What do you think?
Rate this book
The Heart of the Qur'an: Commentary on Surah Yasin with Diagrams and Illustrations
The Heart of the Qur'an is a collection of loving letters sent from God to humanity. The Prophet Noah would plead with his people, saying "I am delivering my Lord's messages to you" [Qur'an 7:62]. With the current paradoxical climate of increasing secularization and the rise of fundamentalism across the world, there is no better time to search for fresh insight and guidance from the Qur'an. The Heart of The Qur'an is a well-researched commentary on Surah Yasin. It is written in simple English and is complete with diagrams and illustrations to create an engaging read. The commentary is profound and inspiring, it masterfully highlights the nuances of the Qur'ān's language and repeatedly draws the reader's attention towards practical changes they can make in their lives.
118 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
60 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
About the author
Asim Khan
2 books20 followersAsim Khan is currently the Imam of Redbridge Islamic Centre, Instructor for the Sabeel institute, & author for Islam21c.com.
He has, from an early age, excelled in academic studies and has gained a Masters in Pharmacy from the University College London, UK, as well as studying Arabic and Quranic Sciences in Cairo, Egypt.
He appears regularly on Islam Channel’s religious programming & is currently presenting the Dreamer show for Eman Channel. Asim Khan has a special interest in Tafsir studies (Quranic Studies) and teaches the subject in London where he lives.
He has, from an early age, excelled in academic studies and has gained a Masters in Pharmacy from the University College London, UK, as well as studying Arabic and Quranic Sciences in Cairo, Egypt.
He appears regularly on Islam Channel’s religious programming & is currently presenting the Dreamer show for Eman Channel. Asim Khan has a special interest in Tafsir studies (Quranic Studies) and teaches the subject in London where he lives.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 16, 2020
Really liked how the book broke the surah down into different sections. It made the book easier to digest and insights into the verses expanded my understanding of the surah alot.
December 2, 2025
Beautifully written, well researched with many great insights from the Quran focusing on rhetoric and grammar along with vocabulary and structure highlights. I look forward to reading more of his commentary.
July 18, 2020
This beautifully rendered book on the exegesis of Surah Yasin is one of the easiest and best tafsir book that I have read so far. Quran exegesis is a very much important subject for Muslims as it serves as an explanation of the Quranic texts, its meaning and reason for its revelation. Classical tafsir books can be quite tedious, either written in Arabic or if translated to English uses classical and sometimes medieval English.
With The Heart of the Qur'an, Asim Khan managed to compile famous tafsir works such as that of At-Tabari and Ibn Kathir into easy 'bite-sized' information that is easy to read and comprehend. In addition, with the use of diagrams and illustrations, it further aids the understanding and emphasis of the commentary. As such it is an ideal book for many who wishes to understand Surah Yasin and to hope that will ignite the passion in learning and understanding the Word of Allah.
With The Heart of the Qur'an, Asim Khan managed to compile famous tafsir works such as that of At-Tabari and Ibn Kathir into easy 'bite-sized' information that is easy to read and comprehend. In addition, with the use of diagrams and illustrations, it further aids the understanding and emphasis of the commentary. As such it is an ideal book for many who wishes to understand Surah Yasin and to hope that will ignite the passion in learning and understanding the Word of Allah.
May 9, 2020
Simple to read and understand, the book covers explanation to Surah Yasin. It is nicely divided into 6 sections. There is an explanation of verses with key lessons learnt. Each section contains key words. The presentation in this book is novel and its a pleasure to read.
October 21, 2023
(5⭐️) my favorite part about this book is that it’s impossible to read without reflecting. I love how each verse was explained so simply and included examples and diagrams and explained Arabic words.
