The Story of the Qur'an: Its History and Place in Muslim Life

The Story of the Qur'an, Its History and Place in Muslim Life, Dr. Ingrid Mattson, 2008, Oxford UK, Blackwell Publishing, 262 pages.This work is written by Dr. Mattson as a result of teaching introductory Qur'an to graduate students. She wanted an academic book that served as a starting point for those who will pursue this subject further. This book details Dr. Mattson's own perspective on the Qur'an, which is the perspective of a western academic who is a practicing Muslim. As the author admitted, an introductory book on the Qur'an can only scratch the surface of the subject and has to be selective in what it chooses to cover from verses and sources.The book is comprised of the following Chapters: God Speaks to Humanity; The Prophet Conveys the Message; The Voice and the Pen; Blessed Words: The Qur'an and the Culture; What God Really Means: Interpreting the Qur'an and finally; Conclusion: Listening for GodIn reviewing this book, I will look at it as a text book for mainly non-Muslims who are attempting to get a handle on this complex Book (the Qur'an). I believe that Dr. Mattson managed to achieve most of what she set out to achieve. I do recommend this book to its intended reader group as well as to anyone who is new to the subject of Qur'anic Studies (Muslim or Non-Muslim.)The book has a very easy eloquence about it. In many parts it reads like a novel. I found myself unable to put it down even with tired eyes. Some of the explanations in this book regarding the meaning of the Qur'an to non-Muslims are among the best I have read.This is an excellent book for anyone who wishes to learn about the Qur'an in a holistic fashion. In my opinion it has achieved its goals as stated in the preface. I do recommend this book to any Muslim and Non-Muslim who wishes to learn more about the subject. The storyline in the book makes it very readable with clear language and well defined arguments. You feel in some sections as if you are reading a well-written novel. The book also serves as a very abridged history of Islam, particularly of the important events in its history. I can see how this book will be invaluable to anyone truly wanting to know more about Islam. Very well written book.

Precise, profound, and clear. Dr. Mattson is a personal hero of mine and a great teacher and writer.

I may not repeat the other reviewers input, but the appeal of Mrs. Mattson book is her view as a very capable scholar and native westerner convert. This is very refreshing and important contribution which is free from the influence of the regular cultural heritage and baggage of the common muslim scholars in the middle east. I only wish that English language books that quote Quran in translation would also add paragraphs for the original quotation in Arabic for the benefit of their native Arabic readers, it is not smooth read as we're constantly trying to get the original text which we may not memorize without interrupting the line of thought which the author is conveying, this is my advise.

As a Christian, I am concerned with the negative rhetoric concerning Islam and Muslims so prevalent today. As part of a course on Christian/Muslim dialog I was assigned this book. I have found the subject matter of this book fascinating and the writing enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is curious about who Muhummad was and how the faith of Islam came about and the Muslim practices of holy living. The author relates ancient history with contemporary Muslim experiences.

This is a very insightful and comprehensive explanation of the significance of the Quran in the daily life of Muslims (historically and for the modern Muslim). For westerners who have long questioned the reasoning behind teaching children at very young ages to recite the Quran, this book explains the reasoning and beliefs behind that practice in a beautiful and thoughtful way. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to better understand the Islamic cuture.

good book had nice insight

Once again Dr. Mattson provide a great insight about Islam & Quran and it's values in a easy to read format,,,I'm looking forward to see one from Story from Ahadiath's soon --Masha'Allah Great work keep up the good work Dr. Mattson.Regards,Malahat Qureshi Ph.D.

Just what I needed for class.