Product Description

A quick non-technical, introduction to the Koran designed to help Christians understand a hidden book revered by 1.3 billion Muslims, covering the background on its writing, a summary of its contents, a perspective on how it’s used and viewed by Muslims, a comparison of differences and similarities to the Bible, and some suggestions on how it should and should not be used in conversations with Muslims.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #177091 in Books
• Published on: 2004-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780310248125
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From the Back Cover
What You Should Know about Islam’s Holy Book How is it like the Bible? How is it different? Why is it important?

Muslims believe the Koran exists as a literal book in heaven and was dictated to the prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. It is only the length of the New Testament, yet a fifth of the world claims it is the complete revelation of God. To most Americans, though, the Koran remains a mystery.

Did you know that the Koran teaches the virgin birth and miracle-filled, prophetic ministry of Jesus? Claims to fully embrace his teachings? Reveres Abraham, Moses, Jonah, and other biblical prophets?

Find out how the Koran resembles the Bible—and the drastic ways in which it differs. Understanding the Koran gives you a fascinating essential grasp of Islam’s holy book: where it came from, what it teaches, how Muslims view it, and how the Allah of the Koran compares with the God of the Bible.

Cherished as the final, perfect revelation of God’s will by 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide, the Koran has become a part of American life. Today, those who read and memorize it may work in your town, shop where you shop, or send their children to the same school your kids attend. What do you know about the holy book that shapes the lives and eternal destinies of your neighbors and a fifth of the world’s population?

While some similarities exist between the Koran and the Bible, the differences are striking. Written by a pastor who was born to a Muslim father and raised in Saudi Arabia, Understanding the Koran gives you a fascinating, easy-to-understand overview that will show you:

• Why the background behind the Koran is important • How the Koran came into existence • A summary of the main teachings of the Koran, including what it says about Jesus and the crucifixion • Similarities and differences between Muslim and Christian views of God • What the Koran teaches about Jihad and holy war • What the Koran teaches about heaven and hell

More than furnishing you with an essential grasp of Islam’s holy book, Understanding the Koran points you to the one thing that can draw your Muslim friends to Jesus—his love, demonstrated to them through you. Discussion questions enable you to use this book in group studies

About the Author
Mateen Elass (Ph.D., University of Durham in England) was raised in Saudi Arabia in a Muslim environment. He holds degrees from Stanford University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from the University of Durham in England. He has served in a church in Colorado and currently serves as senior pastor of a Presbyterian church in the Midwest. He has written feature articles for Moody magazine, including "What Muslims Think of America."

Customer Reviews

Informative, fair and well-written
Short summary:

Mateen Elass is uniquely qualified to write such a book. His father was a Muslim. He was raised in Saudi Arabia. He is now a Presbyterian minister in the United States. His short, 10 chapter book introduces the reader to the Koran by telling its history and the common touchpoints that it shares with the Bible, Christian tradition and Jewish tradition. Elass also introduces the reader to the proper handling of the Koran and has a balanced discussion on the role of Jihad in Islam, as defined in the Koran. An optional Bible study is located at the back of the book with lots of questions designed for group discussion.

My review:

An absolutely excellent book! The reader is not required to be a Christian to understand the book - but a working knowledge of Christian tradition and the Bible would help. Mateen Elass has produced a wonderful introduction to Islam and the Koran. He is respectful of Islam throughout the book, but it is clear that he is writing from the Christian perspective.

I have but one complaint: he has excellent commentary in his endnotes that complement the text. Unfortunately, I discovered this about halfway through the book. I wish it had been footnotes instead.

I'll be on the lookout for another book by Elass. Might I suggest a book on Islam itself? Or, perhaps Muslim customs and holidays?

Finally, a book written from a knowledgeable point of view
Written by a Christian who was raised in a Muslim family "Understanding the Koran" is one of the most even-handed and accurate treatments of the Koran by a Christian writer that I have read. This book stands out as a refreshing breath of fresh air in an area far too crowed by prejudiced and misleading books based more on fear than anything else. Author Mateen Elass provides an understanding not only of the Koran but also of the Muslim faith in general. She discusses history, traditions, and religious custom as well as the belief system itself. If you are tired of the multitude of books that tell you what the Koran says when it is obvious the authors have obviously never read it themselves you will be delighted with this one with an author that obviously has an intimate knowledge of Muslim and Christian religious texts, practices, and beliefs. "Understanding the Koran" is highly recommended to all readers and given the current state of inaccurate propaganda being spread from all quarters it is required reading for anyone who wants an accurate portrayal of the Koran.

A basic, readable intro to the Koran
It's vital for Christians to intimately know their foundational holy book, the Bible. But it's also important to have an idea of what other religions teach as well, if only for facilitating respectful dialogue with those of different beliefs. With the plethora of resources available, there's no excuse for ignorance in this regard. However, it can be tough enough mastering Christian doctrines, much less trying to learn tenets of other faiths. "Understanding the Koran" is a welcome help in that regard (please keep in mind that it's written with a Christian slant, as you've probably guessed).

The author discusses some surprising and relevant facts about the Koran. For example, he reveals how the standard version of the Koran was decided upon more for political than religious reasons. As for doctrinal issues, he spotlights Koranic vs. Biblical views of God (one God/one person vs. one God/three persons) and Jesus (human prophet vs. fully human/fully God savior/intercessor). That was particularly interesting to me, since some claim that all religions point to the same God. If so, then how can two of the world's largest religions differ concerning His nature, character, and how we must relate to Him? Perhaps a choice must be made - one that has both earthly and eternal consequences.

At any rate, some of the critiques he uses on the Koran's origin and canonization have also been leveled against the Bible (just ask the "Gospel of Thomas" advocates, or any skeptic). However, the author doesn't really acknowledge those issues. I would have appreciated seeing the two compared and contrasted, especially how the Bible's creation and compilation stacks up to that of the Koran. But that path would've necessitated a much larger book, so I respect his choice to limit this one's scope. Other sources will be necessary to gain those insights (which isn't a bad thing).

"Understanding the Koran" is a basic, readable introduction to the Islamic holy book, and a good jumping-off point for further study. Christians must become more informed about the Koran and Islam, especially after the events of 9/11. Indeed, there are Koranic passages that accord respect to Jesus Christ and those who follow Him. We should do no less towards Muslims, even while standing for Jesus and the Trinity.