The Qur'an Dilemma (English version) Volume 1
Authors: Former Muslims and professional Islamic scholars
Publisher: Water Life Publishing
ISBN: 9781935577034
A book of terror or a book of peace? An inspired text or a political agenda? How is one to know the truth about the Qur'an? Where does one even begin? How can an English speaker ever hope to wade through the history, the translations, the sects, and the commentaries to begin making sense of the issues?
During the last decade, interest in Islam and the teachings of the Qur'an has grown globally. In order to allow Westerners to investigate the truth about Islam, this research text was translated from Arabic to give English speaking readers the opportunity to see the Qur’an with clear lenses that are not fogged by propaganda or missionary zeal. This book provides the background of the Qur'an in an objective manner . It also presents the text of the Qur’an with parallel commentary, addressing important issues that Muslim scholars have wrestled with throughout the centuries, shedding light on their attempts to solve them and giving a rounded view of the various schools of thought.
The critical approach in this book is inspired by the courageous tradition of those who have dared to analyze the Qur'an throughout history, while also incorporating the contemporary intellectual productions available in Arabic and foreign sources. The discoveries made through these scholarly critical methods are directed to non-Muslims and Muslims equally:
To non-Muslims who want to unravel the mysteries of Islam, this book presents information that Islamic resources rarely disclose--to allow those who seek the truth to comprehend the full picture with all its outlines, colors, and dimensions.
To Muslims who seek genuine choices far from the culture of “indoctrination,” this book opens a world of understanding to them, so that they can decide for themselves their intellectual and spiritual paths.
The Quran Dilemma (Volume One) – available now both in English and in Arabic - covers the first nine suras (chapters) of the Quran. The remaining suras will be covered in Volume Two, due for release in 2011. Articles and commentary found throughout this masterfully executed book – which explain and analyze each sura - are based on authoritative Islamic sources.
Make sure to visit The Qur'an.com to download a sample and to see the special offer of 25% off this Volume.
My Thoughts
First, I must comment on the physical appearance of this volume. When I removed "The Qur'an Dilemma" from the package, I was struck by its beauty. This burgundy and gold hardcover gives a hint of what it holds inside. The artwork on each page plus that found between each sura is no less than stunning. This makes this volume not only a wonderful resource, but a beautiful gift for anyone who is interested in world religions or Muslim teachings.
This is far from a light read, and although I read through it quickly the first time to finish for the tour, but I will admit I am reading it again slowly because of how the book is written. I missed so much the first time through! This is a book that is written for the scholar, but at the same time, for someone who just wants to study and learn more about the Qur'an and its teachings.
I was very, very surprised with what I was taught the Qur'an held, and what it actually there. I was taught that it was a peaceful teaching, but what I'm finding is something different. My heart broke when I read about the belief towards women and to learn that one that follows the teachings is not even allowed to befriend someone of a different faith!
I cannot even begin to cover what I have learned so far, and I'm looking forward to finishing the book and getting the other volumes. "The Qur'an Dilemma" is nothing less than amazing and to have a translation in my hands that I can read and understand makes me aware of how much I do not know. Like those who hear about a book and do not read it, one really never knows what is held in those pages but can only rely on others to tell the truth.
This volume is an eye-opener and one that should be considered to be added to every Christian's library.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
I received a copy of "The Qur'an Dilemma" to read and honestly review for this tour.
