1-Traditions of Islam

Paul Hardy

ISBN: 1860645801Author: Hardy, PaulPublisher: I. B. Tauris & Company, LtdSubject: GeneralSubject: Islam Subject: Islam - GeneralPublication Date: November 2004 Binding: HardcoverLanguage: EnglishPages: 320

The Hadith (traditions) are the most important source of Islamic teaching and ideology after the Qur'an. These traditions, derived from the life of the Prophet Muhammad, form a body of sacred texts faithfully handed down in the Muslim community from its earliest days. They function as a basic source of the history of early Islam, whether illuminating the life of the Prophet, giving the first commentaries on the Qur'an, or operating as a source of Islamic law.
This text challenges current interpretations concerning the Hadith as a historical source and provides new interpretations of their literary and religious significance.

2-Introducing Islam: A New Look for the Introducing Series for Fall 2004
 Ziauddin Sardar

ISBN: 1840465824Subtitle: A New Look for the Introducing Series for Fall 2004Publisher: Totem BooksSubject: Non-ClassifiableSubject: Islam - GeneralSeries Info: A New Look for the Introducing Series for Fall 2004Publication Date: November 2004Binding: PaperbackLanguage: EnglishPages: 176Dimensions: 825x550

Publisher Comments: This new edition is one of 20 best-selling titles leading the relaunch of this series of guides to big ideas - from Quantum Theory to Postmodernism. Upmarket, intelligent and arresting, the new-look makeover will bring many new fans to this already highly successful series.

Synopsis: This informative guide recounts the history of Islam from the birth of the Prophet Muhammad to its status as a global culture and political force today, explaining the message of the Qur'an and the features of Islamic law.

3-The Essential Koran (Essential)
 Thomas Cleary

ISBN: 0785809023Translator: Cleary, ThomasPublisher: Book Sales Subject: KoranSubject: Sale Adult - Religion - World ReligionsSubject: Islam - Koran & Sacred WritingsEdition Description: BooksalesSeries: Essential BooksalesSeries Volume: v.7 Publication Date: January 1998Binding: HardcoverLanguage: EnglishIllustrations: YesPages: 203Dimensions: 8.60x5.84x1.00 in. .93 lbs.

Publisher Comments: After Heraclius, Caesar of theByzantine Empire, had captured Constantinople from the Persians in 628 C.E., he went toJerusalem to thank God for his victory. In the ancient holy city, he received a most extraordinary letter from a land further to the East: . In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. From Muhammad, messenger of God, to Heraclius, ruler of Byzantium. Peace upon all who follow Guidance: I call you with the call to submission to God. Surrender to God, and you will be safe. Surrender to God, and God will give you a double reward. If you turn away, then the misdeeds of the peasants will be your fault. People of the Book, come to a Word common to both of us, that we worship only God. Heraclius summoned a noble Arab to inquire about the author of this letter. Afterwards he declared, "I asked what he enjoins upon you, and you stated that he enjoins you to worship God, and not to associate anything with God, and not to worship the fetishes of your ancestors. And he enjoins you to pray, to give charity, to be chaste, to keep promises, and to fulfill trusts. This is the description of a Prophet. l knew he would appear, but I did not know he would be from among you". Heraclius could not have known the profound impact this Prophet was to have. From an early community of Koran reciters surrounding Muhammad, Islam was soon to spread over vast distances, becoming one of the world's major religions. For too long the realities of Islam and the Koran have been a mystery to the Christian West. In this brilliant rendition, Thomas Cleary distills the essence of the Koran, presenting primary teachings from the sacred Book in an accessible and illuminating manner. Cleary's notes on the spiritual language and psychology of the Koran reveal an astounding richness, subtlety, and depth in this extraordinary Book.*

Synopsis: For too long the realities of Islam have been a mystery to the Christian West. In this introductory selection of Islamic readings, the essence of the Koran is presented and explained in an accessible and illuminating manner.

4-Fables of the Ancients: Formulas and Folktales in the Qur'an
 Alan Dundes

ISBN: 0742526720Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield PublishersSubject: Koran storiesSubject: Islam - Koran & Sacred WritingsSubject: KoranSeries Volume: no.61Publication Date: June 2003 Binding: PaperbackLanguage: EnglishPages: 104 Dimensions: 8.42x5.52x.32 in. .30 lbs.

Publisher Comments: Given the widespread consensus that the Qur'an was in oral tradition before being committed to written form, it should come as no surprise to learn that the Qur'an still bears the traces of its original oral form. The field of knowledge most concerned with oral tradition is folkloristic, the study of folklore. Folklorist Alan Dundes has carefully and respectfully documented some of these unmistakable traces. These traces include numerous oral formulas repeated throughout the Qur'an as well as several traditional folktales. Just as Jesus effectively used parables to get His message across, so similar means are to be found in the Qur'an. The scholarly identification of formulas and folktales in the Qur'an represents an entirely new approach to this world-famous religious text. Not only does it provide insight into the basic composition of this sacred document, but for readers not previously familiar with the Qur'an, it pinpoints and makes accessible many of the principal themes contained therein.

Book News Annotation: In this extremely brief study, Dundes (anthropology and folklore, University of California, Berkeley) documents the influence of oral tradition in the Qur'an. He identifies oral formulas repeated throughout the text and several traditional folk tales appearing there. Annotation (c) 2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Synopsis: Includes bibliographical references (p. 73-84) and index.