Reviews

A RUSA 2007 Outstanding Reference TitleReaders with serious interest in the Qur'an and Islamic concepts will enjoy this Encyclopedia, gaining a well-rounded sense and knowledge of the material without being overwhelmed by extraneous detail... Because it is approachable and provides an entry point for anyone becoming acquainted with the Qur'an, this useful reference deserves consideration by libraries with religion collections and with interest in Islam and the Qur'an. --Library JournalQuite a number of the entries are of a serious, substantive, academic nature and contain useful bibliographies for those interested in probing a particular subject in greater depth. Highly recommended. All academic and public libraries concerned with the study of Islam and religion more generally. --ChoiceThe complex teachings and meanings of the Qur'an, its commentators, main figures, places, and events are some of the topics described in entries written for the general reader. A clear focus on the Qur'an is carefully maintained throughout, but current affairs, approaches, and controversies are discussed in the broader entries. The entry on the term jihad, for example, is confined to the Qur'anic interpretations in a single paragraph. The history of the term and its later meanings are discussed at length, however, in the entry on war and violence. Copious cross-referencing directs the reader to other related entries or to the appropriate alphabetical location of an entry (Ibrahim, rather than Abraham, for example). Indexes are included by Qur'anic passage, subject, and name. A lengthy subject-arranged bibliography is provided. Leaman (philosophy, U. of Kentucky) authored many of the entries. His 42 co-contributors are in academic settings worldwide. --Reference & Research Book News