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Reading the Qur'an by Ziauddin Sardar
"I grew up reading the Qur'an on my mother's lap," writes Ziauddin Sardar. "It's an experience I share with most Muslim children. And so it is that our connection to the Qur'an is infused with associations of the warmest and most enduring of human bonds."
In Reading the Qur'an, Sardar—one of Europe's leading public intellectuals—laments that for far too many Muslims, the Qur'an he had learned in his mother's lap has become a stick used for ensuring conformity and suppressing dissenting views. Indeed, some find in the Qur'an justification for misogyny, validation for hatred of others, an obsession with dress and mindless ritual, rules for running modern states. Arguing passionately but reasonably against these trends, Sardar speaks out for a more open, less doctrinaire approach to reading the Qur'an. He contends that the Qur'an is not fixed in stone for all time, but a dynamic text which every generation must encounter anew, and whose relevance and implications for our time we have yet to fully discover. The words of the Qur'an imply the religious life, it tells us, is not about standing still but always striving to make our life, our society, the entire world around us a better place for everyone. Sardar explores the Qur'an from a variety of perspectives, from traditional exegesis to hermeneutics, critical theory, and cultural analysis, drawing fresh and contemporary lessons from the Sacred Text. He also examines what the Qur'an says about such contemporary topics as power and politics, rights of women, suicide, domestic violence, sex, homosexuality, the veil, freedom of expression, and evolution.
Ziauddin Sardar opens a new window on this remarkable Sacred Text, in a book that will engage all devout Muslims and will interest anyone curious about the Qur'an and Islam today.
In Reading the Qur'an, Sardar—one of Europe's leading public intellectuals—laments that for far too many Muslims, the Qur'an he had learned in his mother's lap has become a stick used for ensuring conformity and suppressing dissenting views. Indeed, some find in the Qur'an justification for misogyny, validation for hatred of others, an obsession with dress and mindless ritual, rules for running modern states. Arguing passionately but reasonably against these trends, Sardar speaks out for a more open, less doctrinaire approach to reading the Qur'an. He contends that the Qur'an is not fixed in stone for all time, but a dynamic text which every generation must encounter anew, and whose relevance and implications for our time we have yet to fully discover. The words of the Qur'an imply the religious life, it tells us, is not about standing still but always striving to make our life, our society, the entire world around us a better place for everyone. Sardar explores the Qur'an from a variety of perspectives, from traditional exegesis to hermeneutics, critical theory, and cultural analysis, drawing fresh and contemporary lessons from the Sacred Text. He also examines what the Qur'an says about such contemporary topics as power and politics, rights of women, suicide, domestic violence, sex, homosexuality, the veil, freedom of expression, and evolution.
Ziauddin Sardar opens a new window on this remarkable Sacred Text, in a book that will engage all devout Muslims and will interest anyone curious about the Qur'an and Islam today.
Hardcover
First published May 1, 2011
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About the author
Ziauddin Sardar
196 books152 followersZiauddin Sardar has written or edited 45 books over a period of 30 years, many with his long-time co-author Merryl Wyn Davies. Recent titles include Balti Britain: a Journey Through the British Asian Experience (Granta, 2008); and How Do You Know: Reading Ziauddin Sardar on Islam, Science and Cultural Relations (Pluto, 2006). The first volume of his memoirs is Desperately Seeking Paradise: Journeys of a Sceptical Muslim (Granta, 2006). His recent television work includes a 90-minute documentary for the BBC in 2006 called 'Battle for Islam'. Sardar's online work includes a year-long blog on the Qur'an published in 2008 by The Guardian newspaper.
Sardar is a Visiting Professor of Postcolonial Studies in the Department of Arts Policy and Management at City University London and is Editor of the forecasting and planning journal, Futures. He is also a member of the UK Commission on Equality and Human Rights. His journalism appears most often in The Guardian and The Observer, as well as the UK weekly magazine, New Statesman. In the 1980s, he was among the founders of Inquiry, a magazine of ideas and policy focusing on Muslim countries. His early career includes working as a science correspondent for Nature and New Scientist magazines and as a reporter for London Weekend Television.
>>(from wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziauddin... )<<
--
*You can know more from his own site:
http://www.ziauddinsardar.com/Biograp...
Sardar is a Visiting Professor of Postcolonial Studies in the Department of Arts Policy and Management at City University London and is Editor of the forecasting and planning journal, Futures. He is also a member of the UK Commission on Equality and Human Rights. His journalism appears most often in The Guardian and The Observer, as well as the UK weekly magazine, New Statesman. In the 1980s, he was among the founders of Inquiry, a magazine of ideas and policy focusing on Muslim countries. His early career includes working as a science correspondent for Nature and New Scientist magazines and as a reporter for London Weekend Television.
