A Concise Guide to the Quran: Answering Thirty Critical Questions - Paperback

by Ayman S. Ibrahim (Author)

What is so unique about Islam's scripture, the Quran? Who wrote it, and when? Can we trust its statements to be from Muhammad? Why was it written in Arabic? Does it command Muslims to fight Christians? These are a few of the thirty questions answered in this clear and concise guide to the history and contents of the Quran.

Ayman Ibrahim grew up in the Muslim world and has spent many years teaching various courses on Islam. Using a question-and-answer format, Ibrahim covers critical questions about the most sacred book for Muslims. He examines Muslim and non-Muslim views concerning the Quran, shows how the Quran is used in contemporary expressions of Islam, answers many of the key questions non-Muslims have about the Quran and Islam, and reveals the importance of understanding the Quran for Christian-Muslim and Jewish-Muslim interfaith relations.

This introductory guide is written for anyone with little to no knowledge of Islam who wants to learn about Muslims, their beliefs, and their scripture.

Back Jacket

What is so unique about Islam's scripture, the Quran? Who wrote it, and when? Can we trust its statements to be from Muhammad? Does it command Muslims to fight Christians? These are a few of the thirty questions answered in this clear and concise guide to the history and contents of the Quran.

"An important resource for non-Muslims seeking to understand the Quran in the light of Islamic tradition and critical academic scholarship. Ibrahim introduces the Quran with vivid examples and clear explanations, adding a new voice to the vibrant academic conversation in the field of Quranic studies."
--Gabriel Said Reynolds, professor of Islamic studies and theology, University of Notre Dame

"A wonderful introduction to the sacred text of Islam. It answers many questions non-Muslims have, but it also raises a number of questions we should be asking yet often don't. Yes, it answers those questions too! I will be recommending this book for any person who wants to understand Islam and the Quran better and more correctly."
--Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

"An eminently accessible and lucidly written introduction to the contents and contexts of the Quran. Conversant with the latest scholarship and rich with insight, it challenges readers to consider the historical and literary aspects of the Quran without ever losing sight of its importance as a religious text. For those embarking on their first Quranic journey, A Concise Guide to the Quran is a beacon and a road map."
--A. J. Droge, author of The Qur'an: A New Annotated Translation

"Ibrahim has produced a handy-yet-comprehensive overview of Islam's most sacred text: its origin, history, message, and impact. Skeptical yet respectful, this book will equip Christians and other non-Muslims to be well-informed about one of the most influential books in world history."
--Mark Durie, pastor and adjunct research fellow of the Arthur Jeffery Centre for the Study of Islam

"Ibrahim has struck the perfect balance between rigor and accessibility. He poses a wealth of commonly asked questions about the Quran and helps his readers to negotiate their way through Islam's sacred text. A must-read for anyone interested in learning both Muslim perspectives as well as a range of features that subject the Quranic story to scrutiny."
--Peter G. Riddell, senior research fellow, Australian College of Theology

Author Biography

Ayman S. Ibrahim (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary; PhD, Haifa University) is Bill and Connie Jenkins Professor of Islamic Studies and director of the Center for the Christian Understanding of Islam at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He was born and raised in Egypt and has taught in various countries in the Muslim world and in the West. His articles on Islam and Christian-Muslim relations have appeared in the Washington Post, Religion News Service, and First Things, among others. Ibrahim is the author of The Stated Motivations for the Early Islamic Expansion.