The Qur'an and its Biblical Subtext

This book challenges the dominant scholarly notion that the QurâÄn must be interpreted through the medieval commentaries shaped by the biography of the prophet Muhammad arguing instead that the text is best read in light of Christian and Jewish scripture. The QurâÄn in its use of allusions depends on the Biblical knowledge of its audience. However medieval Muslim commentators working in a context of religious rivalry developed stories that separate QurâÄn and Bible which this book brings back together. In a series of studies involving the devil Adam Abraham Jonah Mary and Muhammad among others Reynolds shows how modern translators of the QurâÄn have followed medieval Muslim commentary and demonstrates how an appreciation of the QurâÄnâs Biblical subtext uncovers the richness of the QurâÄnâs discourse. Presenting unique interpretations of 13 different sections of the QurâÄn based on studies of earlier Jewish and Christian literature the author substantially re-evaluates Muslim exegetical literature. Thus The QurâÄn and Its Biblical Subtext a work based on a profound regard for the QurâÄnâs literary structure and rhetorical strategy poses a substantial challenge to the standard scholarship of QurâÄnic Studies. With an approach that bridges early Christian history and Islamic origins the book will appeal not only to students of the Qurâan but of the Bible religious studies and Islamic history. . Language: English