The Qur'an is the word of Allah, it is the most eloquent and best of all speech. The Qur'an uses different rhetorical devices and parables to convey its message. Allah says in the Qur'an: 'We have given every type of parable in this Qur'an so that they can understand and think'. Allah conveys to us facts, stories and examples as well as guidance and warnings throughout His book. Yasir Qadhi's book will take 30 parables of the Qur'an and explain its context and meaning in order for us to understand, reflect and change our lives.

Surah Yusuf, a chapter of the Qur'an (Koran), was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad at a critical juncture of his life. This was the time when he had gone through ten to eleven years of ridicule and rejection in Makkah, a time when he lost his wife and partner, Khadija, a time when he lost his dear uncle Abu Talib. Allah revealed this precious surah to strengthen the Prophet Muhammad's heart. To remind him that he lives in the footsteps of the great prophets of the past and that Allah's help and support is there. This surah is full of meaningful messages of patience, reliance on Allah and how to overcome hardship and betrayal. It was also educational, teaching the Prophet Muhammad the answers to queries that were posed to him by the local Jews and Muslims. Finally this surah was a timely morale booster for the Prophet and his companions in a time of need. Yasir Qadhi has clearly divided the surah into related themes, as per the revelations, so that the reader can easily understand and grasp the great wealth of knowledge relayed through this surah to all.

The Qur’an is full of parables. Each one, when its meaning is unpacked and understood, offers wisdom and guidance. Surah Kahf, chapter 18 from the Qur’an, is particularly thought provoking, and Muslims are advised to read it at least once a week. But why? And what can we gain from it? In this book Yasir Qadhi leads us through Surah Kahf, unfolding the lines, stories and symbols that have inspired people for over a thousand years: the people of the cave, Prophet Musa’s momentous encounter with Khidr, the two men and their gardens, and Gog and Magog. And surely We have explained matters to people in the Qur’an in diverse ways, using all manners of parables. (Qur’an 18:54) Through Yasir Qadhi’s unmistakeable voice, modern Muslims may glimpse some of the Qur’an’s profound meaning. Say: “If the sea were to become ink to record the Words of my Lord, indeed the sea would all be used up before the Words of my Lord are exhausted…” (Qur’an 18:109)

"Al-Qaeda and Sacrifice" is a pioneering critical intervention into the study of terrorism. Challenging the commonly held idea that "suicide-bombings" are motivated by a nihilistic hatred of life, Melissa Finn argues that it is more honest and helpful to examine such violent agency through the concept of "sacrifice." The book provides a unique look at the way "sacrifice" is used in the Arabic language and in the writings of Islamists and jihadis.

Finn offers penetrating insights into jihadi thought on its own terms, arguing that it constitutes a political theory which can be usefully compared and related to western political theorists, from Machiavelli and von Clausewitz to Hannah Arendt, Julia Kristeva and Judith Butler. She critically examines the strategy of "sacrifice" in martyrdom operations and ultimately concludes that the heedless certainty of such violence undermines attempts to redress political grievances.

"Al-Qaeda and Sacrifice" is a unique contribution which goes beyond simplistic or apologetic explanations of terrorism and allows the authentic jihadi voice to speak for itself.