The Qur'an is God's verbatim speech for most traditional Muslims. Qur'an in Conversation reflects how this sacred text of Islam comes into dialogue with the contemporary world through the voices of the eloquent interpreters gathered in this volume. In Qur'an in Conversation, author Michael Birkel engages North American Muslim religious leaders and academics in conversations of scriptural interpretation. Scholars, practicing imams, and younger public intellectuals wrestle with key suras of the Qur'an. Qur'an in Conversation demonstrates a wide spectrum of interpretation and diversity of approaches in reading Islam's scripture. The discussions directly address key issues in Muslim theology--good versus evil, the nature of God, and the future of Islam. Younger North American Muslims read the Qur'an in varied ways; this is analogous to the diverse ways in which Jews and Christians have interpreted their own holy books. Michael Birkel welcomes people of goodwill into a public conversation about the current role of Western Muslims in Islam. Qur'an in Conversation encourages non-specialists and Muslim scholars alike to imagine how the Qur'an will be interpreted among North American Muslims in years to come.
Michael Birkel is Professor of Religion at Earlham College.
Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Knowledge Hidden and Manifest 2. Close Readings, Old and New 3. Living Tradition 4. Encountering Others 5. Contemporary Contexts 6. Justice 7. The Journey Inward Concluding Reflections List of Arabic Terms Further Reading on Interpretation of the Qur'an List of Participants
A critically important contribution to academic library Islamic Studies, reference collections, and supplemental studies lists... -- James A. Cox -- The Midwest Book Review Though many of the writers are scholars, the text is accessible and at times remarkable for its heartfelt candor. Birkel's book comes at a fine time, when serious critical study of the Qur'an is gaining momentum in the Western religion academy--it is groundbreaking. -- Publishers Weekly A unique contribution to the growing area of works accessible to learned nonspecialists of the Qur'an. -- Lauren E. Osborne -- The Journal of Religion This fine book encourages non-specialists and Muslim scholars alike to imagine how the Qur'an will be interpreted among North American Muslims in years to come. -- Bible Review Journal Birkel's work is distinctive and easy to read, and will aid the curious learner who is suspicious of Islam to hear and listen to what Muslim scholars have to say about how the Qur'an should be discerned and interpreted in contemporary society. It provides both Muslims and non-Muslims with an opportunity and encouragement to respectfully engage each other on a personal, religious and academic level to an extent that has not been achieved before. -- Blake Campbell -- Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations
