ʻUlūm al-Qurʼān: An introduction to the sciences of the Qurʼān

by Ahmad Von Denffer

This classic and popular introduction to the sciences developed to interpret and understand Islam's holy book is ideal for all serious students of the Koran. Precise, yet comprehensive, it covers the traditional disciplines, including the meaning and contexts of revelation, the history and transmission of the text, and exegesis, as well as more contemporary topics like the recording of the Koran, the history of Orientalist approaches, and a survey of translations. It ends with a guide for the correct recitation of, and etiquette toward, the Koran. Chapter 1: The Qur'an and Revelation Chapter 2: Transmission of the Qur'anic Revelation Chapter 3: The Qur'an in Manuscript and Print Chapter 4: Form, Language and Style Chapter 5: Understanding the Text Chapter 6: Interpreting the Text Chapter 7: Some Related Issues Chapter 8: Reading and Studying the Qur'an Ahmad Von Denffer was born in Germany in 1949. He studied Islamics and Social Anthropology at the Universty of Mainz, where he also attended additional courses in the Department of Missiology. His special interests include Christian-Muslim relations. He has made a number of contributions to scholarly journals and has several publications to his credit. He joined the Islamic Foundation as Research Fellow in 1978 and is presently working with the Islamic Centre, Munich.

Genres: Islam, Religion

Hardcover

First published November 1, 1994

About the author

From 1972 to 1978 he studied Islamic Studies and Ethnology at the University of Mainz. From 1978 to 1984 he was a research associate of the "Islamic Foundation" in Leicester (England), the Islamist Pakistani Jamaat-e-Islami and the teachings of Maududi stands close. It was developed by Khurram Murad directed, wrote the later of common Denffer books. Since 1984 he has been advisor for German-speaking affairs of Islamic Center of Munich, whose director then Mahdi Akef was a subsequent supreme leader of the Muslim Brotherhood. [1] From Denffer is editor of the magazine "Al-Islam".

In 1984 he became a founding member of the "International Islamic Charitable Foundation" in Kuwait. [2] 1986-1988 and from 1993 to 2011 he was chairman of "helping Muslims eV", since 1995 Trustee of "Muslim Aid International" in London. From Denffer published in 1989 a translation of Al-Qaradawi's book "and Don'ts in Islam" [3] and 1996 a German translation of the Qur'an [4] and numerous other books. On June 4, 2005, he was in the Shura Council elected the Islamic Center of Munich

Reviews

[Wayfarer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elementary survey contains very basic information – although the information is slightly out-dated, since much has happened in the field of Qur'anic studies in the West since this text was written, especially in terms of available translations and resources to the English speaking audience. All in all, a good read for children and for complete beginners – although some sections are wanting for a better explanation and leave the reader hanging! ... an impetus for further study. The text briefly touches upon and introduces several topics, all of which should be taken further and investigated, with recourse to authentic traditional Islamic scholarship.

[Tuscany Bernier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to this topic. I think a lot of beginning students will love it, but it's a light introduction for sure. I would not stop here, but let it be a catalyst for your learning to expand!

[Nadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the field of 'Ulum al Qur'an, albeit somewhat cursory and sometimes it felt more like the author was summarizing notions rather than describing them. It's good as a first glance for someone completely unfamiliar with the topic but others will desire more.

[Yaqeen Sikander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ulum ul Qur'an is a very amazing attempt by Ahmad Von Denffer and the first book on this topic in the English language. Many aspects have been discussed well and rules of Tajweed and discussion on Islam and Science and Quran and Orientalists makes this book even more valuable. But it could have been better if the Author would illustrate the Qur'anic literary styles with more explanation and examples.

But nevertheless the Usool at Tafseer by Dr Bilal Phillips has done that job and one should read these both in order to have an overview on the subject. Enjoyed reading it!

[Amani · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Ehab Shawky · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not bad but certainly not good as well.
The issues are tackled in a clumsy way. Some of them are tackled in the wrong way like the issue of Naskh or abrogation. I totally disagree with Von Denffer's understanding for it. Also the important issue of gathering and organizing the Qur'an, he tackled it in a superficial manner; which doesn't suit its big importance. The writer is probably affected by the Muslims' Brotherhood ideas. That's why he gave Sayed Qutb's tafseer for the Qur'an a high rating when it shouldn't be mentioned as a tafseer at all. Qutb wasn't a scholar, he was a poet and a play writer, and true scholars consider his Islamic books a kind of literature conveying the man's ideas, but absolutely not accredited books representing Islam.
I wouldn't recommend this book except maybe for freshmen as a summer read before their first year. It would help them grab some ideas about Uloom Al-Qur'an, and shed some light on important issues they shall learn and discuss with their professors later on in their studies.