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The Koran for Dummies | 
 enlarge | Author: Sohaib Sultan
Publisher: For Dummies
Category: Book
List Price: $21.99
Buy New: $14.95
You Save: $7.04 (32%)
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Rating:  18 reviews
Sales Rank: 95134
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 384
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9
ISBN: 0764555812
Dewey Decimal Number: 297.12261
EAN: 9780764555817
ASIN: 0764555812
Publication Date: June 4, 2004
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Product Description
With the current turmoil in the Middle East, there is a growing interest about Islam—the world’s second largest religion and one of the fastest growing—and its holy book, the Koran (or Qur’an). Now, with this easy-to-follow, plain-English guide, you can explore the history, structure, and basic tenets of Islam’s sacred scripture. The Koran For Dummies is for non-Muslims interested in the Koran as well as Muslims looking to deepen their understanding. Islamic scholar Sohaib Sultan provides a clear road map, revealing: - The meaning of Koran and its basic message
- The Koran’s place in history and in Islamic spiritual life
- Explanations of its language, structure, and narrative style
- How to live by the Koran’s teachings
- The Koran’s role in key global issues, such as Jihad vs. terrorism
- Different interpretations of the Koran
No other book provides such a straightforward look at what the Koran says, how it says it, and how believers live according to its guidance. From how the Koran was received by Mohammed and how it was compiled to how it’s interpreted by Islam’s two main branches, you’ll see how to put the Islamic faith in perspective. Plus, you’ll discover: - What the Koran really says about women and civil law
- How Islam relates to Judaism and Christianity
- The Koran’s view of God, prophets, mankind, and the self
- How its teachings are lived and recited every day by devout Muslims
- Common misconceptions of the Koran
- How to raise a family the Koranic way
Complete with lists of important passages, Koranic terminology, famous quotes, and further reading resources, The Koran For Dummies makes it easy and enjoyable for you to grasp the teachings and significance of Islam's holy book.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 13 more reviews...
 The Koran for Dummies November 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Great book. Takes you from the simple and easy to understand through a process that makes such a controversial book easy enough to at least touch its history and wisdom. At the end one can say that you know what the essence of it is.
 Title and content dont match. Islam for Dummies couldn't be much different June 22, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I expected a better book from dummies. The Author has tried to preach Islam, detailed the different sects of Muslims and their differences which are much beyond the scope of the study of Quran (Koran). I wish the author had stuck to Quran and its proper interpretation.
The tips and facts are good but the supportive material is lengthy. The author sways away from the topic.
The author has been awe struck by the magnanimity of the project and limited by the limitation of his knowledge and grasp of the subject
 A Helpful Introduction To The Qu'ran March 15, 2008
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
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.
 Fine if you don't take it too seriously December 29, 2007
3 out of 7 found this review helpful
Sohaib Sultan's book is a good introduction to the Koran for those who know nothing about it. It is written by a believer. A real eye-opener for Christians who have had little or no exposure to religions other than their own.
Sohaib Sultan is clearly a sincere Muslim who loves the Koran and wants to present its best face to the world. He believes that the Koran has been misrepresented to the world as promoting violence. Please don't take Sultan's views on Islam too seriously without reading some contrary opinions. I would recommend "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and "Why I am Not a Muslim" by Ibn Warraq.
Infidel
Why I Am Not a Muslim
 The Koran for Dummies July 3, 2007
3 out of 13 found this review helpful
I did not find this book to be at all useful or helpful. I found it impossible to cross reference from the book to the Koran. None of my questions were ever answered.
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