A Tentative Guide to the Themes of the Surahs of the Qur'an

by Ghazi bin Muhammad

In this seminal work, the author suggests that each chapter of the Qur’an contains at least one distinct theme that underlies—and shows the logical connection—between every verse of that chapter. Moreover, he proposes that the chapters themselves take together make up a deliberate and unique portrait of human beings and of the spiritual life. Finally, the author argues that the secrets to the themes are contained and shown in the hadith literature describing the spiritual rewards and effects (fada’il) of various different chapters of the Qur’an.

‘This thesis on the thematic sequence of the Holy Qur’an is truly a pioneering endeavour to gain insight into this intricate subject. I have found that the sequence of verses in the light of the proposed theme seems logical and beautifully described.’ —Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani.

‘In this short work, Prince Ghazi has outlined an approach to reading the Qur’an which has the potential to enhance the understanding of seekers from East and West, and enrich their appreciation of the message of each surah. Among its fresh insights is the connection between the themes of particular surahs and the virtues (fada’il) narrated attached to them in Islamic tradition.’

—Dr Sohaib Saeed, the Centre for Advanced Study
of the Quran and its Interpretation (CASQASQ I).

Genres: Islam, Religion

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

H.R.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal (born in Amman on the 15th of October 1966) is the nephew of the late King Al-Hussein bin Talal of Jordan. He received his BA from Princeton University in 1988 Summa cum laude; his first PhD from Cambridge University, U.K., in 1993, and his second PhD from Al-Azhar University in Cairo 2010. Prince Ghazi has held many official positions in Jordan including: Cultural Secretary to H.M. King Hussein; Advisor for Tribal Affairs to H.M. King Hussein; Personal Envoy of and Special Advisor to H.M. King Abdullah II, and Chief Advisor for Religious and Cultural Affairs to H.M. King Abdullah II. He has also served as Regent of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In 1996 Prince Ghazi founded the Al-Balqa Applied University, and in 2008 he founded the World Islamic Sciences and Education University. In 1997 he founded the National Park of the Site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ, and in 2001 he established the Great Tafsir Project (www.Altafsir.com), the largest online project for exegesis of the Holy Qur’an. Prince Ghazi is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought; he was the author of the historical Open Letter ‘A Common Word Between Us and You’ in 2007, and the author of the World Interfaith Harmony Week United Nations General Assembly Resolution in October 2010.

Reviews

[Abidah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In depth studies needed to understand!

[Hafsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book but would have loved to see more details.

[aliaareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's very simple and easy to understand, exactly what i have expected from the title itself.

i've been reminded of few hadiths that i seem to forget as well, and as for that, i learnt once again about which surah is good to recite in the morning and evening - a very welcome addition to my daily list, Alhamdulillah ❤️

[نيرة · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read on the themes of the Qur’an. It doesn’t dive into much detail, more so just bullet pointing them and the importance of highlighting those themes. Also has a chapter on the fada’il (special virtues) of some surahs and the best time to read them according to the ahadith mentioned in the book.


Overall a very enlightening read, however would’ve liked it to be a bit longer and go into more detail regarding each surah

[Luqman Sattar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short thesis shows that the chapters in the Quran is not just a series of a bundle of verses that have no relation to each other but have central themes that serve as a guide in one’s spiritual journey.

[Nadinastiti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read (only 70s pages!) of authors’ opinion—he said himself that it still need to be examined by Muslim jurists and scholars. The author list his take on each surah’s theme and for 12 first surahs he list the theme on ayah-level. He also discuss more in-depth for surah Yusuf.

[Suraya (thesuraya) · Rating 3 out of 5]

i wish the explanations would be more in depth. Does anyone perhaps have any better suggestion on books with this topic?

[Mohd Jamizal · Rating 3 out of 5]

An eye opening to the majestic of Holy Quran . It is a knowledge of yaqin in physical and metaphysical world.