The Qur'an and Late Antiquity

A Shared Heritage

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Middle East Religions, Koran, Islam
Cover of the book The Qur'an and Late Antiquity by Angelika Neuwirth, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Angelika Neuwirth ISBN: 9780190921309
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: February 19, 2019
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Angelika Neuwirth
ISBN: 9780190921309
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: February 19, 2019
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

In this book, Angelika Neuwirth provides a new approach to understanding the founding text of Islam. Typical exegesis of the Qur'an treats the text teleologically, as a fait accompli finished text, or as a replica or summary of the Bible in Arabic. Instead Neuwirth approaches the Qur'an as the product of a specific community in the Late Antique Arabian peninsula, one which was exposed to the wider worlds of the Byzantine and Sasanian empires, and to the rich intellectual traditions of rabbinic Judaism, early Christianity, and Gnosticism. A central goal of the book is to eliminate the notion of the Qur'an as being a-historical. She argues that it is, in fact, highly aware of its place in late antiquity and is capable of yielding valuable historical information. By emphasizing the liturgical function of the Qur'an, Neuwirth allows readers to see the text as an evolving oral tradition within the community before it became collected and codified as a book. This analysis sheds much needed light on the development of the Qur'an's historical, theological, and political outlook. The book's final chapters analyze the relationship of the Qur'an to the Bible, to Arabic poetic traditions, and, more generally, to late antique culture and rhetorical forms. By providing a new introduction to the Qur'an, one that uniquely challenges current ideas about its emergence and development, The Qur'an and Late Antiquity bridges the gap between Eastern and Western approaches to this sacred text.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this book, Angelika Neuwirth provides a new approach to understanding the founding text of Islam. Typical exegesis of the Qur'an treats the text teleologically, as a fait accompli finished text, or as a replica or summary of the Bible in Arabic. Instead Neuwirth approaches the Qur'an as the product of a specific community in the Late Antique Arabian peninsula, one which was exposed to the wider worlds of the Byzantine and Sasanian empires, and to the rich intellectual traditions of rabbinic Judaism, early Christianity, and Gnosticism. A central goal of the book is to eliminate the notion of the Qur'an as being a-historical. She argues that it is, in fact, highly aware of its place in late antiquity and is capable of yielding valuable historical information. By emphasizing the liturgical function of the Qur'an, Neuwirth allows readers to see the text as an evolving oral tradition within the community before it became collected and codified as a book. This analysis sheds much needed light on the development of the Qur'an's historical, theological, and political outlook. The book's final chapters analyze the relationship of the Qur'an to the Bible, to Arabic poetic traditions, and, more generally, to late antique culture and rhetorical forms. By providing a new introduction to the Qur'an, one that uniquely challenges current ideas about its emergence and development, The Qur'an and Late Antiquity bridges the gap between Eastern and Western approaches to this sacred text.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Democracy Inside by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book Psychosocial Palliative Care by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book The Breast Cancer Wars by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book Jazz Anecdotes:Second Time Around by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book The Performance of Politics:Obama's Victory and the Democratic Struggle for Power by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book The Records of Mazu and the Making of Classical Chan Literature by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book Sophocles and the Language of Tragedy by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book Cultures in Conflict : Christians Muslims and Jews in the Age of Discovery by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book Great Strategic Rivalries by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book Schooling New Media by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book All the Power in the World by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book What's Wrong with Homosexuality? by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book Orca - With Audio Starter Level Oxford Bookworms Library by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book Darwin's Roadmap to the Curriculum by Angelika Neuwirth
Cover of the book Voice Lessons by Angelika Neuwirth
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy