The Qur’an is often encountered through selective quotations, yet its depth and complexity extend far beyond these fragmentary readings. This thoroughly revised second edition of The Qur’an: An Introduction provides an accessible yet scholarly guide to the many dimensions of Qur’anic study, designed for Muslim and non‑Muslim students across both Muslim and Western contexts. This comprehensive new edition features:
•• Revisions across multiple chapters – incorporating new research and
contemporary debates in Qur’anic studies
•• Integration of a diverse range of Muslim scholarly voices, particularly
thinkers and exegetes from the modern period
•• Expanded discussion on the history of the Qur’anic text – drawing on
recent scholarship
•• A new practical chapter introducing a contextualist approach to
interpreting the Qur’an
•• Updated recommended readings that reflect current scholarship
Maintaining its student‑friendly approach – with illustrative examples, clear summaries, helpful timelines and a comprehensive glossary – this edition engages both Western academic perspectives and the rich interpretive traditions that have evolved from the time of Prophet Muhammad to the present day. This essential guide bridges historical understanding with contemporary relevance, offering readers a balanced and thorough introduction to Islam’s foundational text and its profound influence across centuries of religious thought.