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Divine Speech
The Quran, the sacred scripture of Islam, is revered as the spoken word of God by approximately one-fifth of the world's population. Since its inception, the power of the Quran has derived not only from its message, but also from the inimitable literary style and rhetorical impact that the Arabic scripture has on its audiences. Divine Speech: Exploring the Quran as Literature attempts to make some of the most recent Arabic and European-language scholarship on its literary features accessible to a wider, English-speaking audience. These features include its language and word choice, its use of figures of speech and other rhetorical devices, its manner of narrating parables and stories, and the structure, coherence, and the order of its "chapters"-aspects that typically remain mysterious to readers of English translations of the text. Divine Speech furnishes its readers with a better appreciation of the Quran from a literary perspective, and in the process stimulates interest in, and provides tools and resources for, further study of the scripture.
285 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
226 people are currently reading
3648 people want to read
About the author
Nouman Ali Khan
29 books843 followersNouman Ali Khan is a Muslim speaker and the CEO and founder of Bayyinah Institute, an Arabic studies, educational institution in the United States.
His early education in Arabic started in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and continued in Pakistan. His serious Arabic training began in 1999 in the United States. He has been teaching Modern Standard and Classical Arabic at various venues for several years with over 10,000 students nationwide.
Nouman Ali Khan teaches about the religion of Islam through his video speeches. He also frequently speaks at Islamic Circle of North America Conventions about Islam, family, and other life topics.
Ustadh Nouman does not participate in any fundraiser event in any capacity.
He does not accept requests for video, audio or written endorsements of islamic projects, institutions & programs.
Reasoning from Br. Nouman: “Even though I would love to engage, I simply don’t have time to look deeply into all the projects, their history & their contributions. I don’t feel comfortable endorsing anything without thoroughly knowing each and every aspect of it. Regardless, I appreciate all the different inspiring efforts taking place through out the world and pray for their success.”
His early education in Arabic started in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and continued in Pakistan. His serious Arabic training began in 1999 in the United States. He has been teaching Modern Standard and Classical Arabic at various venues for several years with over 10,000 students nationwide.
Nouman Ali Khan teaches about the religion of Islam through his video speeches. He also frequently speaks at Islamic Circle of North America Conventions about Islam, family, and other life topics.
Ustadh Nouman does not participate in any fundraiser event in any capacity.
He does not accept requests for video, audio or written endorsements of islamic projects, institutions & programs.
Reasoning from Br. Nouman: “Even though I would love to engage, I simply don’t have time to look deeply into all the projects, their history & their contributions. I don’t feel comfortable endorsing anything without thoroughly knowing each and every aspect of it. Regardless, I appreciate all the different inspiring efforts taking place through out the world and pray for their success.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 25, 2017
Whether you benefit from this book or not depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for spirituality and motivation, then this is not the book to read. It is an academic work focusing on the linguistics of the Quran.
The linguistics of the Quran is a very difficult topic to explain in English and the authors do as good a job as possible. Explaining the nuances of Arabic grammar and word choice in English is a real challenge, but this book does a good-enough job of it.
Its worth reading if linguistics interests you.
The linguistics of the Quran is a very difficult topic to explain in English and the authors do as good a job as possible. Explaining the nuances of Arabic grammar and word choice in English is a real challenge, but this book does a good-enough job of it.
Its worth reading if linguistics interests you.
October 28, 2019
Divine Speech is indeed a book on exploring the Quran as literature. The contents of the book is arranged to introduce readers to the in-depth meanings of Al-Quran through its Arabic language - structure and composition through selected translations and researches.
A very good for reference and a joy for reading.
A very good for reference and a joy for reading.
February 22, 2023
I've watched the Divine Speech series on BayyinahTV previously, and I've got to say I like listening to the lecture better than reading the book as the topic is pretty complicated and NAK explains the linguistical parts better in person. This is still a wonderful book, regardless. (Also, the series only covers half of the content of the book btw)
I'm particularly enamored when NAK explains about how the entire Quran actually forms a ring composition on its own, apart from the symmetries between ayats and surahs. Maaaaajor goosebumps, SubhanAllah.
I'm particularly enamored when NAK explains about how the entire Quran actually forms a ring composition on its own, apart from the symmetries between ayats and surahs. Maaaaajor goosebumps, SubhanAllah.
