What's the Quran equivalent of "My Utmost For His Highest"?
December 8, 2013 10:56 PM Subscribe
I have a family member who is interested in Islam and wants to read the Quran. I want to get him a devotional study companion. He's not a convert (yet?) but wants to learn more, explore a little, and maybe start up a discussion group with others. Assuming my friend is totally new to Islam and wants a non-technical, relatively easy read, can you suggest a good one, ideally with a Kindle edition? I am open to other suggestions if you have a better Quran companion in mind.
Oh, and from the "haven't read it but keep meaning to" pile, I've heard this is a very good introduction to the life and teachings of Mohammad. Not on Kindle, unfortunately.
posted by Ted Maul at 2:02 AM on December 9, 2013
posted by Ted Maul at 2:02 AM on December 9, 2013
Also very nice is Approaching the Quran by Michael Sells. He provides a nice modern translation of the early revelations with short commentaries on each surah and a CD with readings of some of the surahs. The Quran is more than a written book, it is also an evocative oral experience, and the CD and Michael's discussion about this aspect give you a bit of that taste.
Overall, it is a lovely introduction to the Quran and the tenets of the faith.
posted by insert.witticism.here at 11:22 PM on December 9, 2013
Overall, it is a lovely introduction to the Quran and the tenets of the faith.
posted by insert.witticism.here at 11:22 PM on December 9, 2013
Oh my goodness, how could have I forgotten Carl Ernst's Following Muhammad: Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World? Dr. Ernst is a prominent scholar in Islamic Studies but he also has a deep love for the Quran and the Muslim faith. His book is a great introduction to Islam and its history. It might not be a devotional book per se, but it has been well received by scholars and groups in the Muslim community. It is particularly useful for someone coming from another faith tradition open to thinking about Islam from its own perspective.
* full disclosure: I might be a little biased, as Dr. Ernst was my undergraduate advisor for a couple years.
posted by insert.witticism.here at 11:44 PM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]
* full disclosure: I might be a little biased, as Dr. Ernst was my undergraduate advisor for a couple years.
posted by insert.witticism.here at 11:44 PM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]
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It's also cheap as the proverbial chips.
posted by Ted Maul at 1:58 AM on December 9, 2013