August 30, 2023
“A study of the entire Quran should be a life-long goal of every Muslim. The magnificent Book challenged and transcended the rich literary tradition of Arabia, and in only two decades it transformed and uncivilised people, who were divided into perpetually warring tribal factions and devoted to a pantheon of deities, into a monotheistic civilisation, which in only a century would become the largest and most prosperous in the Medieval world. It stretched from Spain to India, and it was distinguished for its values, traditions, scholarship, and advances in the arts and sciences. This is why the Quran deserves to be studied and made into a life-long companion”
March 6, 2025
so good subhanallah
I learned so much from this and Asim Khan’s writing style is very accessible. This is definitely a book I will be rereading and recommending to my friends. There’s so much about Surah Yasin, about Islam, and about Allah swt to learn from this
I learned so much from this and Asim Khan’s writing style is very accessible. This is definitely a book I will be rereading and recommending to my friends. There’s so much about Surah Yasin, about Islam, and about Allah swt to learn from this
January 20, 2021
Surah Yasin Chapter 36, one of the most frequently surah that being recited throughout our life, individually & during gatherings. Its benefit & rewards for reciting Surah Yasin are profoundly known by muslims. But never have i delved into its meaning till recently. It feels like i’ve been introduced to this Surah for the first time (again) ...
The presentation of the book is very much to my liking. Glossy and thick paper, bright fonts with perfect size. Page isn’t too crowded and just nice to have space for scribbling notes (this is very important 😘)
I ttruly appreciate the techniques used in delivering the contents. The coordination of each chapter with its accorded themes make it so reader-friendly. Not to mention the systemised diagrams, illustrations & mind maps in every chapter that really helps to summarise the story & eventually put explanation into perspectives.
The presentation of the book is very much to my liking. Glossy and thick paper, bright fonts with perfect size. Page isn’t too crowded and just nice to have space for scribbling notes (this is very important 😘)
I ttruly appreciate the techniques used in delivering the contents. The coordination of each chapter with its accorded themes make it so reader-friendly. Not to mention the systemised diagrams, illustrations & mind maps in every chapter that really helps to summarise the story & eventually put explanation into perspectives.
August 4, 2022
I liked the way the book broke the Surah in themes but I feel that it was a little basic and repeated the ayahs translation and didn’t add much context or additional commentary.
A good book for those who are unfamiliar with the Surah but a good translation and tafseer of the Quran will give you more in my opinion.
A good book for those who are unfamiliar with the Surah but a good translation and tafseer of the Quran will give you more in my opinion.
April 6, 2022
كتاب طريقة تقديمه جميلة بالتلخيص المرأي وشامل مصادر التفسير كلها تقريبا زي السعدي والطبري والرازي واضافات تعليق من العلماء كابن القيم أو القرضاوي. طريقة الربط بين الآيات بتساعد كويس على الحفظ وخاصة لو مربوطة بشكل خرائط.
أكتشفت انى حابة اكتر فكرة تفسير السورة وتجميع مصادر مختلفة والاطلاع من أوجه مختلفة عن اني أمسك كتاب تفسير واحد وخاصة لو التركيز بيبقى بس على الجانب اللغوي او بس دروس مستفادة او بس اسباب نزول ..
أكتشفت انى حابة اكتر فكرة تفسير السورة وتجميع مصادر مختلفة والاطلاع من أوجه مختلفة عن اني أمسك كتاب تفسير واحد وخاصة لو التركيز بيبقى بس على الجانب اللغوي او بس دروس مستفادة او بس اسباب نزول ..
May 9, 2022
Really like how the author has divided the tafseer of Surah Yasin into 6 chapters, corresponding to the 6 central themes of the Surah Yasin verses. Also, love the use of colourful diagrams and the highlight of key words contained within each section of the Surah, which offers an insight into the nuances of the language used in the Quran
April 23, 2022
My first ever non-fic book and I couldn't be happier that it was this. Taught and Re-taught me so many things :'))
February 12, 2025
It was okay. I am not a fan of reading Quranic commentary for several reasons. I try some modern scholars just to see the trends of the day and to see if Islamic commentary has expanded.
Usually, and this one is no exception, the person commentating is interjecting their opinion. This is done by saying "this could be interpreted to mean", "most identify", or "my opinion is that". I think it's more helpful just to say "I don't know what this means, but..."