October 12, 2017
One of Al Quran miracle is on the language used in it. There lies the beauty and through it many meanings can be derived depending on which angle it is looked into.
Revealation which were given to Prophet Muhamad last 1400 years ago is still significant up until now and in fact, many still find new discoveries in it.
That is why one never tires reading over this holy book . Meaning upon meaning can came upon the reader when it's read.
Translation has only a certain degree in giving the meaning in the pages of Quran. And it is dry and some subtle meaning were lost in the translation.
For example the word Asr in the translation is time. But it defines more than that. It is described as a source of limited supply and once it's fully 'squeezed', it is no longer available.
For a non Arabic speaker like me, it is a huge loss to only depend on the translation.
Indeed the translation does not do justice to the true meaning in Al Quran.
What a loss... 🙁
But through reading this book, at least I can catch a glimpse of the beautiful language in Al Quran.
Guess it is high time to find a good Arabic language teacher...
Revealation which were given to Prophet Muhamad last 1400 years ago is still significant up until now and in fact, many still find new discoveries in it.
That is why one never tires reading over this holy book . Meaning upon meaning can came upon the reader when it's read.
Translation has only a certain degree in giving the meaning in the pages of Quran. And it is dry and some subtle meaning were lost in the translation.
For example the word Asr in the translation is time. But it defines more than that. It is described as a source of limited supply and once it's fully 'squeezed', it is no longer available.
For a non Arabic speaker like me, it is a huge loss to only depend on the translation.
Indeed the translation does not do justice to the true meaning in Al Quran.
What a loss... 🙁
But through reading this book, at least I can catch a glimpse of the beautiful language in Al Quran.
Guess it is high time to find a good Arabic language teacher...
April 4, 2020
Finished reading it. When I first started reading the translation of the Quran it seemed a bit disconnected and couldn't grasp the structure. I started looking for answers and came across this book.
Alhamdulillah. What an eye opener. The Quran is not just the Book of Allah and a Guidance for mankind but it is also a literary masterpiece. Every word, every ayat, every surah and the whole of Quran is such intricately structured, it is mind-blowing.
I recommend that you not only recite Quran but also study the translation and tafseer but also delve deep to see the literary beauty of it. It will amaze you.
Alhamdulillah. What an eye opener. The Quran is not just the Book of Allah and a Guidance for mankind but it is also a literary masterpiece. Every word, every ayat, every surah and the whole of Quran is such intricately structured, it is mind-blowing.
I recommend that you not only recite Quran but also study the translation and tafseer but also delve deep to see the literary beauty of it. It will amaze you.
August 23, 2018
Eye opening in more ways than one. Brilliant!
February 23, 2019
All praise and gratitude is due to God, the Lord of all peoples.
This book is a comprehensive, engaging and highly readable book that concist of multitude of topics which solely related to literature aspect of al Quran.
I was blowned away by the complexity and in-depth research by the authors.
Book like this surely increase your appreciation toward the Divine Book.
This book is a comprehensive, engaging and highly readable book that concist of multitude of topics which solely related to literature aspect of al Quran.
I was blowned away by the complexity and in-depth research by the authors.
Book like this surely increase your appreciation toward the Divine Book.
April 11, 2023
mindblowing books about Quran.
August 29, 2023
Reading this book was mind-blowing and humbling. It is well researched and referenced, and reading it reminded me so vividly of Nouman Ali Khan's khutba style and his passion in spreading his knowledge of the miracle that is this book. The last few pages where he showed how the entire Quran is a circle in its connections between surahs, especially the connection between Surah Fatiha, Surah Nas and the first revelation, was simply breathtaking and beautiful. The significance of a circle, of things connecting and coming together seamlessly, has been apparent to humans for ages. The book reminded me so much of the philosophical ideas of binary opposites and pairs (Derrida), as well as thesis, antithesis and synthesis (Hegel's dialectic). The way philosophical thought has interpreted life, existence and universal order is right there in the pages of Quran centures before any philosopher came up with it. The beauty of Quran is not just in the message, but in the word choices, the careful arrangement, the refrains, and the power of language (reminiscent of Focault). Now I'm eager to find and read Mir Mustansir's work on Quran as recommended by this book. I'm thrilled to have read this book.
