BOOK REVIEW : THE QUR’AN – WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW BY JANE MCAULIFFE

TITLE : The Qur’an – What Everyone Needs To Know

AUTHOR : Jane McAuliffe

GENRE : Non-Fiction, Religion & Spirituality

FBRC RATING : 5 stars

SYNOPSIS :

Millions of non-Muslims know the name of the Muslim scripture, whether it is written as “Qur’an” or “Quran” or “Koran.” But for most, that is all they know. Many have fallen victim to the mass of misinformation that circulates about the Qur’an. Others may have tried to read the Qur’an, but the text itself is tough to decipher. With no sense of context, chronology, or interpretive history, many would-be readers of the Qur’an quickly give up the effort. As for those trying to find out what the Qur’an says about any particular subject or issue, they, too, soon discover that this is not a simple or straightforward undertaking.

A clear, concise introduction to the holy book that guides the lives of 1.6 billion people on our planet, this brief volume opens the world of the Qur’an to interested readers who want to know where this scripture came from and how it has achieved a profound influence in today’s world. Writing in an easy-to-read question-and-answer format, Jane McAuliffe, one of the world’s foremost scholars of the Qur’an, introduces readers to this important text by discussing its origins, structure, themes, interpretations, and what it has to say about a host of critical contemporary issues. Where did the Qur’an come from? Do Muslims believe that the Qur’an is God’s own word? How do Muslims study the Qur’an? What does the Qur’an say about God? About family? About ethics? About violence? By answering the questions that many people have about the Qur’an and its role in Muslim faith, this book offers an invaluable resource for anyone who is curious about one of the world’s most important faiths.

FBRC REVIEW :

DISCLAIMER : Thank you Edelweiss+ for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received this copy a long time back. I was saving it for the Ramadan this year. Then I thought I will just read it as it’s sitting there in the TBR waiting to be read. As a practicing Muslim, I was interested in finding out how the book was written and the information it provided. I am happy to say the book is a well-researched and academic in its delivery but also answering common questions that have arisen in the layman’s mind. Bringing clarity to the Scripture and helping people understand the concepts, messages, and themes it helps readers arrive at their own conclusion regarding various topics. 

The structure of the book is quite interesting and easily flows from topic to topic explaining the origin, structure of the Quran and interpretations etc. It also helps the readers understand the concepts easier and comprehend them better. The fact that it’s in a question and answer format makes the reading accessible and not intimidating. The stories and the themes of the book and how various practices and traditions came into place are all told combining both the traditional and the contemporary narratives and scholarly opinions. The information provided is researched and facts that have been drawn from history are equipped to deliver answers to questions of the readers. 

The influence of the Quran and how it affects and influences the day to day life of the Muslims are depicted with utmost care to the vital details. The book is not just informative, it’s highly educational and scholarly. The ease with which this book can be read is wonderful and helps the readers move from one part to another seamlessly having grasped the important information.

If you are curious about Muslims or their Scripture that provides guidance to their lives, my suggestion is to read this book. It’s a fantastic academic read written by the Scholar Jane McAuliffe providing a well-structured book explaining the Quran and letting non-muslims have access to a source of information that will help them form their own opinions based on the provided data. I gave this book 5 stars and highly recommend checking it out. Rather than getting your information from mainstream media about Muslims and The Qur’an, I would urge the readers to read this academic resource and get a better understanding. To bridge the gap between the communities and understand Muslims this book will be an excellent source of information.