The Koran For Dummies
by Sohaib Sultan
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Book Summary Information
Author: Sohaib SultanEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-06-04
ISBN: 0764555812
Number of pages: 384
Publisher: For Dummies
Book Reviews of The Koran For Dummies
Book Review: A Helpful Introduction To The Qu'ran
Summary: 4 Stars
I attempted to read the Qu'ran on my own a few years back and found it to be one of the most difficult and incomprehensible texts I have ever encountered. Besides the difficulty of translating 7th century Arabic to English, the Qu'ran does not follow a linear narrative such as most Westerners are used to. But instead has its own method of organization and logic which Sohaib Sultan does an excellent job of explaining. So this book does serve as a helpful guide to understanding the Qu'ran, though most Westerners will still likely find the Qu'ran a hard book to comprehend. But, of course, the Bible has it's challenges as well.
Sultan is a moderate American Muslim and clearly intends to present the Qu'ran and Islam in the most positive light. But he is also honest about some of the harsher aspects of what the Qu'ran says that are difficult for most non-Muslims to accept. For instance, the Qu'ran prescribes the amputation of one or both hands for thieves and execution by stoning for several other crimes including murder, rape and even adultery. The Qu'ran also strictly forbids alcohol, gambling and pork.
The Bible contains some similarly extreme punishments for homosexuals, adulterers and others as well as an even stricter code of dietary regulations. But while many modern Jews and Christians are inclined to interpret the Bible metaphorically, virtually all orthodox Muslims believe the Qu'ran to the perfect and indisputable word of God for all times and all circumstances. The Qu'ran also places much emphasis on the Day Of Judgement, when the righteous will go to Paradise while the wicked are left to suffer the agonies of Hell, which the Qu'ran decribes in lengthy and often very gory detail. To his credit, Sultan does state that all this is part of the Islamic belief system though he does accentuate the merciful and benevolent aspects of God who is always willing to forgive those who give up their sinful ways and follow the righteous path of Islam. In this respect Islam and Christianity are similar.
Most Muslims are moderate in their political beliefs and its only a small percentage of fanatics who make up terroist groups such as Al-Qaeda. But because of Islam's insistence on a strict, literal interpretation of the Qu'ran most orthodox Muslims are inherently "fundamentalist" and thus committed to following the beliefs and social norms of 7th century Arabia. Obviously, this makes it more difficult for many Muslims to adjust to modern life and especially the concept of a secular, democractic society which includes the separation of Church and State.
With over one billion Muslims worldwide it is essential that Islam and the West find some common ground where all will be able to live in peace and mutual respect. This is, of course, a tremendously difficult challenge. But one that must be accomplished.
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