A Concise Guide to the Quran

Answering Thirty Critical Questions

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Pub Date 03 Nov 2020 | Archive Date 20 Nov 2020

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Description

What is so unique about Islam's scripture, the Quran? Who wrote it, and when? Can we trust its statements to be from Muhammad? Why was it written in Arabic? Does it command Muslims to fight Christians? These are a few of the thirty questions answered in this clear and concise guide to the history and contents of the Quran.

Ayman Ibrahim grew up in the Muslim world and has spent many years teaching various courses on Islam. Using a question-and-answer format, Ibrahim covers critical questions about the most sacred book for Muslims. He examines Muslim and non-Muslim views concerning the Quran, shows how the Quran is used in contemporary expressions of Islam, answers many of the key questions non-Muslims have about the Quran and Islam, and reveals the importance of understanding the Quran for Christian-Muslim and Jewish-Muslim interfaith relations.

This introductory guide is written for anyone with little to no knowledge of Islam who wants to learn about Muslims, their beliefs, and their scripture.

What is so unique about Islam's scripture, the Quran? Who wrote it, and when? Can we trust its statements to be from Muhammad? Why was it written in Arabic? Does it command Muslims to fight...


Advance Praise

“Ayman Ibrahim’s latest work is an important resource for non-Muslims seeking to understand the Quran in the light of Islamic tradition and critical academic scholarship. He introduces the Quran with vivid examples and clear explanations, adding a new voice to the vibrant academic conversation in the field of Quranic studies.”—Gabriel Said Reynolds, professor of Islamic studies and theology, University of Notre Dame 

“A Concise Guide to the Quran is a wonderful introduction to the sacred text of Islam. It answers many questions non-Muslims have, but it also raises a number of questions we should be asking yet often don’t. Yes, it answers those questions too! I will be recommending this book for any person who wants to understand Islam and the Quran better and more correctly. Thank you, Ayman Ibrahim. You have served us well.”—Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary 

“Ayman Ibrahim’s new book is an eminently accessible and lucidly written introduction to the contents and contexts of the Quran. Conversant with the latest scholarship and rich with insight, it challenges readers to consider the historical and literary aspects of the Quran without ever losing sight of its importance as a religious text. For those embarking on their first Quranic journey, A Concise Guide to the Quran is a beacon and a road map.”—A. J. Droge, author of The Qur’an: A New Annotated Translation 

“In A Concise Guide to the Quran, Ayman Ibrahim has produced a handy-yet-comprehensive overview of Islam’s most sacred text: its origin, history, message, and impact. Skeptical yet respectful, this book will equip Christians and other non-Muslims to be well-informed about one of the most influential books in world history.”—Mark Durie, pastor and adjunct research fellow of the Arthur Jeffery Centre for the Study of Islam 

“In his latest book, Ayman Ibrahim has struck the perfect balance between rigor and accessibility. He poses a wealth of commonly asked questions about the Quran and helps his readers to negotiate their way through Islam’s sacred text. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning both Muslim perspectives as well as a range of features that subject the Quranic story to scrutiny.”—Peter G. Riddell, senior research fellow, Australian College of Theology 

“Ayman Ibrahim’s latest work is an important resource for non-Muslims seeking to understand the Quran in the light of Islamic tradition and critical academic scholarship. He introduces the Quran...


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ISBN 9781540962928
PRICE $24.99 (USD)
PAGES 192

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Featured Reviews

Very well-written and easy to read and accessible for both those new to Islam and entrenched Muslims; I found it very eye opening.

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This is the first book I have ever read about the Quaran. It is written by an Egyptian-American scholar of Islam who was raised in a Coptic Christian family. I found its question-and-answer format easy to follow. I learned a lot about Islam as a religion and the historiography of the Quaran as a book. My only major qualm was that I was concerned its heavy reliance on external weblinks for translation comparisons would make the book dated before its time. Overall, I would highly recommend for any library's religion collection.

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In this word, Ayman S. Ibrahim covers frequently asked questions about the Quran, as well as further, logical questions that arise from the initial questions. Ibrahim's work covers both the history of the text of the Quran as well as the themes and major ideas of the Quran.

As noted in his introduction to the work, Ibrahim tries to mediate a middle path between the diversity of Muslim belief, the ideas held in scholarship, and the differing Sunni/Shiite beliefs. This task is commendable and Ibrahim does an excellent job at introducing the reader to a wide variety of viewpoints, including ones that may be more amenable to the reader, even if they are minority positions among Muslims worldwide.

While an informative volume, at times Ibrahim's tone may appear less than fully agreeable to would be Muslim readers of the volume. This is seen when he uses phrases such as "critical thinkers will" and then proceed to disagree with a Muslim majority opinion. The point Ibrahim is making is not without merit. However, such phrases may lend the reader to think that Muslims are not critical thinkers.

Overall, this book has much to commend about it. It covers a wide range of history. It filters a massive amount of material into bite sized chunks. As it is a guide, it invites further study, introspection, and fellowship with Islam and Muslims, all proper goals of this work.

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It's been my ambition for several years to read the Quran, but my one attempt didn't get very far. I really struggled to understand what I was reading. Having read this book, I think my next attempt will go better. Ibrahim provides essential background information here. The questions answered include when it was written and several ways that Muslim culture relates to their holy book. I'd consider this book essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand Islam. My one suggestion would be to read it one question at a time. Let what you've read percolate before you attack the next one

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