October 19, 2018
The Quran as literature not as spirituality.
Want to read
February 3, 2019Good one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2019
Wow
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2019
Nice book .i will recommend this to everyone one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2022
Divine Speech is a magickal system that breaks through all the complicated and confusing vocal magick techniques that were once explained by many magicians before.
April 30, 2022
I remember reading an article a few years back on the beauty of the composition for Ayatul Kursi, which sparked my appreciation of the linguistics of the Quran. Most Muslims are aware that the Quran is THE Holy book for us, as it has been sent down from God as a guidance for practicing Muslims. Sadly, non-native speakers of the Arabic language may not be able to fully appreciate the meaning behind the Quran due to language barriers, and so we are unable to comprehend just how miraculous and meticulously planned the Quran truly is.
I found this particular book while I was raiding my dad's library, and as Nouman Ali Khan's Bayyinah Institute requires no introduction for those who are familiar with his videos on the beauty of the Quran, I was doubly excited to read this study of the Quranic linguistics.
"Divine Speech" offers a comprehensive look into the meaning and nuances behind the classical Arabic language that is used throughout the Quran, where the authors focused on the subject matter holistically instead of going into the details of every surat and ayat. This approach ensures that we understand that while the Quran doesn't follow a "logical" order in terms of surat placements or length as well as in terms of chronological order of events, there is a reason why the Quran has been compiled the way that it was.
While this book can sometimes go into a lot of linguistic detail, the authors did a good job of making this subject matter accessible to non-scholars. I especially loved the insightful and detailed analysis of Surat al-Fatiha, which made me appreciate the surat even more when we understand why it's written the way it was. Yes, some of the chapters may be a bit too technical (and somewhat dry), but if one persists in reading this to the very end, there are a lot of insights to be gained from this book. I found this to be a highly valuable study that gives "casual" readers so much more context into many of the surat and ayat that would in turn make us appreciate the different nuances of the beautiful al-Quran.
I’m not a trained scholar and so I'm unable to comment on the veracity of the content; I leave that to the experts who have studied the Quran extensively. I do think this is worth reading if you are interested in the linguistics aspect of the Quran. Wallahualam.
I found this particular book while I was raiding my dad's library, and as Nouman Ali Khan's Bayyinah Institute requires no introduction for those who are familiar with his videos on the beauty of the Quran, I was doubly excited to read this study of the Quranic linguistics.
"Divine Speech" offers a comprehensive look into the meaning and nuances behind the classical Arabic language that is used throughout the Quran, where the authors focused on the subject matter holistically instead of going into the details of every surat and ayat. This approach ensures that we understand that while the Quran doesn't follow a "logical" order in terms of surat placements or length as well as in terms of chronological order of events, there is a reason why the Quran has been compiled the way that it was.
While this book can sometimes go into a lot of linguistic detail, the authors did a good job of making this subject matter accessible to non-scholars. I especially loved the insightful and detailed analysis of Surat al-Fatiha, which made me appreciate the surat even more when we understand why it's written the way it was. Yes, some of the chapters may be a bit too technical (and somewhat dry), but if one persists in reading this to the very end, there are a lot of insights to be gained from this book. I found this to be a highly valuable study that gives "casual" readers so much more context into many of the surat and ayat that would in turn make us appreciate the different nuances of the beautiful al-Quran.
I’m not a trained scholar and so I'm unable to comment on the veracity of the content; I leave that to the experts who have studied the Quran extensively. I do think this is worth reading if you are interested in the linguistics aspect of the Quran. Wallahualam.
March 14, 2025
One of the best books I’ve read during Ramadan. For me, this is a definite must-read for those interested in Islam, especially the Qur’an. Unlike the Bible, the Qur’an is not compiled in chronological order. There’s also a surprising factor in its narrative structure—it doesn’t follow the common progression of orientation, climax, and resolution. Instead, as Nouman Ali Khan explains, it follows a ring structure, which is more prominent in oral traditions and classical narrative forms.