>>(from wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziauddin... )<<
--
*You can know more from his own site:
http://www.ziauddinsardar.com/Biograp...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 6, 2017
The book blurb adequately describes the contents so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. This book was recommended to me by a Muslim friend as a good introduction to understanding Islam and the Qur'an. I'm a Christian and have no desire to convert. But I am interested in learning more about what Muslims believe.
I was surprised to learn how many familiar names from both the Old and New Testaments are mentioned in the Qur'an. A few of those names are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ezekiel, David, Moses, Daniel, and John. Per Mr. Sardar, Jesus is mentioned in 93 verses. The Qur'an text indicates that Jesus is not The Son of God. But does indicate, and Muslims believe, He was a prophet and did perform miracles. I was also surprised to learn that in the Qur'an both the Torah and the Bible are considered as revealed texts from God.
You hear many conflicting things about Islam in the media and much of it involves the extremists on both ends of the spectrum. Is what we hear based on the actual text of the Qur'an or is it based on misinterpretation and customs that have become "standard practice" but are not necessarily what the Qur'an text actually says/means? I was taught to use multiple sources and do my own research which is why I read this book. Mr. Sardar presents an interesting perspective and overview of The Qur'an and how it should be interpreted. This book is a good starting point for those like me who know very little about Islam and what Muslims are taught to believe.
I was surprised to learn how many familiar names from both the Old and New Testaments are mentioned in the Qur'an. A few of those names are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ezekiel, David, Moses, Daniel, and John. Per Mr. Sardar, Jesus is mentioned in 93 verses. The Qur'an text indicates that Jesus is not The Son of God. But does indicate, and Muslims believe, He was a prophet and did perform miracles. I was also surprised to learn that in the Qur'an both the Torah and the Bible are considered as revealed texts from God.
You hear many conflicting things about Islam in the media and much of it involves the extremists on both ends of the spectrum. Is what we hear based on the actual text of the Qur'an or is it based on misinterpretation and customs that have become "standard practice" but are not necessarily what the Qur'an text actually says/means? I was taught to use multiple sources and do my own research which is why I read this book. Mr. Sardar presents an interesting perspective and overview of The Qur'an and how it should be interpreted. This book is a good starting point for those like me who know very little about Islam and what Muslims are taught to believe.
August 13, 2011
Loved it, it was the first detailed study on the Quran which I finished in style without stopping. It was a must study which portrays the Quran in the existing era tackling all challenging issues like homosexuality, sex and the dreaded hijab. Read to understand what the Quran is all about in a very articulate way.
January 19, 2012
I had just read Desperately Seeking Paradise and was so impressed with the author that I pre-ordered Reading the Qur'an. I was not disappointed. Muslims believe that the Qur'an is for all times and all places -theoretically- but being able to show just how the stories, allegories and legal rulings relate to today is not always welcome by the "traditionalists". Sardar, in my opinion, did a remarkable job. I read it through and will continue to refer to it.
Desperately Seeking Paradise: Journeys of a Sceptical Muslim
Desperately Seeking Paradise: Journeys of a Sceptical Muslim
December 2, 2016
a good reading, it challenges most of traditional exegesis and interpretation. but you probably should be critical when reading this
May 12, 2019
An interesting attempt by this Liberal muslim reformer to try and make Islam fit into the 21st century but ultimately falls badly short because the author is very subjective in many of the controversial teachings in the Quran....he simply is reaching....though his intentions are decent there is no way the vast majority of the Islamic world would accept his interpretations of the Quranic text....he is putting his spin on the Quran in the hope of rescuing Islam from the hardliners ........but while some liberal muslims in the West may agree with the conclusions reached here, the Muslims in the Islamic world proper will never accept this man's thesis....
June 8, 2017
Brilliant. Ziauddin sardar approaches the important topics of today in the light of Quran in a modern and open minded manner. Recommended reading for Muslims and the rest.
October 7, 2024
A progressive interpretation of the Quran. An interesting read, particularly his interpretation of Surah Baqarah.
The key challenge is the author is relying on (1)translated readings and (2) focused on Quran vs the Hadith or the key legal schools of thought. It makes the readings and interpretation less credible (even if I was more aligned with a lot of his views).
The key challenge is the author is relying on (1)translated readings and (2) focused on Quran vs the Hadith or the key legal schools of thought. It makes the readings and interpretation less credible (even if I was more aligned with a lot of his views).
December 1, 2022
The book is a learning as an outsider.
