Understanding the Qur’an Themes and Style

By Muhammad Abdel Haleem

Understanding the Qur’an is meant to assist the final reader, and additionally the scholar, to know the Muslim scripture by combining variety of approaches: thematic, rhetorical and comparative. The 2001 edition oversubscribed out and during this edition, with the exception of basing the quotations on my recent translation of the Qur’an and adding a brief conclusion, the book, together with the preface has remained in its original type to represent my views at the time. Any changes can seem in consequent publications.


The study of themes within the Qur’an is fairly new in English. This can be stunning, because it may be a useful approach that may provides a balanced read of what the Qur’an says on any given topic. In 1976, Faẓlur Raḥmān determined that there was associate degree imperative want for ‘an introduction to major themes of the Qur’an’, and his book of this title[1] represents a vital initiative in mistreatment this approach. However, additional thematic studies square measure required, and also the gift book may be a additional step in this direction. Faẓlur Raḥmān treated some basic themes, like God, prophethood and revelation, Man as individual, man in society, with the exception of ‘The Face, Divine and Human, within the Qur’an’ (Chapter 9), all the themes during this book were recommended as topics for public lectures I even have been invited to deliver. In Arab studies, Muslim students, notably in recent years, are discussing modern problems and examining what light-weight the Qur’an throws on them.[3] Perennial themes like war, wedding and tolerance in Islam, square measure among those that Muslims envisage to are seriously misunderstood by several Western writers, and that they feel that the Qur’an has however to be explored properly on these themes.

In addition to thematic studies, the book includes a general introduction regarding the revelation and importance of the Qur’an within the lifetime of Muslims, and a discussion of its vogue. 

bound basic aspects of the design of the Qur’an have to be compelled to be explained for the advantage of general readers and students alike. Chapter twelve of this book, ‘The Qur’an Explains Itself’, spells out 2 necessary strategies for understanding the Qur’an and deals with the assertion that Sūra fifty five may be a mere imitation of biblical material, as an example Psalm 136. Chapter thirteen shows that a grasp of bound options of Qur’anic vogue is crucial for a correct understanding. as an example, what has been assumed to be unhealthy descriptive linguistics is actually a well-established and effective feature of Arabic literary writing.

The comparative approach running through several components of this book was, in fact, recommended by audiences at public lectures United Nations agency themselves thespian the comparisons between the Bible and also the Qur’an and asked American state to speak regarding them. it's hoped that this book can facilitate bring additional understanding of the Qur’an to readers acquainted with the biblical treatment of comparable themes. Faẓlur Raḥmān refers to the tradition of Western students United Nations agency request to trace the influence of mortal or Christian concepts on the Qur’an so as to ‘prove’ that ‘the Qur’an quite an echo of Judaism (or Christianity) and Muhammad was no quite a mortal (or Christian) disciple!’[4] not like such writings, the comparisons during this book request solely to elucidate the Qur’anic read and approach.

In treating the themes below discussion, it absolutely was felt that the Qur’an ought to be left to talk for itself, albeit in translation. therefore varied quotations are enclosed.

Some of the fabric during this book has appeared as articles in several publications, and that i would really like to convey the publishers for his or her permission to reprint them.

My most sincere thanks attend my adult female for typewriting and editing the manuscript, and for her valuable comments.