There are a few things to note before reading this book. It is a non-fiction work that delves into the literary language of classical Arabic. As a result, it is filled with complex linguistic terminology, both in English and Arabic. That being said, I found it incredibly fascinating—even to the point where I want to study classical Arabic to immerse myself further. However, if you are not familiar with linguistic or Islamic terminology, there is a glossary to help. Just be prepared for technical terms to appear frequently throughout the text.
This book is divided into two parts. The first consists of micro-level literary analysis, exploring aspects such as word usage, grammatical rules, lexicon, and the use of parables and metaphors. The second part focuses on macro-level literary analysis, delving into the broader narrative structure of surahs, their order, the ring structure within them, and the overall symmetry of the Qur’an.
Reading this felt like a love letter to the Qur’an. Even though I’m not a native English speaker, this book articulated many of the literary questions I’ve had while reading the Qur’an. So, if you’ve ever wondered about the Qur’an’s literary choices, you may find answers here. However, it is not a tafsir (exegesis) but rather a literary exploration of how deeply intricate the Qur’an is from a linguistic and structural perspective.
There are a few things to note before reading this book. It is a non-fiction work that delves into the literary language of classical Arabic. As a result, it is filled with complex linguistic terminology, both in English and Arabic. That being said, I found it incredibly fascinating—even to the point where I want to study classical Arabic to immerse myself further. However, if you are not familiar with linguistic or Islamic terminology, there is a glossary to help. Just be prepared for technical terms to appear frequently throughout the text.
This book is divided into two parts. The first consists of micro-level literary analysis, exploring aspects such as word usage, grammatical rules, lexicon, and the use of parables and metaphors. The second part focuses on macro-level literary analysis, delving into the broader narrative structure of surahs, their order, the ring structure within them, and the overall symmetry of the Qur’an.
Reading this felt like a love letter to the Qur’an. Even though I’m not a native English speaker, this book articulated many of the literary questions I’ve had while reading the Qur’an. So, if you’ve ever wondered about the Qur’an’s literary choices, you may find answers here. However, it is not a tafsir (exegesis) but rather a literary exploration of how deeply intricate the Qur’an is from a linguistic and structural perspective.
November 15, 2023
I always have a huge respect to Nouman Ali Khan. One of the best Islamic scholars of our time. He might not pursue his academics in Islamic literature, but his determination in learning and spreading the word of God through literature approach has enlighten the ummah.
Before knowing him, like many other Muslims in Indonesia, I approach studying the Quran by its literal Indonesian translation. One or two times we found preacher quoted a verse and give more details about it. However moving the word of God is, quite a lot I found it illogical, unethical, and perplexing. Until I watched Nouman explained from the perspective of Arabic language. And it was, it is, and it has always been mind blowing to me.
This book is the extension of what he taught on Bayyinah TV on Youtube. It gives a new perspective of how we should understand and read the holy scripture. How beautiful the language, the pattern of each ayah, surah, and Quran as a whole.
And while most people find the Quran lacks of order, surprisingly this book revealed how in fact the Quran is perfectly in order using framing device Ring Composititon, which similarly found in some of classic literatures.
As a muslim, I urge all my muslim fellows to read this as it will give us a whole different points of view in translating the word of God. And for those interested in reading the Quran, I recommend reading this along with, as it will navigate you for better comprehension.
Before knowing him, like many other Muslims in Indonesia, I approach studying the Quran by its literal Indonesian translation. One or two times we found preacher quoted a verse and give more details about it. However moving the word of God is, quite a lot I found it illogical, unethical, and perplexing. Until I watched Nouman explained from the perspective of Arabic language. And it was, it is, and it has always been mind blowing to me.
This book is the extension of what he taught on Bayyinah TV on Youtube. It gives a new perspective of how we should understand and read the holy scripture. How beautiful the language, the pattern of each ayah, surah, and Quran as a whole.
And while most people find the Quran lacks of order, surprisingly this book revealed how in fact the Quran is perfectly in order using framing device Ring Composititon, which similarly found in some of classic literatures.
As a muslim, I urge all my muslim fellows to read this as it will give us a whole different points of view in translating the word of God. And for those interested in reading the Quran, I recommend reading this along with, as it will navigate you for better comprehension.
