This classic and popular introduction to the sciences developed to interpret and understand Islam's holy book is ideal for all serious students of the Koran.

Precise, yet comprehensive, it covers the traditional disciplines, including the meaning and contexts of revelation, the history and transmission of the text, and exegesis, as well as more contemporary topics like the recording of the Koran, the history of Orientalist approaches, and a survey of translations. It ends with a guide for the correct recitation of, and etiquette toward, the Koran.

Chapter 1: The Qur'an and Revelation

Chapter 2: Transmission of the Qur'anic Revelation

Chapter 3: The Qur'an in Manuscript and Print

Chapter 4: Form, Language and Style

Chapter 5: Understanding the Text

Chapter 6: Interpreting the Text

Chapter 7: Some Related Issues

Chapter 8: Reading and Studying the Qur'an

Ahmad Von Denffer was born in Germany in 1949. He studied Islamics and Social Anthropology at the University of Mainz, where he also attended additional courses in the Department of Missiology. His special interests include Christian-Muslim relations. He has made a number of contributions to scholarly journals and has several publications to his credit. He joined the Islamic Foundation as Research Fellow in 1978 and is presently working with the Islamic Centre, Munich.