There is also this thing where most Muslims actually make a distinction between prophets when I thought part of the religion was "Say, ˹O believers,˺ “We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us; and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them. And to Allah we all submit."
But here we are, "If people blatantly refused its message when brought to them by "the most" compassionte and articulate human being"... Have you met all the human beings to be able to call one you definitely have not met "the most" articulate human being, when he couldn't read or write before receiving this revelation? Had it been written, "If people blatantly refused its message when brought to them by "A" compassioniate and articulate human being", I'd have no issue. But this is a constant theme throughout Islamic literature. On one hand the commandment is to make no distintion, yet they want to make the Arab prophet "the best" prophet, i.e. a distinction.
There is also a dispute I have with the use and explanation of "We" in the Quran. Now it is fashionable to say this is the royal we, because Islam can't deal with a plurality. Yet if the Quran is akin to Hebrew scripture which uses the term Elohim, which is a plural... then maybe we should rethink this idea of a royal "we". "Genesis 1: 26 - 26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." Is that a royal "us" and "our" too? (sarcasm) Because remember, "Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “O People of the Book! You have nothing to stand on unless you observe the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to you from your Lord.” Surah 5:68. Torah has a plurality, let's see about the Gospel:
At this, the Jews again picked up stones to stone Him. But Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?”
“We are not stoning You for any good work,” said the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, declare Yourself to be God.”
Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your Law: ‘I have said you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— then what about the One whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world? How then can you accuse Me of blasphemy for stating that I am the Son of God?
Ahhhh, a plural! Astaghfirullah! (more sarcasm)
Not only that, this story of Habib al-Najjer in Antioch is a myth. There is literally 0 evidence of this. It's just that "Some commentators believe..." and so they pass it from one generation to another.
Anywho, commentary was beautifully editted. Information was lacking for advanced readers. Might be useful to the novice but you'll have to read a review from one to know.
Usually, and this one is no exception, the person commentating is interjecting their opinion. This is done by saying "this could be interpreted to mean", "most identify", or "my opinion is that". I think it's more helpful just to say "I don't know what this means, but..."
There is also this thing where most Muslims actually make a distinction between prophets when I thought part of the religion was "Say, ˹O believers,˺ “We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us; and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them. And to Allah we all submit."
But here we are, "If people blatantly refused its message when brought to them by "the most" compassionte and articulate human being"... Have you met all the human beings to be able to call one you definitely have not met "the most" articulate human being, when he couldn't read or write before receiving this revelation? Had it been written, "If people blatantly refused its message when brought to them by "A" compassioniate and articulate human being", I'd have no issue. But this is a constant theme throughout Islamic literature. On one hand the commandment is to make no distintion, yet they want to make the Arab prophet "the best" prophet, i.e. a distinction.
There is also a dispute I have with the use and explanation of "We" in the Quran. Now it is fashionable to say this is the royal we, because Islam can't deal with a plurality. Yet if the Quran is akin to Hebrew scripture which uses the term Elohim, which is a plural... then maybe we should rethink this idea of a royal "we". "Genesis 1: 26 - 26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." Is that a royal "us" and "our" too? (sarcasm) Because remember, "Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “O People of the Book! You have nothing to stand on unless you observe the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to you from your Lord.” Surah 5:68. Torah has a plurality, let's see about the Gospel:
At this, the Jews again picked up stones to stone Him. But Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?”
“We are not stoning You for any good work,” said the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, declare Yourself to be God.”
Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your Law: ‘I have said you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— then what about the One whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world? How then can you accuse Me of blasphemy for stating that I am the Son of God?
Ahhhh, a plural! Astaghfirullah! (more sarcasm)
Not only that, this story of Habib al-Najjer in Antioch is a myth. There is literally 0 evidence of this. It's just that "Some commentators believe..." and so they pass it from one generation to another.
Anywho, commentary was beautifully editted. Information was lacking for advanced readers. Might be useful to the novice but you'll have to read a review from one to know.
