Reading the Qur'an: Structure, Coherence and Rhetorical Features

(Paperback)

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The Quran is a multifaceted text that can be challenging, especially for non-Arabic speakers relying solely on English translations.

This book unlocks the rhetorical devices, structural features and stylistic choices that the Quran employs and which are so vital to its meaning. While some of these subjects form an important part of the Arabic Quranic Studies curriculum - and are prioritised in schools and universities in the Arab world - they continue to puzzle some readers of the Quran in English translation.

This is the eagerly-awaited final instalment of Professor Abdel Haleems IB Tauris trilogy on the Qur'an. It is unique in combining linguistic analysis, literary appreciation and relevance to contemporary issues: an essential companion for students and general readers studying the Quran, whether in English or in Arabic


The book is divided into three parts:

Part One The Importance of Context explains why context (siyaq) is vital when quoting from and interpreting the text.
Part Two The Structure of the Sura: Seeing the Unity uses case studies to demonstrate how the structures of the suras in the Qur'an are central to their meaning.
Part Three Rhetorical and Stylistic Features highlights the contribution of such features to the persuasive impact of the Quranic text.

Reviews

An essential textbook for the courses on the Quran. This book offers detailed case studies of how to analyze the Quran and understand it in context. I recommend it to every course on Islam or the Quran. -- Walid Saleh
A comprehensive inquiry into the coherence of the Quran and its chapters and a description of the rhetorical and formal features of the text inspiring believers and interrogating scholars. This book is a significant contribution to contemporary studies on the Quran and a guide to the reader to understand its better words and chapters. -- Roberto Tottoli, Universit di Napoli LOrientale, Italy

Author Bio

Muhammad Abdel Haleem, OBE, is King Fahd Professor of Islamic Studies at SOAS, University of London, UK. He is a world-leading authority on the Quran and the author of a highly-regarded English translation (2004-2016) in addition to Understanding the Qur'an: Themes and Style (I.B.Tauris, 1999) and Exploring the Qur'an: Context and Impact (I.B.Tauris, 2017). He is currently Editor of the Journal of Quranic Studies.