Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 544 pages
- Published by: Algora Publishing February 28, 2005
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0875863760
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0875863764
-
Book Dimensions:
9.2 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
- Weighs: 1.7 pounds
Product Description
An original, erudite translation drawing on forty 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 requirements 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 requirements education in free and impartial thinking. In the matter of th Koran, the public requirements 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.
About The Author
Nicolas Starkovsky was born in Alexandria, Egypt, to Russian parents. He is fluent in French, German, Russian, Arabic and English, and has researched the Koran in at least thirty different translations. He holds a PhD from Cairo University and did post-doctoral studies at Columbia University and George Mason University.
As a senior research chemist Dr. Starkovsky has published over forty articles in professional journals on questions of DNA, immunology and other areas. He has worked as a translator, has taught English as a second language, and has presented lectures on Islam to government employee groups.
Reader ReviewsThis translation does something unique among all translations of the Koran: Make Koran easy to understand. The parts of the book are arranged in a way that makes sense, arranged by topic, starting with most important prayers and then going through the rest of the book. Each prayer, each section, each ritual, is made easy to understand through accessible explanations. The text of the translation is readable; the notes are precise. I hope this work becomes a bestseller.
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