April 24, 2025
Membaca dan memahami Surah Yasin kini menjadi lebih mudah dan menyentuh berkat pendekatan tematik dan visual yang ditawarkan dalam buku ini. Setiap bagian dari surah dijelaskan melalui tema-tema besar seperti tauhid, kenabian, hari kebangkitan, serta tanda-tanda kekuasaan Allah dalam ciptaan-Nya. Apalagi, penjelasan tersebut diperkaya dengan ilustrasi, diagram, dan garis waktu yang membantu pembaca menangkap konteks serta alur ayat secara lebih jelas. Bahasa yang digunakan sederhana dan komunikatif, menjadikannya cocok untuk pelajar, pengajar, maupun pembaca umum. Dengan merujuk pada tafsir klasik seperti karya At-Tabari dan Ibn Kathir, buku ini tetap menjaga kedalaman kajian, namun tanpa terasa berat.
Pembaca diajak tidak hanya memahami makna literal ayat-ayat, tetapi juga merenungi pesan moral dan spiritual yang relevan untuk kehidupan modern. Struktur visual yang interaktif menjadikan pengalaman membaca lebih dinamis dan reflektif. Buku ini sangat direkomendasikan bagi siapa saja yang ingin memperdalam hubungan spiritual mereka dengan Al-Qur’an, khususnya Surah Yasin, dengan cara yang segar dan mudah dipahami. https://blog.periplus.com/2025/04/21/...
Keywords: Health & Wellness, Surah Yasin, Quran Commentary, Islamic Studies, Tafsir, Spiritual Reflection, Visual Quran, Thematic Interpretation, Islamic Education, Qur’anic Wisdom, Faith & Revelation, Prophethood, Day of Judgment, Signs of God, Accessible Tafsir, Quranic Diagrams
Pembaca diajak tidak hanya memahami makna literal ayat-ayat, tetapi juga merenungi pesan moral dan spiritual yang relevan untuk kehidupan modern. Struktur visual yang interaktif menjadikan pengalaman membaca lebih dinamis dan reflektif. Buku ini sangat direkomendasikan bagi siapa saja yang ingin memperdalam hubungan spiritual mereka dengan Al-Qur’an, khususnya Surah Yasin, dengan cara yang segar dan mudah dipahami. https://blog.periplus.com/2025/04/21/...
Keywords: Health & Wellness, Surah Yasin, Quran Commentary, Islamic Studies, Tafsir, Spiritual Reflection, Visual Quran, Thematic Interpretation, Islamic Education, Qur’anic Wisdom, Faith & Revelation, Prophethood, Day of Judgment, Signs of God, Accessible Tafsir, Quranic Diagrams
October 22, 2025
Honestly, this book touched my heart in a way very few books ever have. I’ve read many commentaries before, but The Heart of the Qur’an felt different; it’s gentle, deep, and so full of love for the words of Allah that you can feel it on every page. The way Surah Yasin has been explained here made me stop, reflect, and actually feel every verse instead of just reading it.
I had memorized Surah Yasin years ago, but after reading this, I realized I had never truly understood it like this before. Now I’m determined to revise it, reconnect with it, and make it part of my daily recitation. That’s how powerful this book is, it doesn’t just explain the Surah; it inspires you to live by it.
The diagrams and illustrations make it so easy to visualize the message and flow of the verses. It’s like the author knew exactly how to bring the Surah to life for people like me who crave both meaning and beauty in understanding the Qur’an.
I genuinely wish every Surah of the Qur’an could be explained like this. If that ever happens, I’d read and cherish each one. This book has reignited something spiritual in me >> a kind of calm and closeness to Allah that I’d been missing. It’s not just a commentary; it’s an experience.
Afshan-approved, fully and completely. 🌿
I had memorized Surah Yasin years ago, but after reading this, I realized I had never truly understood it like this before. Now I’m determined to revise it, reconnect with it, and make it part of my daily recitation. That’s how powerful this book is, it doesn’t just explain the Surah; it inspires you to live by it.
