Opening the Qur'an can be a bewildering experience to non-Muslim, English-speaking readers. This book first places the prophet Muhammad, the Qur'an, and the early Muslim community in their historical, geographical, and theological contexts. It then looks at specific passages, moving from devotional texts to difficult and provocative subjects. $c From jacket.

Risks, perspectives, and understandings -- Basic narratives for Judaism and Christianity -- Islam's basic narrative and core positions -- The setting : reflections on Arabia -- Times and the messenger -- The origin, transmission, and structures of the Qur'an -- Interpreting the Qur'an -- Four cherished passages -- The Qur'an on the end of this world and life in the hereafter -- The Qur'an on woman and women -- The Qur'an on biblical figures, Jews and Christians -- The Qur'an on justice and jihad -- Challenges from the Qur'an -- Challenges to the Qur'an -- The Qur'an opened and open -- Appendix A : traditional names and orders of surahs -- Appendix B : biblical figures mentioned in the Qur'an -- Appendix C : glossary of key terms.