Engaging The Qur'an (Frequently Asked Questions FAQs)

                        In the name of God, The Most-Compassionate, The Ever-Merciful

By the grace and blessing of Allah Subhaanahu wa ta'alaa, we have recently released a work entitled Engaging The Qur'an. The more it's release has become noticed by the reading public, the more inquiries are made! Thus, we have decided to address the bulk of those often asked questions in the present article.

Question #1 Does Engaging The Qur'an cite any of the traditional commentaries (Tafaseer) ?

Answer # 1- Yes, Engaging The Qur'an does in fact give, as sources for its arguments, citations from the books of Tafseer.  Readers will notice references to Al-Kashshaaf by the great linguist Az-Zamakhshari, Al Baydawi's commentary, Ibn Katheer's work (called Tafseer Al Qur'an Al 'Adheem) and others. 

Question #2-  Is this a book that covers the entire Qur'an in explanation?

Answer # 2-No. It contains 55 chapters, addressing several subjects, however, it does have a detailed commentary with fresh conclusions of some of the most popular sections of the Qur'an.  Titles of such chapters include Kursiyy: The Divine Throne (regarding Q 2:255), Divine Light (regarding Q 24:35), Back to Basics (on Q 1:1-7), Joseph: The best of stories, applicable to modern Muslims (on the entirety of Soorah Yusuf ), and more. 

Question #3 Is this a book for Non-Muslim readers?

Answer # 3 - Yes. It is  largely directed towards a Non-Muslim audience. It deliberately chooses language and a style that those with no previous exposure to Islam would be able to understand. It addresses misconceptions such as those related to war, jihad, Taqiyyah, the (so-called) Islamic Dilemma, and much more.

Question # 4-Why should Muslims read it?

 Answer #4 - In truth, it's content is for everybody, but it does contain some level of content relevant for the practical application of the Islamic message, such as the third  chapter  entitled Zakaat: A fresh look at its application, Inquiries on Salaah, A fish out of water: Being Muslim in a Non-religious society, and much more.

Question #5 -Where can it be purchased?

 Answer: For now, it is on sale in hardback and E-book versions on Amazon.com. At the top of this article, one will find a QR code, which will allow a quick scan to read sample pages, or obtain the book in hardback or E-book version.

Question #6- Are there sample pages available to read?

Yes. On Amazon.com

Question #7- Is there a bibliography available?

Answer: Engaging The Qur'an provides evidence for its assertions in its footnotes, which spans from the Qur'an itself, Hadeeth, Prophetic biography (Seerah), as well as Western academics. While this edition does not have a separate  bibliography, one will find a diversity of sources cited. 

Question #8- What is the main goal of the book?

Answer: #8-  To make the Qur'an understandable but also applicable in the modern world. It invites the readers to interact with the scripture with fresh eyes, not to blindly accept all of the conclusions within the book! 

Question #9- Are the Quranic texts referenced with original Arabic ?

Answer #9- Yes. With some exceptions, all Quranic texts (as well as a number of Prophetic ahadeeth) have the Arabic text and the English translation.

Question #10- Which English translation of the Qur'an was used for this work?

Answer #10- For the most part, the translations in the work are my own translation of the Arabic text. We did consult a number of established  English-language Qur'an translations, and have noted  within the work where other translators were used. In addition, we have explained in detail the choice of certain words and concepts.