The diagrams and illustrations make it so easy to visualize the message and flow of the verses. It’s like the author knew exactly how to bring the Surah to life for people like me who crave both meaning and beauty in understanding the Qur’an.
I genuinely wish every Surah of the Qur’an could be explained like this. If that ever happens, I’d read and cherish each one. This book has reignited something spiritual in me >> a kind of calm and closeness to Allah that I’d been missing. It’s not just a commentary; it’s an experience.
Afshan-approved, fully and completely. 🌿
April 16, 2023
"The timeliness of the Qur'an entails that its lessons are by the generality of its meanings and not by the specific reason for its revelation or confined to the historical contexts of the story." - The Heart of the Qur'an: Commentary of Surah Yasin with Diagrams and Illustrations
Asim Khan wrote a succinct and rather comprehensive commentary on Surah Yasin, with a focus on the linguistics of the Qur'an. Focusing on the use of imagery, rhetorical devices and parables, it highlights the universal teachings of humanity.
In this book, the commentary is supplemented by graphics and illustrations of the different sections of Surah Yasin. Divided into six sections, Asim Khan also described the contrast between the first and last sections, so as to portray the parallels between the verses of the Surah.
I liked how the author described the verses and provided a clear commentary by Surah Yasin by emphasising, time and again, the message and semantics behind the words used. The translation and clear explanation of the Arabic language also makes the book accessible and relatable for every reader.
Asim Khan wrote a succinct and rather comprehensive commentary on Surah Yasin, with a focus on the linguistics of the Qur'an. Focusing on the use of imagery, rhetorical devices and parables, it highlights the universal teachings of humanity.
In this book, the commentary is supplemented by graphics and illustrations of the different sections of Surah Yasin. Divided into six sections, Asim Khan also described the contrast between the first and last sections, so as to portray the parallels between the verses of the Surah.
I liked how the author described the verses and provided a clear commentary by Surah Yasin by emphasising, time and again, the message and semantics behind the words used. The translation and clear explanation of the Arabic language also makes the book accessible and relatable for every reader.
July 21, 2021
Surah Yasin is one of my favorite Surah which I used to recite daily.
Surah Yasin is replete with beautiful elements of peace, serenity, and promises of reward for those who lived through much hardship, pain, and tribulations along their journey to meet Allah SWT. Perhaps this is why it's referred to as the "Heart of The Qur'an."
Learning a Surah in detail by understanding the context and stories behind the verses creates a whole different kind of attachment with the Surah. An easy and engaging read with illustrations, diagrams, and reflections <3 Can we have similiar books like this for all the Surahs in the Qur'an, please?!???!
Surah Yasin is replete with beautiful elements of peace, serenity, and promises of reward for those who lived through much hardship, pain, and tribulations along their journey to meet Allah SWT. Perhaps this is why it's referred to as the "Heart of The Qur'an."
Learning a Surah in detail by understanding the context and stories behind the verses creates a whole different kind of attachment with the Surah. An easy and engaging read with illustrations, diagrams, and reflections <3 Can we have similiar books like this for all the Surahs in the Qur'an, please?!???!
April 17, 2023
I read this book in conjunction with “Understanding Surah Ya-Sin” by Muhammad Saeed Bahmanpour and a podcast about Surah Ya-Sin by Nouman Ali Khan. It took me, a busy mom of 4, just 4 days to finish but could be finished even quicker. I found it to complement the other 2 sources really well, and liked that it offered things the other two did not: concise interpretations, diagrams, maps, timelines, and (my favorite) word banks. I could see this being engaging for someone that struggles to get through your typical black-and-white book.
November 13, 2021
Simply loved the structure of this Book. The author has done a great job in breaking the Surah into different sections as per different themes , making it easier to comprehend and remember. As a student of the Quran, I feel this book serves as the guide to how the learner should approach the study of this Magnificent Book. Hope we will have more books following for the different chapters of the Quran, in sha Allah.
