This volume is an attempt to approach the Qur'an in two senses. First, in the translations and commentary I have tried to bring across some sense of that particular combination of majesty and intimacy that makes the Qur'anic voice distinctive. Second, I have sought to allow the reader who is unfamiliar with the details of Islamic history to approach the Qur'an in a way that allows an appreciation of its distinctive literary character.
"Approaching the Qur'an is a sensitive and unusually accessible first book on the Qur'an and its function as scripture for over one-seventh of the human race. This book opens up many facets of the special role that the Qur'an plays in Muslim life and thought. Dr. Sells is to be congratulated for a significant contribution to English-language materials on the Qur'an."
Taken from book.
