Opening the Qur'an can be a bewildering experience to
non-Muslim, English-speaking readers. Those who expect historical
narratives, stories, or essays on morals are perplexed once they
pass the beautiful first Surah, often shocked and then bogged down
by Surah 2, and even offended by Surah 3's strictures against
nonbelievers. Walter H. Wagner "opens" the Qur'an by offering a
comprehensive and extraordinarily readable, step-by-step
introduction to the text, making it accessible to students,
teachers, clergy, and general readers interested in Islam and
Islam's holy Book.
Wagner first places the prophet Muhammad, the Qur'an, and the
early Muslim community in their historical, geographical, and
theological contexts. This background is a basis for interpreting
the Qur'an and understanding its role in later Muslim developments
as well as for relationships between Muslims, Jews, and Christians.
He then looks in detail at specific passages, moving from cherished
devotional texts to increasingly difficult and provocative
subjects. The selected bibliography serves as a resource for
further reading and study. Woven into the discussion are references
to Islamic beliefs and practices. Wagner shows great sensitivity
toward the risks and opportunities for non-Muslims who attempt to
interpret the Qur'an, and sympathy in the long struggle to build
bridges of mutual trust and honest appreciation between Muslims and
non-Muslims.
"Walter Wagner's "Opening the Quran: Introducing Islam's Holy
Book"raises excellent questions designed to draw in curious
readers. He then follows up with sound analysis that is easy to
grasp. Wagner has clearly learned much about the Qur'an and Islam.
What is more he has found a most appealing way to speak about what
he has learned to his fellow non-Muslims. --Charles E. Butterworth,
University of Maryland, College Park
"A number of observers, like Mahmood Mamdani, have pointed out
that contemporary events have led to an expansion in the market for
translations of the Qur'an. This book will assist and guide readers
of these Qur'an translations in the English language. This book
could be used in introductory courses on Islam or advanced courses
focusing exclusively on Islam's holy Book, the Qur'an . . . general
readers outside the academy may also find it useful in helping them
understand how to use and make sense of the Qur'an." --A. Rashied
Omar, The Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies,
University of Notre Dame
"The Quroan can be terra incognita for the non-Muslim reader.
Walter Wagner's learned book brings us to terra firma. With clear,
empathetic, religiously sensitive yet historical-critical
commentary, "Opening the Qur'an"makes sense of Islam's holy book.
Wagner is a rare guide: a committed Christian who has listened
carefully and sympathetically to Muslims, who understand the Quran
as God's word. Wagner conveys their faith without compromising his
own. This is more than a work of scholarship and pedagogy; it is an
act of respect from one great tradition to another." --Alan
Mittleman, The Jewish Theological Seminary
"This is not just a book that is being introduced but a context,
a culture, its teachings, and the way Muslims have been
interpreting, finding meaning, and living in obedience to the
Qur'an over the centuries. What for many non-Muslims has been a
puzzling, bewildering, and perplexing book now begins to come alive
and to make some sense. . . . I highly recommend this book for use
in schools and seminaries and even church study groups where people
are serious about learning why the Qur'an is considered by Muslims
to be God's final revelation. The book's step-by-step procedure and
the important glossary of key terms in the back are extremely
useful for readers who are being introduced to the Qur'an for the
first time." --Harold Vogelaar, Center of Christian-Muslim
Engagement for Peace and Justice, Lutheran School of Theology
General
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