The Quran By Tarif Khalidi (Translator)

Considered in Islam to be the infallible word of God, The Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel in a series of divine revelations over many years after his first vision in the cave. In 114 chapters, or surahs, it provides the rules of conduct that remain fundamental to Muslims today - most importantly the key Islamic values of prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and absolute faith in God, with profound spiritual guidance on matters of kinship, marriage and family, crime and punishment, rituals, food, warfare, and charity. Through its pages, a fascinating picture emerges of life in seventh-century Arabia, and from it, we can learn much about how people felt about their relationship with God and their belief in the afterlife, as well as attitudes to loyalty, friendship, race, forgiveness, and the natural world. It also tells of events and people familiar to Christian and Jewish readers, fellow ‘People of the Book’ whose stories are recorded in the Gospels and Torah. Here we find Adam, Moses, Abraham, Jesus, and John the Baptist, among others, who are regarded, like Muhammad, to be prophets of the Muslim faith.

Why You Should Read The Qur’an

1. Gain Insight into Islamic Values: The Qur’an outlines the core principles of Islam, including prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and faith in God, providing a deep understanding of these essential practices.

2. Explore Historical Context: It offers a vivid depiction of seventh-century Arabian life, shedding light on the social, cultural, and religious dynamics of the time.

3. Understand Shared Religious Narratives: The Qur’an includes stories of prophets like Adam, Moses, Abraham, Jesus, and John the Baptist, which are also significant in Christianity and Judaism, fostering interfaith dialogue.

4. Reflect on Universal Themes: It addresses timeless issues such as loyalty, friendship, race, forgiveness, and the relationship with the natural world, encouraging personal reflection and growth.