A Concise Guide to the Quran (): Answering Thirty Critical Questions

by Ayman S. Ibrahim

What is so unique about Islam's scripture, the Quran? Who wrote it, and when? Can we trust its statements to be from Muhammad? Why was it written in Arabic? Does it command Muslims to fight Christians? These are a few of the thirty questions answered in this clear and concise guide to the history and contents of the Quran.Ayman Ibrahim grew up in the Muslim world and has spent many years teaching various courses on Islam. Using a question-and-answer format, Ibrahim covers critical questions about the most sacred book for Muslims. He examines Muslim and non-Muslim views concerning the Quran, shows how the Quran is used in contemporary expressions of Islam, answers many of the key questions non-Muslims have about the Quran and Islam, and reveals the importance of understanding the Quran for Christian-Muslim and Jewish-Muslim interfaith relations.This introductory guide is written for anyone with little to no knowledge of Islam who wants to learn about Muslims, their beliefs, and their scripture.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2020

About the author

Ayman S. Ibrahim(PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary; PhD, Haifa University) is Bill and Connie Jenkins Professor of Islamic Studies and director of the Center for the Christian Understanding of Islam at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He was born and raised in Egypt and has taught in various countries in the Muslim world and in the West. His articles on Islam and Christian-Muslim relations have appeared in the Washington Post, Religion News Service, and First Things, among others. Ibrahim is the author of The Stated Motivations for the Early Islamic Expansion.

Reviews

[lady h · Rating 4 out of 5]

very illuminating and interesting. rtc.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great! One of the better resources out there for Christians who want to begin engaging with the Quran. Ibrahim is an Arab Christian, with a long history, irenic demeanour, and love for those who believe the Quran. He is uniquely qualified to speak on this subject.

[Cole Shiflet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful introduction to the Quran by a Christian theologian who has two phDs in Islamic Studies and grew up in Egypt.

[Jacob White]

A critical analysis of a scholarly Christian who grew up in Cairo. It answers 30 questions for non Muslims to better understand Quran and basic Islamic faiths.

[Syd Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for Christians wanting to learn more about Islam! The chapters were short and to the point and split into question form. A good read overall!!

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book! Ibrahim’s work is clear, concise, and easy to read while providing a wealth of information. The book is worth reading through a few times and then having in your library to reference in the midst of conversations with Muslims, MBBs, and those interested in Islam and the Quran. I will definitely be checking out some of this author’s other works.

[Aaron Carlberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is clear and concise. I wish it would have gone deeper into the results of the beliefs that he covered, but all in all it was informative and educational.

[madeline blair · Rating 1 out of 5]

complete drivel, another awful choice i got from the very limited islamic studies section at my local library. entirely misleading as the book by name posits itself as a clear description of the quran under the guise of pursuing understanding, but the author (a coptic christian who weaves many personal anecdotes with obvious negative bias throughout his analysis) poses questions that appear to remain rhetorical and open-ended, answered solely in the way of sowing doubt in every facet of islamic teachings as a means of discrediting the religion entirely. he includes several out-of-context and outright incorrect interpretations, with the main focus of painting islam to be a war-mongering, violent religion with a particular vehemance for christians and women—easily verifiable and incorrect claims. the author's phds in islamic studies hold very little merit when he twists and obfuscates every point. must require an incredible amount of cognitive dissonance. this book isn't worth a minute of your time, just read the quran for yourself and then seek genuine, credible sources if there are parts you don't understand.

[Carol Ghattas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Ayman Ibrahim has given us a wonderful resource to understanding the Qur'an. In this easy-to-read guide, he looks at thirty common questions surrounding the history and general themes and content of the most important book for followers of Islam.

As a native Arab speaker, Ibrahim is able to work from primary sources to distill the answers in both a scholarly but understandable way to the non-Muslim and non-Arab speaker mind. This is a book that can be read in one sitting, but also easily used as a reference when questions arise from conversations with Muslim friends. Ibrahim provides a clear and balanced approach to the Qur'an that can provide answers to the skeptic and thinker alike.

A great and highly recommended tool.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ibrahim grew up In Egypt in a minority position as a Coptic Christian. His heart is toward inquiry demonstrated thru many meaningful contacts he speaks of, and his committed career in Academia investigating Islamic Studies. He holds PHD's from Haifa University and also Fuller Seminary. I found this book helpful as a motivator into my own reading in the Quran. The author is fair minded and very experienced in the history and literature which makes up the practice of Islam in all its variations. His book is easy to read, well organized and researched. His last chapter is particularly encouraging about the emergence of honest dialogue, even potential for reform that the internet allows over things formerly considered untouchable or beyond question.

[Will Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work provides many excellent critiques and evaluations of some common Quranic claims of Muslims. The author aptly shows how many claims central to Islam are self-refuting, using the texts of the Quran and Hadiths themselves.
The only strike against this book is that the author is quite soft on Islam, reserving any kind of harsh words for the Islamic "literalists" while offering general praise for any progressive, religious-pluralism-friendly streams of Islam. To that end, it feels as though the author attempted to write his work, not from a thoroughly Christian perspective, but from a "neutral" one.

[Peter C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarifying the Obscure

This is a great introduction to both non-Muslims and Muslims. The Quran is an obscure and difficult text. The author shows why this is and how we can make sense of the many difficulties.

Ibrahim writes a surprisingly deep book in a small number of easily readable pages.

[Rithun Regi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In today's age of religious intolerance among all major religions we need a better and more open discourse on religious texts and interpretations without fear of reprisal or retaliation. This book is indeed a concise guide to the Quran and throws light on many unknowns with respect to the Quran.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely useful resource - not necessarily a book to read and savour, but packed with useful knowledge in a simple and clear format. I’ll be looking to read more from the author!

[aymanhabib075 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The amount of critical thinking and belief that was required for this book is astounding. Hopefully it’s an asset for my Quran class next semester ✊

[Katie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very academic, but very insightful read. I learned a lot.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book answers a lot of questions concerning the Quran and the various complexities within it; as well as explaining some of the historical context behind verses and beliefs.

[Seth Shealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for a comprehensive introduction to the most important Muslim religious text.