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Published:
June 4, 2004

The Koran For Dummies

Overview

With the current turmoil in the Middle East, there is a growing interest about Islam—the world’s second largest religion and one of the fastest growing—and its holy book, the Koran (or Qur’an). Now, with this easy-to-follow, plain-English guide, you can explore the history, structure, and basic tenets of Islam’s sacred scripture.

The Koran For Dummies is for non-Muslims interested in the Koran as well as Muslims looking to deepen their understanding. Islamic scholar Sohaib Sultan provides a clear road map, revealing:

  • The meaning of Koran and its basic message
  • The Koran’s place in history and in Islamic spiritual life
  • Explanations of its language, structure, and narrative style
  • How to live by the Koran’s teachings
  • The Koran’s role in key global issues, such as Jihad vs. terrorism
  • Different interpretations of the Koran

No other book provides such

a straightforward look at what the Koran says, how it says it, and how believers live according to its guidance. From how the Koran was received by Mohammed and how it was compiled to how it’s interpreted by Islam’s two main branches, you’ll see how to put the Islamic faith in perspective.

Plus, you’ll discover:

  • What the Koran really says about women and civil law
  • How Islam relates to Judaism and Christianity
  • The Koran’s view of God, prophets, mankind, and the self
  • How its teachings are lived and recited every day by devout Muslims
  • Common misconceptions of the Koran
  • How to raise a family the Koranic way

Complete with lists of important passages, Koranic terminology, famous quotes, and further reading resources, The Koran For Dummies makes it easy and enjoyable for you to grasp the teachings and significance of Islam's holy book.

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About The Author

Sohaib Sultan is a freelance journalist and student of the Islamic tradition who has studied the Koran and Islam extensively with Islamic scholars in the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Sample Chapters

the koran for dummies

CHEAT SHEET

As the holy book of the Islam religion, the Koran is followed by Muslims around the world. It sets out the basic tenets of the religion, details the purposes of the book and the religion, and is quoted by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.The five purposes of the KoranAs the holy book of Islam, the Koran informs millions of Muslims around the world.

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The Koran, Islam’s holy scripture, details the tenets of the religion quite differently than the Bible explores Christian beliefs. Keep these features of the Koran in mind when reading the scripture: The oral tradition: The Koran’s oral tradition gives the Book its aura. The recited word of the Koran is much more powerful than its printed form, especially if the text has been translated from Arabic into another language.
The Islamic tradition describes the Koran as a vast ocean of knowledge that never ceases in its wisdom, no matter how much you study it. You may want to continue investigating the Koran, looking for new perspectives, challenges, and insights. Comparing "translations" You can find several "translations" of the Koran at any major bookstore.
The day Prophet Muhammad died, the Muslim community faced a state of chaos; for the first time, Muslims had questions that couldn't be answered directly by God through the Prophet. During this critical time, Abu Bakr (a close companion of Prophet Muhammad and first Caliph after the Prophet's death) stood in front of the Muslims and emotionally recited a passage of the Koran that suddenly came to life: "Muhammad is no more than a messenger.
The Koran's audience is universal, without limitation on gender, culture, or religious beliefs. However, the Koran specifically addresses six general groups of people in various passages and at varying lengths: Humankind: These verses usually carry universal teachings, warnings, and glad tidings. Such passages usually begin with "O mankind" or "O Children of Adam.
As the holy book of the Islam religion, the Koran is followed by Muslims around the world. It sets out the basic tenets of the religion, details the purposes of the book and the religion, and is quoted by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.The five purposes of the KoranAs the holy book of Islam, the Koran informs millions of Muslims around the world.
Interestingly, the three Abrahamic faiths — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — share much in common, including a lineage of noble prophets sent by God. At the root of commonality lies a deep connection to the legacy of Prophet Abraham and a belief in One God. The Koran finds common ground with Christians and Jews (known as 'Ahl Al-Kitab, or People of the Book) in three broad ways: Theological belief in the Oneness of GodCommon divine lawsA shared narrative of prophetic storiesUniting faiths with belief in One God The Koran addresses the Jews and Christians by saying, "O People of the Book!
Oftentimes, misconceptions separate people with differing worldviews, presenting minds and souls with seemingly valid excuses to not engage people of other faiths. Consider these widespread notions about Koranic scripture, theology, and practice — and some enlightenment that may alter those commonly held perspectives.
The Koran, the holy book of Islam, includes some iconic passages and quotes known by most Muslims and those of other religions as well. The Koranic passages, with chapter and verse in parentheses) in the following list offer a glimpse of some major themes presented in the Koran: God: “Say, He is God, the One.
As the holy book of Islam, the Koran informs millions of Muslims around the world. The book itself serves five essential purposes and the following list explains each in some detail: The Guidance: The Koran serves as a guide to belief in the Oneness of God, and leads to an ethical life defined as Submission or Surrender to the Will of God (Islam).
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