Message of the Quran by Muhammad Asad Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Message of the Quran
Book Review: Encyclopedic Interpretation of the Sacred Qur'an
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read the 'Message of the Qur'an' by Muhammad Asad from beginning to end. I have also read translations of Islam's sacred text by other translators, including the great Maulana Muhammad `Ali (Lahori Scholar), Dr. TB Irving (Ta`lim `Ali), Allama Yusuf `Ali, Ahmed `Ali, Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, NJ Dawood, AJ Arberry, Professor Majid Fakhry, and Drs. Muhammad Hilali and Muhammad Muhsin Khan, among others.In my view, Muhammad Asad in his greatest work, Message of the Qur'an, has undoubtedly presented the most encyclopedic interpretation of Islam's Holy Book in print, supported by the most comprehensive footnotes to date. The author obviously carried out massive historical research of the classical scholars, and his interpretation brought a freshness to an ancient text that compels the reader to read on, and on, and on ....!
As a true scholar, whenever and wherever he differed from traditional orthodoxy, he clearly articulated his reasons for doing so. And this, in my view, has added authenticity to his magnus opus.
A word of caution to unwary: Unlike Pickthall, Asad's Translation is not literal but interpretative, a literary technique that explains the text to the reader from the translator's point of view, as is generally the case. Asad's English is also decidedly tough (unlike Dawood's). When reading Asad, one must master his complex construction.
One clear weakness in this book, however, is the absence of an index of any kind, which when added, would make the Message truly complete and encyclopedic in scope. Another point to be noted here is that Asad has studied the writings of the late Lahori Scholar, Maulana Muhammad Ali; hence, it is no surprise that the two hold almost identical views on many of the polemic issues associated with the Noble Qur'an, including the so-called theory of Abrogation (al nasikh wal mansukh), Jesus' Second Coming, Dress Code, Sexual Relations with those whom the right hand possessed, penalty for adultery, equality between men and women, immaculate conception of Jesus, among others.
This book should be bought and kept as a collector's item by the layman as well as the serious student of the faith. I sincerely recommend it.
Book Review: Lucid, Reasoned, Scholarly, Balanced and Beautiful
Summary: 5 Stars
Asad was a European convert to Islam who had the advantage of fluency in the spoken arabic very similar in linguistic style to the Qur'an, a gift almost unique among translators. In my view, this is one of the best translations of the Qur'an, in that it elucidates how the Qur'an is realised in the life of a Muslim according to traditional Muslim commentary . In so doing, Asad takes concepts like 'taqwa' and rescues them from emotionalism and mysticism, demonstrating that the Qur'an is, first and foremost, a book for the reasoning mind.Book Review: Simply the best
Summary: 5 Stars
A part from its large size ( Dar Andalus edition) and not very clear print of arabic text, it has no weakness what so ever.It is concieved as an introduction to all islamic worlview and thinking. The translation is crupolous but still highly readable. Footnoes are very usuful, often amaizingly rich and dense in its meaning. I respect Yusuf Ali translation alot, butr have to say that some of his footnotes are mere paraphrasing of verses without any serious value added, this is not a case with Asad's notes. This introduction is very light (only five pages) and thus you dont approch the subject almost immediately. Surah's introduction are also brief but very well tructured (give you a fast but dense grasp of surah's major themes).
On the whole, this book provides a very balanced and rich appouch to the subjetc based on serious liguistic studies and clear vision of the essence of coranic message.
Highly readable and beyond 1001 contemprorary controverses about islam that often prevent you from simple thinking and real discovery of coranic mesage.
Book Review: The Glorious Quran
Summary: 5 Stars
Mr. Asad's mastery of multiple languages ( Hebrew, Arabic, English, German and French) and his JudeoChristian BACKGROUND gives him the unique ability to expound on The quranic texts unlike other translators I have come across ( I routinely consult 4 other translations when I study the Quran ). His work desereves 10 stars!!