An authoritative introduction to the sacred text reveals how it represents Islam, describing the origins of the faith in seventh-century Arabia while offering insight into how the Qur'an remains a pivotal influence on modern society and politics.

Compact disc.

Arab core -- The prophet Muhammad: merchant and messenger -- The prophet Muhammad: organizer and strategist - Aishah: Muhammad's wife and custodian of his memory -- The Dome of the Rock: Jerusalem landmark, Qur'anic icon -- Early commentaries -- Ja'far as-Sadiq: Shi'ite Imam and Qur'anic exegete -- Abu Ja'far at-Tabari: Sunni historian and Qur'anic exegete -- Later interpretations -- Robert of Ketton: polymath translator of the Qur'an -- Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi: visionary interpreter of divine names -- Jalal ad-din Rumi: author of the Persian Qur'an -- Asian echoes -- Taj Mahal: gateway to the Qur'anic vision of paradise -- Ahmad Khan: Indian educator and Qur'an commentator -- Muhammad Iqbal: Pakistani poet inspired by Qur'anic motifs -- Global accents -- W.D. Mohammed: Qur'an as guide to racial equality -- Osama bin Laden: Qur'an as mandate for jihad -- AIDS victims and sick women: Qur'an as prescription for mercy.