Reading the Qur'an

‘This book performs the essential democratic function of suggesting that the Qur’an can and indeed ought to be read intelligently by the lay Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and effectively debunks the myth that the sacred book of Islam is only accessible through the medium of Arabic … Not only does Reading the Qur’an make many timely and necessary points; it is also highly readable … It is punctuated by beautiful metaphors … and witty, sometimes even risque comments.’ * The Times Literary Supplement *’ Divine revelation demands that “we constantly think outside the box of our earthly concerns by keeping in mind the intersection of time and timelessness”. Writing as “Every Muslim” with a deep love of a text he learned at his mother’s knee, Sardar rises to this challenge, wrestling with problematic passages that would seem to run counter to his generally progressive and enlightened outlook.’ * Malise Ruthven, The Guardian *‘Ziauddin Sardar is justly renowned for his forensic intelligence and capacious insight into myriad issues. He is at once a peace-maker and a bridge-builder. Reading the Qur’an projects the scriptural basis for his ceaseless activities as the leading public intellectual among British Muslims - This bold mandate compels Sardar to look at all the issues that concern Muslims and non-Muslims alike in contemporary Islam - not only sex and the Shari’ah, but also homosexuality, the veil, freedom of religion, and even suicide. If one could pick just one book to connect the Muslim past with its complex present and future potential, Reading the Qur’an would be that book.’ * Professor Bruce Lawrence, Duke University ‘This lucid, scholarly and exciting book could not be more timely *‘It takes the reader on a spiritual and intellectual journey that is essential for Muslim and non-Muslim alike and addresses some of the most pressing needs of our time.’ * Karen Armstrong, author of, inter alia, A History of God and Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet *

Ziauddin Sardar is a renowned writer, broadcaster and cultural critic. He is also a Commissioner at the Equality and Human Rights Commission; editor of Futures and a columnist for the New Statesman, as well as being Visiting Professor, School of Arts, the City University, London. He is the author of many books, the most recent being Desperately Seeking Paradise: Journeys of a Sceptical Muslim; What Do Muslims Believe?; and Balti Britain: A Provocative Journey Through Asian Britain