September 25, 2023
Amazing read. Opens your eyes to different perspectives. The book definitely has a lot of informations to take in but from what i believe is that even though if you cannot retain all the information, reading this is still very helpful. Even if you retain 10% of it, it is beneficial to you. This book continued to amaze me till the very last page, and i mean it for real. Whatever you retain is valuable, it will increase your concentration, be it when you are in prayer or when you are reading the Quran. You will understand why the Quran itself is a miracle from Allah and when you read the Quran, you will be able to feel its power and you will notice the minute details that makes it a spectacular book, that is only one of its kind. After reading this i am left to wonder how perfect will Allah be if this book is this much perfect, and this book is just like a mere drop of water from the ocean of perfection of Allah.
***My first review ever. So yes i might make some silly mistakes 😛
Open to any kind of criticism (make it comstructive criticism please😭)
***My first review ever. So yes i might make some silly mistakes 😛
Open to any kind of criticism (make it comstructive criticism please😭)
May 21, 2024
The Divine Speech is a book I personally deeply appreciate because, as a non-arab speaker, it allows readers all around the world to make up an idea of the complexities of the Qur'an. As an academic book, it truly achieves it's goal of providing substancial information that enriches the knowledge of the reader. As a personal oriented guide for understanding the message of the Qur'an, personally, this book served me as a reminder of why language and the human capacity of producing it and understanding it is also a miracle. It is a book that truly feels to be written with care and kindness. I would describe it as a gift from the author to anyone willing to know more about the one true message.
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August 29, 20204.5 stars
Divine Speech: Exploring the Quran as Literature is a great introductory text for learning about some of the elements that make the Qur'an especially unique. The content is easy to understand but also mindblowing, if you've only done a perfunctory reading of the Qur'an. Well, you may not think you have, but Divine Speech shares points that made me feel as though I barely have a kindergartener's understanding. It especially demonstrates the importance of learning (fusha) Arabic as so much is lost or missed in translation (particularly the patterns that abound in the Qur'an).
Another feature I enjoyed is the citations or "continued" reading lists highlighted throughout the book.
Divine Speech: Exploring the Quran as Literature is a great introductory text for learning about some of the elements that make the Qur'an especially unique. The content is easy to understand but also mindblowing, if you've only done a perfunctory reading of the Qur'an. Well, you may not think you have, but Divine Speech shares points that made me feel as though I barely have a kindergartener's understanding. It especially demonstrates the importance of learning (fusha) Arabic as so much is lost or missed in translation (particularly the patterns that abound in the Qur'an).
Another feature I enjoyed is the citations or "continued" reading lists highlighted throughout the book.
December 27, 2020
I simply love the way the author writes his books. The language, the humor, the way he reasons with...everything! I don't get much time to read books but when I do I like to read books that just take you in a flow where you forget time and place. Hope more books will be coming our way soon from this author.
August 25, 2022
this is a call for help to all my brothers and sisters. I can’t seem to find the book anywhere and I’m wondering if someone can help me. Just email me where I can buy it please. I love the subject of the book, something I always wondered about. Inshallah someone can help me. My email address is murad_mohammed23@hotmail.co.uk. Thank you
November 27, 2025
This book is perfectly tailored for the modern generation. From easy to understanding - style of explaining the things to a well categorised chapters, it has successfully captured it all. I could have never imagined that the Quran from a literature point of view can have such miraculous hidden beauty and the signs of its truthfulness.
January 5, 2021
This is very scholarly reading. This is very good and I need to put on my analytical mode while reading this. Thus I have been putting it in the shelf for a very long time before actually resume reading it.
September 30, 2020
Relatively newer knowledge on the Quranic structure. Hopefully will get refined with further scholarship.
December 4, 2020
surely the best book on the brilliance of Quranic linguistics for beginners
September 27, 2022
A thorough and very well researched book.
June 19, 2023
Want to read
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November 9, 2025amazing
August 21, 2023
an exceptional literary journey that skillfully weaves spirituality, philosophy, and linguistics. The author’s in-depth exploration of the concept of divine communication through various cultures and traditions is both enlightening and thought-provoking. The book’s ability to bridge the gap between religious beliefs and linguistic analysis is truly commendable. While at times the content might be dense for readers new to the subject, the insights gained are well worth the effort. Overall, “Divine Speech” is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of how language and the divine intersect.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews