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From Eternal Roots to Enduring Legacy
by Mohamad Jebara
Based on extensive scholarship, an innovative biography of the central text of Islam
Over a billion copies of the Qur'an exist – yet it remains an enigma. Its classical Arabic language resists simple translation, and its non-linear style of abstract musings defies categorization. Moreover, those who champion its sanctity and compete to claim its mantle offer widely diverging interpretations of its core message – at times with explosive results.
Building on his intimate portrait of the Qur'an's prophet in Muhammad the World-Changer, Mohamad Jebara returns with a vivid profile of the book itself. While viewed in retrospect as the grand scripture of triumphant empires, Jebara reveals how the Qur'an unfolded over 22 years amidst intense persecution, suffering, and loneliness. The Life of the Qur'an recounts this vivid drama as a biography examining the book's obscured heritage, complex revelation, and contested legacy.
The Qur'an re-emerges with clarity as a dynamic life force that seeks to inspire human beings to unleash their dormant potential despite often-overwhelming odds – in order to transform themselves and the world.
"A vibrant biography of the holy book of Islam... the author capably intertwines the stories of the Qur'an, Muhammad, and the Muslim religion in general. Jebara approaches the Qur'an as a true subject for biography, no less so than its prophet...Despite the challenges this sacred text faces in modern society, Jebara is optimistic: 'The critics…have it backward: The Qur'an is not the source of the Muslim world's problems, but its untapped solution.'"
―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Understanding the Qur'an within the framework of classical Qur'anic exegesis requires understanding the nuances of language as well as the culture and events of the time. Chronicling its history requires tracing the changes in its interpretation, variations, and standardization. In this book, Jebara attempts all of the above."
—Booklist
"In Jebara's hands, Islam is shown not just as a religion but as a way of life, with the Qur'an serving as an animating force that deserves to be cultivated rather than simply preserved. An extensively researched look at the text of the Qur'an. It is sure to appeal to Muslims, religious scholars, and any readers interested in learning more about the sacred scripture of Islam."
—Library Journal
"An eloquent and engaging statement of faith by an author whose traditionalist education is impeccable, but brings a broadminded and modern sensibility to his exploration of the Muslim scripture."
―Dr. Juan Cole, University of Michigan, author of Muhammad: Prophet of Peace Amid the Clash of Empires
"Jebara's latest masterpiece is an accessible and captivating read. He brings the Qur'an to life by providing a stimulating historical account of the Abrahamic tradition as well as Prophet Muhammad's life and legacy. But this book is much more than a historical work. It inspires a deeper interfaith engagement and spiritual encounter with sacred Islamic principles. Jebara is to be commended for writing an original book that offers a rewarding journey into the beautiful soul of Islam."
―Dr. Craig Considine, author of The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View
"A well-researched masterpiece that demonstrates in meticulous detail how the Qur'an can serve as an enlightening source of guidance for all humanity. Jebara's magnum opus inspires readers to engage the Quran in order to extract principles that bring meaning and order to our avaricious and muddled world."
―His Eminence Dr. Mahmoud Akkam, Grand Mufti of Aleppo
"For both Muslims and non-Muslims, reading the Qur'an in its historical context ― and not as an eternally absolute text ― is a crucial endeavor. In this remarkable book, Jebara offers such a historical reading of the Islamic Scripture with erudition and eloquence."
―Mustafa Akyol, senior fellow at Cato Institute, author of Reopening Muslim Minds
This information about The Life of the Qur'an was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Mohamad Jebara is a scriptural philologist and prominent exegetist known for his eloquent oratory style as well as his efforts to bridge cultural and religious divides. A semanticist and historian of Semitic cultures, he has served as Chief Imam as well as headmaster of several Qur'anic and Arabic language academies. Jebara has lectured to diverse audiences around the world; briefed senior policy makers; and published in prominent newspapers and magazines. A respected voice in Islamic scholarship, Jebara advocates for positive social change.
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