The Opening to the Qur'an :
Commentary & Vocabulary Reference of Al-Fatiha,
The Qur'an : Interpretation in Context,
New,
*[A5] Hardback with Dustjacket - 136 pages,
by Dr. Ahmad Zaki Hammad,
Published by The Qur'an Literacy Institution.
Description :
"The Opening" chapter (or
sura) of the Qur'an (called
al-Fatiha) is undoubtedly the most often recited portion of revealed scripture in the world. Its impact on the psyche and soul of more than a fifth of the human family cannot be overstated. One who comes close to the meaning and import of its seven sacred verses draws near indeed to understanding the religion of Islam and the Muslim men and women who seek to follow its "straight way."
In these pages, a leading scholar of the Qur'an (the Muslim scripture), Dr. Ahmad Zaki Hammad, takes the English-speaking reader through the gateway of the Qur'an and introduces him or her to the treasure trove of vivid meanings and penetrating themes of this concise
sura and the Book it opens. A pilot to The Qur'an : Interpretation in Context, the premier endeavor of The Qur'an Project, The Opening to the Qur'an begins with an English "Interpretation" that keeps close to the original Text of the
sura. It proceeds to an "Overview" that gives a brief explanation of
al-Fatiha and summarises its background and the circumstances and chronology of its revelation.
An extended "Commentary" then elaborates the seven verses of
al-Fatiha and highlights their collective message in the context of the whole Quran. A chapter on the "Rules and Facts" of the
sura follows, bringing to light important rules (
ahkam) and aspects related to
al-Fatiha in terms of its application in worship and occasions for recitation. Finally, the "Vocabulary Reference" explicates the key words of
al-Fatiha, examining the Arabic and Qur'anic usages of each term, with references to facilitate access to a wealth of scholarly sources.
The Opening to the Qur'an is an essential guide for any who seek a deeper understanding of "the greatest
sura of the Qur'an," as the Prophet Muhammad,
may Allah bless him and grant him peace, once called it, and for any who seek to open up afresh to the wonderful universe of the Qur'an.
Reviews :
''The format, substance, and writing are superb. Americans would welcome
a commentary marshaling all the leading
tafasir [commentaries] and with
vocabulary references. If Dr. Ahmad Zaki Hammad and the editorial team
continue this work, it will surely vastly exceed in merit all the rest of their
lives. The English is a joy to read. The entire effort, so far, is simply
magisterial, which means that it will have preempted all further such efforts
for at least a century to come.''
---Dr. Robert D. Crane,
Editorial Consultant, Washington, D.C.
''To my mind this effort achieves two things that are essential to interpreting
the Qur'an for the English-speaking world: First, it has presence. One feels
that one has entered the realm of the majestic. Second, it inspires & elicits
further thinking. In reading it, many, many additional thoughts came to my
mind. I benefited greatly.''
---Dr. Abd al-Hakim Jackson, University of Michigan.
Professor Ahmad Zaki Hammad is an internationally known authority on Qur'an and Islamic Studies. He teaches Islamic Civilization and the Primary Disciplines of Qur'an Commentary, the Prophetic Traditions, and the Principles of Islamic Law at the foremost center of Islamic and Arabic learning in the Muslim world, Al-Azhar University (Faculty of Languages and Translations, Department of English). He is also a member of the Faculty of
Shari’ah, Department of Juristic Studies.
He received his early Islamic and Arabic training at Al-Azhar University, Cairo, and was awarded the graduate degree of
Alamiyyah from the Faculty of Theology. He holds a Ph.D, in Islamic Studies from the University of Chicago and is the author of a study of translation of Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazalis’s
Al-Mustasfa min Ilm al-Usul, The Quintessence of the Science of the Principles of Islamic Law; and also Islamic Law: Understanding Juristic Differences, a Primer on the Science of
al-Khulaf al Fiqhi in Light of the
Shari ah Sources.
Table of Contents :
---Transliteration Note & Table,
---Foreword.
---Introduction,
------The Starting Point: The Opening to the Book of Allah.
Chapter [1]. Interpretation,
---Arabic Text and English Interpretation,
---Sura One:
Al-Fatiha, The Opening,
Chapter [2]. Overview,
---The Opening to the Universe of the Qur'an,
---The Meaning of
Al-Fatiha in Brief,
---
Al-Fatiha in the Chronology of Revelation.
Chapter [3]. Commentary,
---A Light to the Straight Way,
---Names, Themes and Meaning of
Al-Fatiha,
------I. Beginning and Continuity (Verse 1),
------II. Praise and Thankfulness (Verse 2),
------III. Twin Miracles (Verse 3),
------IV. The Day of Judgement (Verse 4),
------V. The Moral Conduct (Verse 5),
------VI. The Way of the Worshipper (Verse 6),
------VII. The Secrets of Grace (Verse 7),
Chapter [4]. Rules and Facts,
---Highlights Regarding
al-Fatiha,
---Reciting
al-Fatiha in Prayer (
Salat),
---Saying ''
Amin'' after Reciting
al-Fatiha,
---The Excellence of
al-Fatiha,
---Invoking Allah's Help by Reciting
al-Fatiha,
Chapter [5]. Vocabulary Reference,
---The Revealed Word : The Terms of the Opening,
---1.
Bism[
illah]: In the name of [of Allah],
---2.
Allah: [In the name of]
Allah,
---3.
Al-Rahman al-Rahim:
The All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving,
---4.
Al-Hamd:
All Praise,
---5.
Rabb: Lord [
of the Worlds],
---6.
'Alamin:
Worlds,
---7.
Malik:
Master,
---8.
Yawm:
Day,
---8.
Din:
Judgement,
---10.
Na'bud:
We worship,
---11.
Nasta'in:
We ask for help,
---12.
Ihdina:
Guide us,
---13.
Sirat:
Way,
---14.
Mustaqim:
Straight [way],
---15.
Ni'ma [
An'amata]: Grace,
---16.
Maghdub:
Wrath,
---17.
Dallin: Those astray.
---[
6]. Notes,
---[
7]. Bibliography,
---[
8].
Hadith Index,
---[
9]. Qur'anic Verses Index,
---[
10]. Subject Index.
---Acknowledgements.
''Excellent presentation & Print Quality.''
* Dimensions : 22.5 x 14.6cm.
