Product Description

With the current turmoil in the Middle East, there is a growing interest about Islam—the world’s second largest religion and one of the fastest growing—and its holy book, the Koran (or Qur’an). Now, with this easy–to–follow, plain–English guide, you can explore the history, structure, and basic tenets of Islam’s sacred scripture.

The Koran For Dummies is for non–Muslims interested in the Koran as well as Muslims looking to deepen their understanding. Islamic scholar Sohaib Sultan provides a clear road map, revealing:

• The meaning of Koran and its basic message
• The Koran’s place in history and in Islamic spiritual life
• Explanations of its language, structure, and narrative style
• How to live by the Koran’s teachings
• The Koran’s role in key global issues, such as Jihad vs. terrorism
• Different interpretations of the Koran

No other book provides such a straightforward look at what the Koran says, how it says it, and how believers live according to its guidance. From how the Koran was received by Mohammed and how it was compiled to how it’s interpreted by Islam’s two main branches, you’ll see how to put the Islamic faith in perspective.

Plus, you’ll discover:

• What the Koran really says about women and civil law
• How Islam relates to Judaism and Christianity
• The Koran’s view of God, prophets, mankind, and the self
• How its teachings are lived and recited every day by devout Muslims
• Common misconceptions of the Koran
• How to raise a family the Koranic way

Complete with lists of important passages, Koranic terminology, famous quotes, and further reading resources, The Koran For Dummies makes it easy and enjoyable for you to grasp the teachings and significance of Islam′s holy book.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24128 in Books
• Published on: 2004-06-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Review
“…I was quickly humbled by this guide, which showed me how much I had misunderstood.  I would recommend this to anyone interested in Islam…”  (Catholic Herald, 26 November 2004)

The Qur′an′s overall context of hostility to those who disbelieve in Mohammed′s prophecy is downplayed in one forthcoming book, The Koran for Dummies by Sohaid Sultan. Under the heading "Discovering the Basic Messages of the Koran," Sultan lists as Mohammed′s basic themes "The unity of God," "Worship and service to God," "Prophets to teach and guide," "Completion of past revelations," "Guidance to a spiritual path," "Movement for social change," "Accountability of deeds." All of which sounds pretty harmless—nothing about making war on unbelievers. (Publishers Weekly, May 10, 2004)

"...provides an introduction to Islam′s holy book." (Publishers Weekly, February 9, 2004)

Review
“…I was quickly humbled by this guide, which showed me how much I had misunderstood.  I would recommend this to anyone interested in Islam…”  (Catholic Herald, 26 November 2004)

"...provides an introduction to Islam′s holy book." (Publishers Weekly, February 9, 2004)

From the Back Cover
See what the Koran says about women, family, and law

Grasp the wisdom and power of Islam’s sacred Scripture

Want to understand the Koran? This straightforward guide explains what the Koran says, how it says it, and how believers live according to its guidance. From how the Koran was revealed to Mohammad to how the Book relates to today’s world, you’ll see how to put the Islamic faith in perspective.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear–out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Discover:

• How Islam relates to other faiths
• What the Koran says about God, prophets, humankind, and the self
• The Koran’s teachings on morality
• Common misconceptions about the Koran

Customer Reviews

An EXCELLENT introduction to reading the Quran
I read this during lunch for about a month, and wished that my lunch hour could have been longer!
Its an excellent read and explains in simple terms some very key concepts about the Quran and a lot of misconceptions perceived by others. Additionally, it explains lots of interesting facts and ideas about Islam and the Quran that as a muslim I was not aware of.
It is written in a concise and informative manner and always keeps you in anticipation for more.
I have left it on my desk and it has been picked up and reviewed by a number of people who now say they too will purchase it.
I will now read more of the 'dummy' guides.
An EXCELLENT introduction to reading the Quran.

Interesting but complete lack of logical authority for conclusions
I live in Turkey and am reading and learning a lot about Islam for obvious reasons besides my husband, his family and everyone around me being Muslim.

I really don't think this book should be authoritative in any way about understanding Islam and the Koran in general. For a start the writer is a scholar of Sunni Islam (it appears the Wahabbi sect due to his associations and affiliations as well as where he has studied) and his conclusions about what is acceptable under Islam and what is not are really not well argued at all. I particularly thought this when I read the section about women covering. He states it is an absolute obligation. However in the Koran (according to my reading of it) there is no absolute obligation and it must be read in light of pre Islamic Arabic history. Then there is other authority that women covering was decreed in Hadiths but many hadiths are debatable and there is also a lot of disagreement amongst Islamic scholars as to what was said by whom and when.

There is no reference to other schools of Islamic thought and I found it so totally unacceptable as an academic work to give people an understanding of Islam and not just one scholar's view. I might mention that this view is a view that most women in Turkey who are muslim find quite horrifying and women in Iran begrudgingly accept only because they have to.

That and the fact that why billions of people are being coerced (and I really do mean it) into complying with rules and regulations that were suitable for those times but absolutely unsuitable for the modern world. As a good friend of mine says - throughout the koran it is commanded that people think! I only see dogma in this work...not logical thought or reason. And as my friends wife says just because I don't cover my hair does not mean I don't believe in god. I think that is enough said.

Enlightening
I was a bit cautious when I first approached this cos I'm quite an idiot but wasn't even sure if these "idiot" books work.

I was really suprised it was done in sections which were informative and too the point allowing me to understand what I wanted to know as well as giving me some pointers in where to find out more, since reading this, I've read a few other idiot books and they all come with the same complments, though writing styles differ obviously there are great reads!!