Over the course of six sections, this rich reference book explores the various areas of Qur’anic studies:

its language,

the history of its documentation,

its many disciplines,

the methods of interpretation,

its inimitability,

and finally, as a work of art.

The themes explored also include the impact of the Qur’an on Islamic civilisation, as well as the various classical sub-disciplines of Qur’anic studies, including the study of the variant readings (qir¿’¿t), the reasons for revelation (asb¿b al-nuz¿l), and abrogation (naskh).
Unlike some other works, Prof Zarzour also explores contemporary scholarship on the Qur’an, notably through a critical evaluation of modern tendencies such as the claim that the Qur’an contains scientific miracles, and an evaluation of some of the most recognised modern works of Qur’anic commentary (tafsir).