Reading the Qur'an: The Contemporary Relevance of the Sacred Text of Islam Reprint Edition, Kindle Edition

It is an excellent commentary on the interpretation and application of the holy book. The central theme is that the Quran has to be read, interpreted and understood not excludively in its historical context. It should also be understood to be conducive to the needs of modern society. Furthermore, no thinking person can deny that the Islamic scripture, considered by the Muslims as valid for all periods, must be interpreted and applied in accordance with the needs of the period in which we live. Otherwise it may not satisfy the claim of its universality for all times. Properly interpreted and understood it can be a guide for its followers within the framework of the changing times. Life is not a constant phenomenon and its needs, problems and solutions also require a dynamic perspective. Then the Quran can be a great force among Muslim societies to promote the wellbeing of people and human dignity without any distinction on the basis of religions. In that broader context, the philosophy and explanations in the book are valid even for the religions other than the three Abramic faiths.

In reading through the book the author gives a much needed historical narrative of the process of bridging the Quran to the non-Arabic speaking reader.The author also tries to present the Quran in a modern way through a contemporary reading.I think the reading although contemporary is not innovative and does not provide the reader with a complete system or way to read on his own. He still resorts to studying opinions of various scholars and choosing among them.To me, a native speaker of Arabic I didn't find it innovative and methodical enough. I would recommend the writings of Mohammad Shahrour although only one is available in English for free on the webShahrour.org

Ziauddin is always superb. Very well written.

Awesome thank you

This book is an introdution to the discourse urgently needed in all muslim communities. It discusses important issues in a very clear, concise, and contemporary manner. It has given me the desire to use common sense in my practice of Islam, and not the 'arabasized version' of Islam being followed by so many muslims. May we have more thinkers in the newer generations to rectify what the current misinterpretations of the Quran have led the muslims to, a 7th century ritualistic practice of this beautiful faith.

The book blurb adequately describes the contents so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. This book was recommended to me by a Muslim friend as a good introduction to understanding Islam and the Qur'an. I'm a Christian and have no desire to convert. But I am interested in learning more about what Muslims believe.I was surprised to learn how many familiar names from both the Old and New Testaments are mentioned in the Qur'an. A few of those names are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ezekiel, David, Moses, Daniel, and John. Per Mr. Sardar, Jesus is mentioned in 93 verses. The Qur'an text indicates that Jesus is not The Son of God. But does indicate, and Muslims believe, He was a prophet and did perform miracles. I was also surprised to learn that in the Qur'an both the Torah and the Bible are considered as revealed texts from God.You hear many conflicting things about Islam in the media and much of it involves the extremists on both ends of the spectrum. Is what we hear based on the actual text of the Qur'an or is it based on misinterpretation and customs that have become "standard practice" but are not necessarily what the Qur'an text actually says/means? I was taught to use multiple sources and do my own research which is why I read this book. Mr. Sardar presents an interesting perspective and overview of The Qur'an and how it should be interpreted. This book is a good starting point for those like me who know very little about Islam and what Muslims are taught to believe.

This is an excellent analysis of the Qur'an. It's thoughtful, well researched and cogent. I can't imagine it's the sort of thing that will go down well with the lunatics in the Muslim world who are all too keen on extremist positions and their corresponding brothers in the non-Muslim world whose xenophobia and Islamophobia is matched only by their ignorance. Anybody who is interested in Islam should pick this book up

Ziauddin Sardar has done it again - amazing book. Highly recommend for Muslims and interested non-Muslims alike.