Introduction to Sciences of the Quran

by Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi

An Introduction to the Sciences of the Qur'aan presents a detailed and through explanation of the sciences related to the history, understanding and implementation of the Qur'aan.

The book provides the English reader with a detailed analysis of classic Muslim scholarship the process of Revelation (wahy); the various means of classifying verses of the Qur'aan; the history of the compilation of the Qur'aan; the meaning of the seven ahruf and the ten qiraa'aat of the Qur'aan; the miraculous nature of the Qur'aan; the concept of abrogation in the Qur'aan; the procedure and methodology of tafseer; and many other topics. The work has a number of sections dedicated to explaining the traditional Muslim refutations of certain beliefs of the Ash'arees with regards to the Qur'aan.

This book also includes detailed discussions on modern Western scholarship of the Qur'aan. After presenting a history of the English translation of the Qur'aan, along with a critical review of some translations, the author discusses and refutes common Orientalist polemic literature on the Qur'aan. The work is unique in that it presents classic material in a simple and modern style, while maintaining a high academic level. It is the most advanced work of its kind in the English language, and a necessary reference for all serious students of Islamic knowledge.

Genres: Islam, Religion

Nook

First published October 1, 1999

About the author

Dr. Yasir Qadhi is a prolific author and Islamic teacher who has written several books about Islam. He is a popular speaker in many Muslim circles in the United States, Canada, England and Australia. His lectures at different locations can be found on YouTube. He is one of the few people who has combined an Islamic seminary training (from Islamic University of Madinah) with Western education (from universities of Houston and Yale).

Dr. Qadhi was born in Houston, Texas, to Pakistani parents, in 1975, went to high school in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, graduating valedictorian of his class, and completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston. After working for Dow Chemical for a short stint, he decided to pursue an education in Islamic studies, and left for the Islamic University of Madinah. There, he completed a second bachelor's degree, specializing in hadith studies, and then went on to complete an M.A. in Theology. Presently, he is in the final stages of completing his Ph.D in Religious Studies from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

He is the Dean of Academic Affairs and an Instructor in the AlMaghrib Institute. He appears on a number of Islamic satellite channels (Islam Channel in England; Al-Huda Channel in Egypt; Al-Fajr Channel in Egypt; and Peace TV in India, U.K and U.S), where he teaches theology, Seerah, Tajweed, and other topics. He gives regular sermons and lectures. He also blogs at MuslimMatters.org, where he is the group-blog's lead specialist.

Reviews

[Tuscany Bernier · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't a bad read overall. I disagreed with him in a few areas which ultimately made it hard to read. I understand he has since changed his opinions on some of the items I found offensive, but it was still kind of rough to read. Most of this book was written when he fully supported Salafi doctrine (which he has since recanted) so he's very harsh on anybody who doesn't agree with him. I got some great information from the book though. Lots of timeless information on the sciences of Quran.

[Belal Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for folks studying Islamic sciences or want to know Quranic sciences. It's also a great companion for his live seminar on Quranic science.

[Paradox · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best and comprehensive book on the subject. Absolutely stunning. I wish shk Yassir can do a deeper and more extensive work for intermediate level students of this subject

[Saima · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent and informative book. Brilliant if you want a little more depth in this area.
I've not come across anything this detailed in English..

[Talha Siddiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for grasping a holistic, introductory understanding of the Quran.

[Nusar Milbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect introduction to the sciences of the Quran. Pretty straightforward and easy to read but rather extensive at the same time covering many different topics relating to the Quran..

[Abe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire how Yasir Qadi presents every stance on issues he addresses, even ones he disagrees with, just to show the breadth and history of the ideas. In his Q&As he does this all the time, and this book (which he wrote near the beginning of his Islamic studies) shows he's always had a habit of trying to explore every angle.

While most of the book is full of wisdom, some major points he makes I disagree with (often with these points he admits he's in a minority opinion). Overall still an excellent resource.

[Shakil Akther · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book on the science of the Quran for those who know little about the science of the Quran. My one point of gripe a little description of the Khawjraji, Ashari, and Mutzila would have been helpful. Also, I found the discussion on orientalist a bit tedious and have nothing to do with umm ul Qur'an

[Ihussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great work in English on Uloom ul Quraan, simple to read and understand. Definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in studying The Sciences of Quraan. He is over critical of Ashari school thought, but its great to get this alternative perspective.

[Imaan Iddir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good as a reference book, but a bit slow to read through cover to cover.

[Zuber Taher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read for basics without going into extreme detail. Would have loved to read more on the i'jaz based on the arabic language which as the author stated is difficult to do in english