Summary

Opening the Qur'an can be a bewildering experience to non-Muslim, English-speaking readers. Those who expect historical narratives, stories, or essays on morals are perplexed once they pass the beautiful first Surah, often shocked and then bogged down by Surah 2, and even offended by Surah 3's strictures against nonbelievers. Walter H. Wagner "opens" the Qur'an by offering a comprehensive and extraordinarily readable, step-by-step introduction to the text, making it accessible to students, teachers, clergy, and general readers interested in Islam and Islam's holy Book. Wagner first places the prophet Muhammad, the Qur'an, and the early Muslim community in their historical, geographical, and theological contexts. This background is a basis for interpreting the Qur'an and understanding its role in later Muslim developments as well as for relationships between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. He then looks in detail at specific passages, moving from cherished devotional texts to increasingly difficult and provocative subjects. The selected bibliography serves as a resource for further reading and study. Woven into the discussion are references to Islamic beliefs and practices. Wagner shows great sensitivity toward the risks and opportunities for non-Muslims who attempt to interpret the Qur'an, and sympathy in the long struggle to build bridges of mutual trust and honest appreciation between Muslims and non-Muslims.

"A number of observers, like Mahmood Mamdani, have pointed out that contemporary events have led to an expansion in the market for translations of the Qur'an. This book will assist and guide readers of these Qur'an translations in the English language. This book could be used in introductory courses on Islam or advanced courses focusing exclusively on Islam's holy Book, the Qur'an . . . general readers outside the academy may also find it useful in helping them understand how to use and make sense of the Qur'an." -- A. Rashied Omar, The Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame

"The Qur'an can be terra incognita for the non-Muslim reader. Walter Wagner's learned book brings us to terra firma. With clear, empathetic, religiously sensitive yet historical-critical commentary, Opening the Qur'an makes sense of Islam's holy book. Wagner is a rare guide: a committed Christian who has listened carefully and sympathetically to Muslims, who understand the Quran as God's word. Wagner conveys their faith without compromising his own. This is more than a work of scholarship and pedagogy; it is an act of respect from one great tradition to another." -- Alan Mittleman, The Jewish Theological Seminary

Choice Review

This work, premised on the conviction that understanding the Qur'an is the key to understanding Islam, insists on the importance of approaching the Qur'an in an open, critically informed manner, yet one that is sensitive to Muslim perspectives. In the author's view, the two approaches are not mutually exclusive. Christian theologian Wagner (Moravian College) has done an impressive job of bracketing his own personal views so as to approach the Qur'an on its own terms. The result is a penetrating analysis cast in a highly readable style. In 14 substantive chapters the book covers the major issues of concern to non-Muslims. Also featured are three useful appendixes and a glossary. This volume might well serve as a text in introductory, college-level courses on the Qur'an; additionally it will be of value to general readers interested in a fresh, nonpartisan approach to Islam's holy book. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic and public libraries; lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers. M. Swartz Boston University

Library Journal Review

For non-Muslim, English-speaking readers of the Qur'an who become overwhelmed and perplexed, Wagner (theology, Moravian Coll. & Moravian Theological Seminary) comes to the rescue. After a chronological listing of key events in Islam's early history--from Muhammad's birth in Mecca c.570 C.E. to the widening rift between Sunni and Shiite believers in 680 C.E.--Wagner provides in Part 1 a historical context and geographical setting to the Qur'an and Islam, comparing it to the Bible and the other two Abrahamic faiths (i.e., Judaism and Christianity). Part 2 delves into the content and teachings of the Qu'ran's 114 Surahs; Wagner is not afraid to wrestle with controversial topics such as jihad (struggle), martyrdom, the place and role of women, and the treatment of non-Muslims. Finally, in Part 3, he focuses on challenges to readers of the Qur'an as well as critics' challenges to the Qur'an. Keeping with his methodical structure, he also includes three appendixes covering the t raditional names and the order of the Surahs, all the biblical characters and figures mentioned in the Qur'an, and an indispensable glossary that covers terms from adhan to Zakat. A selected bibliography points readers to resources about the Qur'an in Arabic and English translation, along with guides to interpreting the sacred book. In sum, this is a well-researched, thoughtful, and fair-minded treatment. Highly recommended for academic collections and general public library readership.--C. Brian Smith, Arlington Heights Memorial Lib., IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.