Few books in history have been as poorly understood as the Qur’an. Sent down in a series of revelations to the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur’an is the unmediated word of Allah, a ritual, political, and legal authority, an ethical and spiritual guide, and a literary masterpiece. In this book, one of the launch titles in Atlantic Monthly Press’ Books That Changed the World” series, the distinguished historian of religion Bruce Lawrence shows precisely how the Qur’an is Islam. He describes the origins of the faith and assesses its tremendous influence on today’s societies and politics. Above all, Lawrence emphasizes that the Qur’an is a sacred book of signs that has no single message. It is a book that demands interpretation and one that can be properly understood only through its history. Bruce Lawrence’s work is a beautifully written and, in these increasingly troubled times, invaluable introduction to and exploration of the core sacred text of Islam.

Originally published: London : Atlantic Books, 2006.

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.