The Koran Handbook: An Annotated Translation

An original, erudite translation drawing on 40 different Arab editions as well as Azeri, French, German and Russian translations, this massive work makes the Koran accessible and understandable in both its inner logic and its poetry, and explains Sunni-ism, Shi'ism, Sufism and other branches. The Starkovsky translation of the Koran is intended as a teaching tool, and is based on the most moderate Sunni tradition. It includes a factual account of some divergences from the mainstream, such as Shi'ism with its flagellations and exuberance, Sufism with its contemplative or dancing mood, martyrdomism with its suicides in the way of God, and others, to explain the fragmentation of Islamic culture and thought. The Western World urgently needs to understand Islam. Even those who firmly believe that America is a Christian nation must come to realize that Islam is here to stay and is growing. The reading public needs education in free and impartial thinking. In the matter of th Koran, the public needs guidance, as opposed to preaching. In this presentation of the Koran, the rational approach familiar to Westerners. Names common to the Bible are presented in their familiar forms (Joseph, David) and God rather than Allah, to avoid any hint that that Allah might be alien to the Jewish-Christian tradition. The suras are grouped in a thematic and chronological order, to the extent feasible, without compromising the integrity of the Holy Scripture. The notes elucidate important aspects of Islam as well as the Koran, and historical notices, a map of Arabia, and advice on how to read the Koran, and an explanation of the method and rules the author followed in his work all contribute to the reader's understanding. Includes a Bibliography and a List of Arabic terms.