Over the course of six sections, this rich reference book explores the various areas of Qur'anic studies:
• its language,
• the history of its documentation,
• its many disciplines,
• the methods of interpretation,
• its inimitability,
• and finally, as a work of art.
The themes explored also include the impact of the Qur'an on Islamic civilisation, as well as the various classical sub-disciplines of Qur'anic studies, including the study of the variant readings (qirā'āt), the reasons for revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl), and abrogation (naskh).
Unlike some other works, Prof Zarzour also explores contemporary scholarship on the Qur'an, notably through a critical evaluation of modern tendencies such as the claim that the Qur'an contains scientific miracles, and an evaluation of some of the most recognised modern works of Qur'anic commentary (tafsir).
