremely positive and enlightening view of the Kuran. I know how to read Arabic, yet do not understand, this has given me a lovely intro to the complicated suras

This is an excellent companion to the Quran. It’s appropriate for a beginner but also highlights important and interesting translation issues. There are some very important discussions on topic such as the so called ‘verse of the sword’ and tolerance which bring much needed clarity to bear. I’ve been reading Abdel Haleem’s translation of the Quran and rate his understanding of Arabic highly. So much misunderstanding and confusion in Islam comes just from translation errors which can lead people down very unhelpful paths of understanding. Rectification of terms is the groundwork on which understanding is built and the book goes along way to aiding in this process. Have just ordered his other work on the Quran to further my knowledge of this remarkable text.

In this book Muhammad Abdel Haleem gives fascinating insights into the issues he faced in the writing of his recent new translation of the Quran from Arabic into English. As such, it makes for a very interesting read both for Muslims and for linguists of all faith backgrounds and none.

As a student of knowledge, and one who is interested in learning about world theologies, I recently read the Holy Qur'an from beginning to end, to discover for myself what it contained, its style of writing, its story-arch and meaning, and what it really teaches. It was a satisfying experience, particularly when the translation from Arabic to English was delivered in such an exquisite way. Obviously I am aware that many Muslims will state that the original Arabic cannot be adequately rendered into any other language due to its unique ability to convey many meanings in one sentence, but, in my humble opinion, I think that Muhammed Abdel Haleem has produced a contemporary translation of the Qur'an that is both enjoyable to read, and easy to comprehend. Thus.......purchasing this book, 'Understanding the Qur'an: Themes and Style' I felt was the next, natural progression, and I was not disappointed. In fact, I would recommend that all persons out there that are wishing to read the Holy Qur'an for the first time, much like myself, will find this book to be a natural companion in regards to further explaining the background, overview, and stylistic writing style that is evident throughout the Qur'an itself. My only caution would be this: without firstly reading the Qur'an itself, one might be a little unappreciative of what this book is trying to convey to the reader, as I would say that this publication lends itself more to the description of, 'companion' rather than, 'stand-alone' in a description of its purpose. Otherwise, an excellent purchase, written with the same fluent, easy-to-understand style, that I found in the footnotes that M. A. Haleem has included in his translation of the Qur'an, recommended, if your interest in world faiths has led you in this direction.

M.A Haleem is a great scholar and unbiased theologian who opens the world of Islam to everyone. Particularly those who have had a negative experience through the media's global representation of Islam over the past 20 odd years...This should be read by anyone even remotely inquisitive in Islam (including other scholars and imams at mosques) as it deals with the most controversial themes that the popular media and heretics, within Islam and who claim knowledge of Islam, seem to wrongly have consensus on through out the world.

I am not a Muslim, but I have always been interested in and fascinated by Islam. This book offers a fantastic introduction to the Holy Book, dispelling false myths and incorrect past interpretations. I find this element especially important given the current political issues - this makes it an important book for everybody. I also appreciated the many parallels between Christian and Quranic scriptures when it comes to events/people registered in both- it was actually quite moving to see who many things there are in common, despite the different religious outlook. A fantastic experience.

Full of insight for all people and particularly useful in addressing common misconceptions.

Understanding the Quran is intended to help the general reader,and also the scholar,to understand the Muslim scripture by combining a number of approaches thematic,stylistic and comparative .

Le livre décrit l'organisation du coran en terme de thème et de style. Très intéressant et bien expliqué.

The book arrived within days of the order. It was new, as described.

I really liked this book. it carried new and great revelations even for someone who claimed to understand a few things about the Quran like myself.

Professor Abdul Haleem has transformed the way Quran Translation should be made. It is much more easier to read and greatly extends the understanding when Arabic is not your main language.