lsOver the course of six sections, this rich reference book explores the various areas of Qur’anic studies:its language,the history of its documentation,its many disciplines,the methods of interpretation,its inimitability,and finally, as a work of art.The themes explored also include the impact of the Qur’an on Islamic civilisation, as well as the various classical sub-disciplines of Qur’anic studies, including the study of the variant readings (qirā’āt), the reasons for revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl), and abrogation (naskh).Unlike some other works, Prof Zarzour also explores contemporary scholarship on the Qur’an, notably through a critical evaluation of modern tendencies such as the claim that the Qur’an contains scientific miracles, and an evaluation of some of the most recognised modern works of Qur’anic commentary (tafsir)