"Ingrid Mattson offers fresh, thoughtful, and learned insights into the Qur'an that are rich in scholarly and historical detail, cultural depth and breadth, and personal meaning. This book will enlighten and engage the novice reader as well as those already familiar with the Qur'an. I recommend it as an excellent companion to the study of Islam or the Qur'an itself."
Marcia Hermansen, Loyola University Chicago

"Dr Ingrid Mattson takes her readers, effortlessly, through the Qur'an with her eloquent Zen-like writing style. The book takes its readers on a journey of discovery into Islam's Holy Scripture. It is an excellent introduction for students of Islam as well as non-academic circles as it touches upon the personal effects of the Qur'an on the believer and its impact on society and culture, at the same time maintaining a historical perspective on its formation."
Khaled Keshk, DePaul University

"This valuable book ? written by one of the great leaders of North American Islam ? should be must-reading for Muslims, Christians, Jews, and all who would understand the Qu'ran and its followers. Recommended for university, church, synagogue, and mosque classes and reading groups."
Rabbi Burton L. Visotzky, Jewish Theological Seminary

Since publication The Story of the Qur'an has received high praise for its sensitivity, deft scholarship, and carefully balanced portrayal of the study of the Qur'an and its place in historic and contemporary Muslim society. Acclaimed Islamic scholar Ingrid Mattson now updates her authoritative and comprehensive introduction through the addition of expanded sections on the Qur'an in art and architecture, in the life cycle of Muslims, and in Islamic ethics and law. Through a close examination of the doctrines in the Qur'an, Mattson reveals their significance to individual Muslims and the societies in which they live.

Other key themes addressed include the Qur'an's most important historical interpretations, significant figures who transmitted and taught the sacred scripture over the centuries, and the influence of the Qur'an on major aspects of Muslim society ? including personal relationships, popular culture, political movements, science, and literature. Combining scholarly precision with an engaging style, The Story of the Qur'an, Second Edition, offers a fascinating and unique account of the history and current place of the Qur'an in Muslim life.