For too long the realities of the religion of Islam and its sacred text, the Koran (Qur'an), have been a mystery to the Christian West. Here Cleary distills the essence of the Koran, presenting primary teachings from the sacred Book in an accessible and illuminating manner. Cleary's notes on the spiritual language and psychology of the Koran reveal an astounding richness, subtlety, and depth in this extraordinary book. Cleary is especially brilliant explaining the Arabic roots of key words and their collateral meaning. This book is essential reading for all who seek the core of Islamic spirituality. "Unlocks the Koran and opens up its power and grace."

THOMAS CLEARY is the pre-eminent translator of Buddhist and Taoist texts, including 'The Essential Tao', 'The Essential Confucius', 'The Secret of the Golden Flower', and the best-selling 'The Art of War'. "For Muslims the whole of the Qur'an is

The Qur'an is universally known as the sacred book of Islam, and in today's world it is as important to the non-Muslim community as to the Muslim one. Chapters and sections included in this volume aim to introduce the non-Muslim reader to the essential wisdom, beauty and majesty of this sacred book. The present translation makes some passages of the admirable book more accessible to those seeking to understand its meaning in easily comprehensible language. Thomas Cleary, with his poet's touch and a traveller's love for the journey to Truth, has crafted a stunning evocation of the 'untranslatable' verses of the noble Qur'an, pointing out facts like 'Islam does not demand unreasoned belief' along the way. For too long, the West has viewed the Qur'an as shrouded in an alien time and culture. In Essential Koran, Cleary has distilled the essence of Islam to include all the key spiritual passages. Each section is presented with explanatory notes in a historical and logical order to reveal the depths of Islamic spirituality.

Find out how the Koran resembles the Bible—and the drastic ways in which it differs. Understanding the Koran gives you an essential grasp of Islam's holy book: where it came from, what it teaches, how Muslims view it, and how the Allah of the Koran compares with the God of the Bible. Cherished as the final, perfect revelation of God's will by 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide, the Koran has become a part of American life. What do you know about the holy book that shapes the lives and views of your neighbors and a fifth of the world's population? Written by a pastor who was born to a Muslim father and raised in Saudi Arabia, Understanding the Koran gives you a fascinating, easy-to-understand overview that will show you: Why the background behind the Koran is important to understanding it. How the Koran came into existence. A summary of the main teachings of the Koran, including what it says about Jesus and the crucifixion. Similarities and differences between Muslim and Christian views of God. What the Koran teaches about Jihad and holy war. What the Koran teaches about heaven and hell and the final destinies of the human soul. Giving you an essential grasp of Islam's holy book, Understanding the Koran points you to the one thing that can draw your Muslim friends to Jesus—his love, demonstrated to them through you. Discussion questions make it possible to use this book in group studies.

"Recent events have caused tremendous interest in the Muslim religion, yet very few people understand its important tenets, as outlined in its holy book, the Koran. The Everything Koran Book, written by Duaa Anwar-an Egyptian Muslim raised in the United Arab Emirates-is your essential reference to understanding the principle teachings of Allah, as revealed in the 114 chapters of the Koran. Offering a wealth of information on the history and significance of this holy book--as well as important translations and interpretations of key passages--The Everything Koran Book helps you discover the fundamental truths behind this 1,400-year-old religion. Readers learn to: Comprehend the true teachings of the Muslim faith Discern truth from fiction Interpret Muslim symbols Know how Muslims celebrate holy days Understand Muslim law and social practices Grasp the Koran's teachings on the hereafter The Everything Koran Book is your one-stop resource for understanding and appreciating this sacred text of the Muslim faith.

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.