New Perspectives on the Qur'an The Qur'an in its Historical Context 2 [Paperback]

This book continues the work of The Qur
n in its Historical Context, in which an international group of scholars address an expanded range of topics on the Qur
n and its origins, looking beyond medieval Islamic traditions to present the Qur
ns own conversation with the religions and literatures of its day.

Particular attention is paid to recent debates and controversies in the field, and to uncovering the Qur
ns relationship with Judaism and Christianity. After a foreword by Abdolkarim Soroush, chapters by renowned experts cover:

• method in Qur'
  nic Studies
• analysis of material evidence, including inscriptions and ancient manuscripts, for what they show of the Qur'
  ns origins
• the language of the Qur'
  n and proposed ways to emend our reading of the Qur'
  n
• how our knowledge of the religious groups at the time of the Qur'
  ns emergence might contribute to a better understanding of the text
• the Qur'
  ns conversation with Biblical literature and traditions that challenge the standard understanding of the holy book.

This debate of recent controversial proposals for new interpretations of the Qur'
n will shed new light on the Quranic passages that have been shrouded in mystery and debate. As such, it will be a valuable reference for scholars of Islam, the Quran, Christian-Muslim relations and the Middle East.

Foreword Abdul Karim Soroush  Introduction Gabriel Said Reynolds  Part 1: Method in Qur
nic Studies  1. The Historian, The Believer, and the Qur'
nFred Donner  2. Studies in Qur'
nic Vocabulary: The Problem of the Dictionary Andrew Rippin  3. Towards Understanding the Qur
ns WorldvielC%