My Account Wish List
Advanced Search
Print - Close Window
www.praeger.com/catalog/C36199.aspx
All Greenwood Products
The Qur'anic Narrative The Journey of Life as Told in the Qur'an
Louay M. Safi
Book Code: C36199
ISBN: 0-313-36199-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-313-36199-9
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 10/30/2008
List Price: $44.95 (UK Sterling Price: £25.95)
Availability: Not yet published. (Estimated publication date, 10/30/2008)
Media Type: Hardcover
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
  • Endorsement From Sulayman S. Nyang,
    Professor and chairman of the African Studies Department, Howard University:     Dr. Louay Safi has written a book that deserves immediate attention and is a must read for both the academic and general readers. The book opens a new way of relating Islamic beliefs and values to the demands of modern life.
  • Endorsement From Ingrid Mattson,
    Professor of Islamic Studies, Hartford Seminary,
    President, Islamic Society of North America:     In presenting the Qur'anic narrative, Safi eschews the selective literalism of extremist Muslims as well as ideological opponents of Islam who distort the meaning of the Qur'an. This is an excellent book for readers who sincerely wish to know how mainstream Muslims read the Qur'an.
  • Endorsement From Sayyed Hossein Nasr,
    Professor of Islamic Studies at the George Washington University:     In an age when verses of the Noble Qur'an are often taken out of context to misrepresent the foundational teachings of Islam, it is important to study this book in order to see how each part of the Sacred Text provides the deepest solutions to different present day human problems. The author is to be congratulated on being able to turn to the most central concerns of contemporary humanity and demonstrate how the eternal and yet timely message of the Word of God provides the deepest answers to predicaments with which men and women of thought and discernment are confronted today.
  • Endorsement From Charles E. Butterworth,
    Professor, Department of Government and Politics, University of Maryland:     Louay Safi's meditations or short essays about the message of the Qur'an perform a needed service today. They set forth clearly and gently the core teachings of this important book and show how important it is to put bewildering passages into their literary and historical context so as to make sense of them. Safi's explanatory exposition of themes in the Qur'an shows clearly why it appeals to so many and why all of us, regardless of our religious orientation, need to become acquainted with its enduring teachings.
  • Endorsement From Scott C. Alexander, Ph.D.,
    Director, Catholic-Muslim Studies Catholic Theological Union, Chicago:     Safi has done a great service for all those who may be tempted by a superficial and decontextualized reading of the Qur'an. The great value of this book is the elegant yet accessible way in which it uncovers and celebrates the authentic narrative of faith and human flourishing that lies at the heart of Qur'anic teaching.
  • Endorsement From Aminah McCloud,
    Professor of Islamic Studies and the Director of the Islamic World Studies Program, DePaul University:     This text is a compelling and clear articulation of how Muslims traditionally understand the Qur'an. For non-Muslims, it is not pedagogic or mystifying but a gift for those misinformed by current media. For many twenty-first century Muslims it will inspire personal growth and serve as a reminder of the truth as they read and ponder. I found it not a defense of Islam but an invitation to explore.
Description: Recent arguments surrounding the meaning and message of the Qur'an often focus on whether or not it supports or exhorts violence. Such arguments, though, tend to ignore the fact that the scriptures found there speak to various aspects of life and living. The Qur'anic Narrative attempts to show that the Qur'an has an inspiring message that aims to enlighten the path of those who embrace it and guides them through the journey of life. Exploring various themes related to everyday experiences, Safi reveals the meaning of the Qur'an with regard to issues of spirit, faith, charity, patience, fasting, salvation, pride, charity, moral discipline, and other relevant topics. In an attempt to recapture the Islamic spirit promoted in the Qur'an, this book offers an approach that speaks to areas of life many people are concerned about. It pastes together a narrative that is more consistent and more representative of the overall Qur'anic message, which, the author contends, is ultimately one of peace and hope. Safi places the Qur'an in context, too, by examining its meaning to early recipients of the scriptures and its place in that particular social and historical context. He continues by updating that meaning for modern readers and adherents, relating the intended meaning to an evolving human audience and to contemporary experiences. The author contends that extremist readings are misinterpretations and that those who may view the Qur'an as a holy text that encourages, even demands, violence are incorrect. Ultimately, readers will come away from this work with a broader appreciation of the Qur'an and its intended meaning and message.
Table of Contents:
  • Preface
  • Introduction
  • Part I. Spirit
  • 1. Origin and Purpose
  • 2. Divine Presence
  • 3. Prophets of Transcendence
  • 4. Engaging Religiosity
  • 5. Trust in God
  • Part II. Faith
  • 6. Revealed Guidance
  • 7. Knowledge and Wisdom
  • 8. Power of Choice
  • 9. Faith and Infidelity
  • 10. Calamity and Patience
  • Part III. Inner Peace
  • 11. Gratitude and Praise
  • 12. Reconnecting through Prayer
  • 13. Moral Discipline and Fasting
  • 14. Purification through Giving (zakah)
  • 15. Lifes Ultimate Spiritual Journey (Hajj)
  • Part IV. Community Peace
  • 16. Integrity
  • 17. Humility and Pride
  • 18. Moderation and Excess
  • 19. Jihad for Peace
  • 20. Shariah Principles
  • Part V. Universal Peace
  • 21. Recognition and Right
  • 22. Responsible Freedom
  • 23. Justice is Paramount
  • 24. Faith in Interfaith
  • 25. Covenants and the Social Contract
  • Part VI. Eternal Peace
  • 26. Life and Death
  • 27. Salvation - The Path to God
  • Appendix A Surahs of the Quran
  • Appendix B Chronology of the Quran
  • Appendix C Prophets in the Quran
  • Appendix D Interpreting and Translating the Quran
  • Glossary
LC Card Number: 2008023721
LCC Class: BP134
Dewey Class: 297
All rights reserved. Copyright © 1999-2008 Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc.
88 Post Road West, Westport CT 06881, (203) 226-3571