Approaching the Quran: The Early Revelations

A new, updated edition of this modern classic in religious publishing, capturing the complexity, power and poetry of the early suras of the Qur’an

Approaching the Qur’an presents brilliant translations of the short, hymnic chapters, or Suras, associated with the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. These early Suras contain some of the most powerful, prophetic, and revelatory passages in religious history, offering the vision of a meaningful and just life that anchors the faith of one fifth of the world’s inhabitants.

In addition to these translations, Michael Sells provides an introduction to the Qur’an, commentaries on the Suras, a glossary of technical terms, and discussions of the auditory nature and gender aspects of the Arabic text. An ideal resource for students and interested lay readers, this third edition also includes a new full Sura and associated commentary, a new preface, and a thoroughly updated bibliography.

Michael Sells is John Henry Barrows Professor Emeritus of Islamic History and Literature in the Divinity School and in the Department of Comparative Literature at the University of Chicago.