The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary
by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
"The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary" by Seyyed Hossein Nasr offers a profound exploration of the Quran's themes, emphasizing its role in shaping not only Islamic civilization but also broader scientific and philosophical traditions. The book highlights the Quran as a source of moral guidance, urging believers to act justly and support the oppressed while recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity, including Jews, Christians, and Sabeans, in faith and righteousness. Central to the text is the notion of divine signs present in creation, encouraging readers to reflect on the natural world as manifestations of God's wisdom. Nasr underscores the Quran's infinite depth, likening it to an ocean that invites believers to immerse themselves in its teachings, suggesting that while humans may never fully grasp the divine, they can strive to understand its essence. The importance of kindness, charity, and sincerity in actions is also emphasized, particularly in the context of social justice and compassion for the marginalized. Additionally, themes of patience and resilience in adversity are explored, highlighting the spiritual journey of self-discovery and connection with the divine. Overall, Nasr presents the Quran as a timeless guide for ethical living, intellectual inquiry, and spiritual fulfillment, inviting readers to engage deeply with its message.
3 popular highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most popular and impactful highlights and quotes from The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary:
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth; and the variation of the night and the day; and the ships that run upon the sea with what benefits mankind; and the water God sends down from the sky whereby He revives the earth after its death, scattering all manner of beast therein; and the shifting of the winds; and the clouds subdued between the sky and the earth are surely signs for a people who understand.
The fact that the descent of the Quran led not only to the foundation of one of the world’s great civilizations, but also to the creation of one of the major scientific, philosophical, and artistic traditions in global history was not accidental. Without the advent of the Quran, there would have been no Islamic sciences as we know them, sciences that were brought later to the West and we therefore would not have words such as “algebra,” “algorithm,” and many other scientific terms of Arabic origin in English. Nor would there be the Summas of St. Thomas Aquinas, at least in their existing form, since these Summas contain so many ideas drawn from Islamic sources.
And what ails you that you fight not in the way of God, and for the weak and oppressed—men, women, and children—who cry out, “Our Lord! Bring us forth from this town whose people are oppressors, and appoint for us from Thee a protector, and appoint for us from Thee a helper.
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