May 3, 2020
Superb
It's time for serious thinking on reclaiming the Quran. The author definitely provokes our senses to think, observe and deduce.
It's time for serious thinking on reclaiming the Quran. The author definitely provokes our senses to think, observe and deduce.
July 14, 2018
One of the most deeply enlightening books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. I consider it essential reading for anybody interested in Islam and for every Muslim. Sardar’s exploration begins the work I believe to be incumbent for each generation of Muslims; to re-interpret the Holy Qur’an for their modern contexts and illuminate the relevance it has to our everyday problems and eternal questions of how to live a good life. For me, this book answered both conflicts I had always felt and questions I didn’t know I had, and I am truly grateful to the author for the change of perspective and renewed reverence of the message of the Holy Qur’an that I feel in my life thanks to reading his work.
July 31, 2022
It took a few months to get through the book as it is quite a heavy read, but it feels like an accomplishment that was well worth it. I'll divide the review into a few parts:
STRUCTURE:
The book is divided into clearly-labeled chapters that first cover the basics of the Qur'an and then analyze different topics from a Quranic perspective such as same-sex relationships, science, and the arts.
GENERAL BIAS:
Sardar does not attempt to provide an atemporal interpretation of the Qur'an but instead fleshes out what is very clearly his own personal interpretation of it. Thus, he focuses on some of the broader issues of our time in both so-called Western and Muslim countries.
While he does critique many historical and current actions of the West, he combines a general bias towards many values of secular societies such as democracy, acceptance of religious pluralism, etc, with values espoused in the Qur'an.
CRITIQUES:
Much of how Sardar arrives at conclusions on subjects is based on a hierarchization of priority given to different hadith. It would have been nice to have seen a little more of the process of how he chose one hadith over another in cases where two appeared to conflict.
STRUCTURE:
The book is divided into clearly-labeled chapters that first cover the basics of the Qur'an and then analyze different topics from a Quranic perspective such as same-sex relationships, science, and the arts.
GENERAL BIAS:
Sardar does not attempt to provide an atemporal interpretation of the Qur'an but instead fleshes out what is very clearly his own personal interpretation of it. Thus, he focuses on some of the broader issues of our time in both so-called Western and Muslim countries.
While he does critique many historical and current actions of the West, he combines a general bias towards many values of secular societies such as democracy, acceptance of religious pluralism, etc, with values espoused in the Qur'an.
CRITIQUES:
Much of how Sardar arrives at conclusions on subjects is based on a hierarchization of priority given to different hadith. It would have been nice to have seen a little more of the process of how he chose one hadith over another in cases where two appeared to conflict.
July 8, 2019
I took this book over 2 years to read, so my impressions may not be comprehensive.
As practicing muslims, we dont get to read books like this. Religion and Quran are often explained in urdu and english in tough language, where it is largely a dictum. This book on the contrary says engage with the text, though it is an eternal one, see how to frame it from the times of the day.
Ziauddin has done a stellar job, i wouldnt say completely convincing.
The structure of the book is brilliant, where surah al baqara is read verse by verse ( mostly), this is the way classical translation is done. From there themes in Quran are dealt and this is the best one which i liked. From there on contemporary topics are understood in light of quran, i wasnt completely convinced here though as few ayas were repeated often. This is a drop, but for the effort , it is a definite 5 star.
jazakallahu khairan zia sab.
As practicing muslims, we dont get to read books like this. Religion and Quran are often explained in urdu and english in tough language, where it is largely a dictum. This book on the contrary says engage with the text, though it is an eternal one, see how to frame it from the times of the day.
Ziauddin has done a stellar job, i wouldnt say completely convincing.
The structure of the book is brilliant, where surah al baqara is read verse by verse ( mostly), this is the way classical translation is done. From there themes in Quran are dealt and this is the best one which i liked. From there on contemporary topics are understood in light of quran, i wasnt completely convinced here though as few ayas were repeated often. This is a drop, but for the effort , it is a definite 5 star.
jazakallahu khairan zia sab.
January 15, 2018
An effort in interpreting the underlying principles of Qur'an, Sardar does his job well. While many may not agree with his interpretations, I think he deserves an applaud on his intentions here to find a more inclusive, moral and pluralistic meaning in the Qur'an.
A must read for both Muslims and those intetested in understanding Qur'an better
A must read for both Muslims and those intetested in understanding Qur'an better
February 22, 2021
Page 363: The purpose of religion is to expand human consciousness, to be fully and continually aware of what is beyond the limitations of our created nature. Thoughtfully written in articulating “The contemporary Relevance of the Sacred Text of Islam.”
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews