The Qur’an and Its Biblical Reflexes

This is a ground-breaking, scholarly book that seeks to understand how the Koran came into its present form, questions the validity of interpreting the Koran primarily in terms of the later `Life of Muhammad' traditions, and explores the relationship between the Bible and the Koran. Drawing on fresh insights from linguistics, Mark Durie proposes a radically new understanding of the chronology of the text of the Koran, and argues that quotes from and allusions to stories in the Christian Bible are used in the Koran to serve the Koran's own distinctive theological agenda. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand at some depth the Muslim faith and the Koran. It is a brilliant piece of work. -- Kevin Giles, (ThD) Anglican pastor and theologian, Melbourne, Australia The two to three chapters in this book that deal directly with the Arabic sources are systematic, original, eye-opening, and, at times, brilliant. They contain an excellent independently critical comparative analysis of the Bible and the Qur'an, both of which seem to be familiar ground for the author. Reverend Mark Durie's mastery of the required languages is extraordinary. His vast knowledge makes a substantial contribution to the field of study and the dissection of the Qur'an into its various themes and categories facilitates the grasp of the relations between Bible and Qur'an, amounting to a real scholarly achievement of the highest standard. -- Raphael Israeli, Hebrew University, Jerusalem Mark Durie's expertise in linguistics not only invigorates his study of the text, but also provides a model for his analysis of the theology of the Qur'an. His fascinating thesis-crucial but rarely pursued-winds its way through close examination of verses and key terms, collegial interaction with top scholarship in Quranic Studies, and careful conclusions that seem to cinch his case. Every page shows meaningful engagement with issues of theological truth and clarity about the questions at the center of interfaith conversation. -- Peter G. Riddell, Melbourne School of Theology Mark Durie's expertise in Linguistics not only invigorates his study of the text, but also provides a model for his analysis of the theology of the Quran. His fascinating thesis-crucial but rarely pursued-winds its way through close examination of verses and key terms, collegial interaction with top scholarship in Quranic Studies, and careful conclusions that seem to cinch his case. Every page shows meaningful engagement with issues of theological truth and clarity about the questions at the center of interfaith conversation. -- Gordon Nickel, Centre for Islamic Studies, SAIACS