The Qur'an: A Philosophical Guide - by Oliver Leaman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Assuming no prior knowledge, The Qur'an: A Philosophical Guide is an introduction to the Qur'an from a philosophical point of view.

Oliver Leaman's guide begins by familiarizing the readers with the core theories and controversies surrounding the text. Covering key theoretical approaches and focusing on its style and language, Leaman introduces the Qur'an as an aesthetic object and as an organization. The book discusses the influence of the Qur'an on culture and covers its numerous interpreters from the modernizers and popularizers to the radicals.

He presents a close reading of the Qur'an, carefully and clearly presenting a variety of philosophical interpretation verse-by-verse. Explaining what the philosopher is arguing, relating the argument to a particular verse, and providing the reader with the means to be part of the discussion, this section includes:

- Translated extracts from the text
- A range of national backgrounds and different cultural and historic contexts spanning the classical and modern period, the Middle East, Europe and North America
- Philosophical interpretations ranging from the most Islamophobe to the extreme apologist
- A variety of schools of thought and philosophers such as Peripatetic, Illuminationist, and Sufi.

Written with clarity and authority and showing the distinct ways a variety of thinkers have sought to understand the text, The Qur'an: A Philosophical Guide introduces readers to the value of interpreting the Qur'an philosophically.

Review Quotes

"In this fascinating work, Oliver Leaman provides an accessible yet erudite commentary on the relationship between the Qur'an and philosophy as viewed by various Muslim thinkers. As he thoroughly demonstrates, reflection on the text of the Qur'an has frequently resulted in rich philosophical ruminations by many Muslim intellectuals, both classical and modern. Anyone interested in exploring philosophical issues raised by reading the Qur'an will find this work very satisfying." --Imran Aijaz, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, The University of Michigan-Dearborn, USA

About the Author

Oliver Leaman is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Kentucky, USA. He is the General Editor of The Biographical Encyclopedia of Islamic Philosophy and the author and editor of books on philosophy and especially Islamic philosophy.