March 23, 2022
One can gain a deeper understanding of Sūrah Yāsīn by reading this book. It isn’t a word-by-word analysis. Instead, it is a context provider for the verses. The verses are grouped into themes, of which there are six.
1. The Qur’an and The Heedless (v. 1-12)
2. Lessons from History (v. 13-32)
3. Lessons from Nature (v. 33-44)
4. The Stubborn and The Blind (v. 45-47)
5. The Blind on the Day of Judgment (v. 48-68)
6. The Qur’an and The Arrogant (v. 69-83)
1. The Qur’an and The Heedless (v. 1-12)
2. Lessons from History (v. 13-32)
3. Lessons from Nature (v. 33-44)
4. The Stubborn and The Blind (v. 45-47)
5. The Blind on the Day of Judgment (v. 48-68)
6. The Qur’an and The Arrogant (v. 69-83)
April 21, 2023
♡
isn’t it amazing how we could be reciting something on a daily basis, yet not know the depth of it? I’ve read many translations and interpretations but this has to be the best so far! It’s helped me understand the deep rooted meanings for Surah Yasin - which perhaps I wouldn’t have otherwise known (I’m not one to understand old school English as much). جَزَاكَ ٱللَّٰهُ خَيْرً to you Asim Khan for his beautiful work once again!
isn’t it amazing how we could be reciting something on a daily basis, yet not know the depth of it? I’ve read many translations and interpretations but this has to be the best so far! It’s helped me understand the deep rooted meanings for Surah Yasin - which perhaps I wouldn’t have otherwise known (I’m not one to understand old school English as much). جَزَاكَ ٱللَّٰهُ خَيْرً to you Asim Khan for his beautiful work once again!
August 25, 2025
For writing a review on a religious belief if very difficult and more so if one has no prior knowledge to it but the brief and clear description of the Surah Yasin is simple yet engaging for both muslim and non-muslim readers.
A glimpse into 'The Heart of Qur'an'.....
Another addition in my reads on Islam.
A glimpse into 'The Heart of Qur'an'.....
Another addition in my reads on Islam.
February 5, 2023
This book provides the exegesis of Surah Yasin in a concise yet comprehensive way. I love the use of diagrams in the book to show the correlation between the verses and relating to us the flow in which Allah addresses the different groups of people. It’s also easy to read. While most books require a teacher to go through the text because of the depth of the content, I feel this book is safe for beginners.
Murshid (my spiritual guide / teacher / father) recommends us to read Surah Yasin after our Fajr prayer during the month of Rajab and this is the main reason I picked this book up. Needless to say, it is a 🕌🕌🕌🕌🕌/5 for me.
Murshid (my spiritual guide / teacher / father) recommends us to read Surah Yasin after our Fajr prayer during the month of Rajab and this is the main reason I picked this book up. Needless to say, it is a 🕌🕌🕌🕌🕌/5 for me.
February 7, 2021
Excellent book! I learned a lot about Surah Yasin and its meaning. Alhamdullilah.
April 28, 2021
Writer beautifully explain Surah Yaseen with Taddabur. So full of information. Loved it.
🧡
🧡
December 26, 2021
Loved the style of this book - Tafseer reimagined!
Uses diagrams, maps, timelines, and colour. Great combination.
Uses diagrams, maps, timelines, and colour. Great combination.
May 31, 2022
Beautiful diagrams!
love the diagrams and the way it’s put together. Very easy to use and learn the key point of the sura. Jazāk Allāhu Khayran
love the diagrams and the way it’s put together. Very easy to use and learn the key point of the sura. Jazāk Allāhu Khayran
April 11, 2023
Oh this was good. I got to know so many new things, vocabulary, meanings and context. But I wish it was more. So, let’s not be full with only this and learn more from many other resources.
April 18, 2023
This was a really useful and interesting book alhamdulillah. The author went into each ayah in detail and I really liked the diagrams and word banks
July 1, 2023
So beautiful, poignant and eye-opening Subhan’Allah ♥️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews