The Qur'an and the Bible: Text and Commentary

An English translation of the Quran is not always easy to read, at least for those who did not grow up in Islam. The Quran is not written in chronological order. Instead, it is written more in the style of a set of sermons that include events from Christian, Jewish and other traditions, along with many asides, changes of topic, exhortations, instructions for good behaviour, theological arguments, and warnings about the day of judgement. For anyone who has grown up in a Christian or Jewish background, the many references to familiar Biblical figures can provide a starting point for coming to grips with the text.This book provides a full English translation of the Quran, along with extensive cross references to the Bible and other Christian and Jewish devotional literature. The author attempts to identify the places that the Quran makes reference to earlier Jewish and Christian literature. This gives the reader with some knowledge of the Bible a good starting point.Note that the commentary in the book consists almost entirely of parallels drawn with earlier Christian and Jewish texts. It does not attempt to describe the Islamic understanding of the Quran, which explains many verses of the Quran by linking them to events in the life of the Prophet. Thus, this is not a good book for those who want to understand how Islamic theology understands the Quran. The focus is purely on parallels and references from the Quran to earlier Christian and Jewish literature.

My copy just arrived. The sheer weight of it may frighten you off (it's 1000 pages!) but it shouldn't. It's academic, but not dry, and in my view, comprehensible by a non-specialist (such as myself!). I'm only a few chapters in, but thus far, the book makes the claim that the Quran evolved in the monotheistic milieu of the Levant (I'm simplifying). In some sense (especially with the discussion of the Syriac Christian writings which parallel some of the Quran) this feels like a nod in the direction of Luxenberg, but unlike him, the approach is much less a strictly reductionist etymological approach, and is more holistic.I've only begun reading the book (only 2 chapters in), I plan to update this review when I finish it.UPDATE: I'm about 1/3 of the way through. One thing I think could be better would be cutting out large portions of the Quran translation (the entire Quran, translated into English, is present in this work and accounts for the bulk of the text). A higher proportion of commentary would be better, but still, learning a lot and still very readable.UPDATE #2: I think the title of the book is something of a misnomer, since the Bible per se is not the only (or even principle) influence evident in the Quran, but rather, the Syrian Christian church is dominant. Overall, my sense is that this book lends further credence to the Luxenberg view that the Quran is 'really' a Syrian Christian lectionary (or similar, but used for Syrian Christian church services). I will continue reading, but there is an immense amount of repetition (in the Quran); if i read yet one more chapter about Abraham, Adam, Noah, etc. my head may just may explode.

E' arrivato prima del tempo e in ordine

Great commentary from Dr. Reynolds. I thoroughly enjoy his insights. He is careful with the Qur'anic text, and displays his vast research in Qur'anic theology/history. His consideration of biblical influence on the Qur'an is careful and respectful. As I read, I don't feel that Dr. Reynolds is undermining Islamic thought. I highly recommend this book. I'm so impressed I'm actually placing Notre Dame at the top of my list for graduate school applications, something I hadn't previously considered.

Thorough and well presented Quran translation. The pages feel great and the translation is in completely understandable English. The commentary is very useful in its specified focus and pairs well with supplemental commentaries in a reading session.

Very well researched. The book gives insight into where the Qur'an obtained many of it's ideas from previous sources; particularly Syriac.