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).