Exploring the Qur'an: Context and Impact

This is invaluable work done by Professor Haleem. Sadly it is common to see some authors taking the verses of the Quran out of context and misrepresenting what they mean. Prof Haleem puts the verses commonly misinterpreted in their proper context by quoting classical texts and scholars. This book is a must for any serious student of the Quran.

Got this book just because the Topic intrigued me. Once I started reading it, it was an eye opener. This book is both for Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. The author in extensive details debunks myths about Islam and how things are taken out of context to sometime pass on partial information. Must Read.

(Originally posted on Goodreads). Professor Abdel Haleem has given us a very solid scholarly presentation regarding (1) the importance of understanding key characteristics of Arabic language usage in the Qur'an - its rhetorical qualities, the nuanced meanings of the same word when used in different contexts, the Qur'an's own "linguistic and stylistic habits" - if one is to correctly interpret the meaning of the text, and (2) the problems and misunderstandings that can be created when translators do not give sufficient attention to these characteristics.

After enjoying reading Abdul Halim’s translation of the Quran, I decided to purchase this commentary text. I’m very glad I did. He does an excellent job of clearing up the accumulation of false interpretations of the Quran verses on jihad which have been propagated both by those seeking to present Islam in a bad light and by misguided Muslims themselves as justification for their own political terrorism. By conducting a thoroughgoing but readable analysis of the actual text and language used and the historical context, Haleem shows that the notion of a universal instruction to kill the unbelievers cannot be found in the Quran itself. That any talk of warfare is always contingent and peppered with instruction restraint, remembrance of the divine reality and exhortation to seek peace. Warfare is only permitted for 2 reasons: self defence and the defence of the oppressed. We must strip away the way history unfolded after the rightly death of the Prophet if we are to actually understand the sacred message of the Quran

Readers may also wish to look at the following:The History of the Quranic Text, Muhammad Mustafa AzamiUnderstanding the Quran, by Muhammad Abdel HaleemDivine Speech, by Nouman Ali Khan and Sharif Randhawa

Amazing

Very good gaining knowledge