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Approaching the Qur'an

The Early Revelations (third edition)
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( 759 ratings, 54 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Approaching the Qur'an by Michael Sells offers an accessible introduction to Islam's sacred text by focusing on key passages that highlight the Qur'an's poetic and spiritual dimensions. The book provides insights into the religious and cultural contexts of these passages, helping readers appreciate the Qur'an’s significance in the lives of millions of believers around the world. Through this examination, Sells opens a window into the spiritual and artistic essence of the Qur'an.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in exploring the poetic and spiritual dimensions of the Qur'an. It offers an accessible introduction to the themes, sounds, and meanings that are central to Islamic scripture, making it a thoughtful choice for anyone keen on deepening their understanding of one of the world's major religious texts.

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A new, updated edition of this modern classic in religious publishing, capturing the complexity, power and poetry of the early suras of the Qur’an

A new, updated edition of this modern classic in religious publishing, capturing the complexity, power and poetry of the early suras of the Qur’an

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Approaching the Qur’an presents brilliant translations of the short, hymnic chapters, or suras, associated with the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. These early suras contain some of the most powerful, prophetic, and revelatory passages in religious history, offering the vision of a meaningful and just life that anchors the faith of one fifth of the world’s inhabitants.

In addition to these translations, Michael Sells provides an introduction to the Qur’an, commentaries on the suras, a glossary of technical terms, and discussion of the auditory nature and gender aspects of the Arabic text. An ideal resource for students and interested lay readers, the work is enriched by free audio downloads of Qur’anic reciters chanting several of the early suras, allowing readers to hear the Qur’an in its original form.

This third edition also includes a new full sura and associated commentary, and a new preface.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Michael Sells’ Approaching the Qur'an has been praised for making the beauty and spiritual energy of the Qur'an accessible to Western readers. Reviewers commend its scholarly introduction, sensitive translations, and insightful commentary, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand Islam and its sacred scripture. Critics highlight the book’s ability to bridge gaps between Muslim and non-Muslim readers, offering an illuminating look into the religious and literary aspects of the Qur'an.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780861546787

Publisher: Oneworld Publications

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 October 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Oneworld Academic

Edition: third edition

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Michael Sells is John Henry Barrows Professor Emeritus of Islamic History and Literature in the Divinity School and in the Department of Comparative Literature at the University of Chicago.

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