Understanding the Koran: A Quick Christian Guide to the Muslim Holy Book

by M. Elass and Mateen Elass

Book Overview

Find out how the Koran resembles the Bible--and the drastic ways in which it differs.

Understanding the Koran gives you an essential grasp of Islam's holy book: where it came from, what it teaches, how Muslims view it, and how the Allah of the Koran compares with the God of the Bible.

Cherished as the final, perfect revelation of God's will by 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide, the Koran has become a part of American life...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0310248124
• ISBN13: 9780310248125
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.9" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Great Book - Very Informative

The author is well qualified to write on this topic. The book is very informative and a great read for anyone. Helps you understand the differences in Islam and Christianity and how to share with a muslim friend.

Exceptional Value in a Highly Engaging Format!

For all who are interested in a balanced, introductory study of issues related to the Quran and the claims of Islam, this is the book for you. Written by one of Muslim background, who grew up in the Middle East, but who subsequently earned a Ph.D. in New Testament studies at a highly acclaimed British university, this book brings a much needed perspective to the often murky debates between Muslims and Christians. Contrary to the statement in another review, the name "Mateen Elass" clearly indicates a Muslim family origin, as any who know Arabic and Islam will quickly attest. Though written particularly for Christians to help them understand the role and meaning of the Quran for Muslims (in comparison with the role and meaning of the Bible for Christians), this book is also being read with profit by Muslims. I personally know two Muslims who have read this book and subsequently become Christians, after being encouraged to think through the evidences presented. I would encourage all readers to consider objectively the material presented by the author, rather than be swayed in advance by any particular party line. Those who do will come away impressed by the irenic but bold, well-defended positions offered by an individual with much experience and expertise to back up his perspectives.

A book deserving wide readership

The book is not only about understanding the Koran. Perhaps more importantly, it is also about understanding the mind, or better, the minds of Islam. It is quite apparent that the author has a deep knowledge and understanding of both Islam and Christianity. While his commitment is unabashedly Christian, from his personal background in Islam he gives us a clear and insightful look into the foundations of a religion that is little understood in the West. The significant overlap between the Bible and the Koran is surprising to one who knows little about one of them or perhaps both. However, the differences are many, some minor but others major and fundamental. In analyzing these differences, Elass makes a scholarly and respectful case that the Koran is a historically flawed document. This view, of course, is diametrically opposed to that of those Muslims who hold that the Koran consists solely of the literal words of God revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. In the Koran and the traditions that surround it there are numerous absolutistic claims on Muslims. These include the worrisome concept of jihad, a struggle against what is perceived by Islam to be evil, a struggle that can take many forms including the sword. In the face of the growth of Islam and commitments by Islamic militants to jihad with the sword, what is the Christian response? Elass says it is to reach out in genuine love to Muslims as neighbors, bettering our understanding of them, and "seeking their best interests as we seek our own". The answer to Islamic militancy, however, he sees as lying with the moderates within Islam. They must convince their masses that peaceful coexistence is the better way. This is an excellent, well-written, informative and challenging book that deserves wide readership. It would have achieved a more satisfying conclusion if its scope had included an articulation of practical ways to bridge the gap between moderate Muslims and Christians. In particular how do Christians help energize moderate Muslims in their struggle with Islamic militants?. How should Christians advise a secular government in the fight against terrorism spawned by Islamic fundamentalism? Another book by this authoritative author is needed.

Informative, fair and well-written

Short summary: Mateen Elass is uniquely qualified to write such a book. His father was a Muslim. He was raised in Saudi Arabia. He is now a Presbyterian minister in the United States. His short, 10 chapter book introduces the reader to the Koran by telling its history and the common touchpoints that it shares with the Bible, Christian tradition and Jewish tradition. Elass also introduces the reader to the proper handling of the Koran and has a balanced discussion on the role of Jihad in Islam, as defined in the Koran. An optional Bible study is located at the back of the book with lots of questions designed for group discussion. My review: An absolutely excellent book! The reader is not required to be a Christian to understand the book - but a working knowledge of Christian tradition and the Bible would help. Mateen Elass has produced a wonderful introduction to Islam and the Koran. He is respectful of Islam throughout the book, but it is clear that he is writing from the Christian perspective. I have but one complaint: he has excellent commentary in his endnotes that complement the text. Unfortunately, I discovered this about halfway through the book. I wish it had been footnotes instead. I'll be on the lookout for another book by Elass. Might I suggest a book on Islam itself? Or, perhaps Muslim customs and holidays?

Finally, a book written from a knowledgeable point of view

Written by a Christian who was raised in a Muslim family "Understanding the Koran" is one of the most even-handed and accurate treatments of the Koran by a Christian writer that I have read. This book stands out as a refreshing breath of fresh air in an area far too crowed by prejudiced and misleading books based more on fear than anything else. Author Mateen Elass provides an understanding not only of the Koran but also of the Muslim faith in general. She discusses history, traditions, and religious custom as well as the belief system itself. If you are tired of the multitude of books that tell you what the Koran says when it is obvious the authors have obviously never read it themselves you will be delighted with this one with an author that obviously has an intimate knowledge of Muslim and Christian religious texts, practices, and beliefs. "Understanding the Koran" is highly recommended to all readers and given the current state of inaccurate propaganda being spread from all quarters it is required reading for anyone who wants an accurate portrayal of the Koran.