The Essential Koran: The Heart Of Islam -An Introductory Selection Of Readings From The Quran

DETAILS : 

• Author : Thomas Cleary
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Collins Publishers
  
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 2010
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
  
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
  
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9350291584
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9350291580
  
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 250 g

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Essential Koran is a highly acclaimed introductory translation designed to provide non-Arabic speakers with a direct, rhythmic, and accessible entry into the spiritual core of Islam. Unlike many literalist or academic translations, Thomas Cleary focuses on the experiential and poetic power of the text, aiming to convey the "heart" of the message rather than just the legalistic frameworks.

This selection is curated to highlight:

• The Divine Attributes: Verses focusing on the nature of God (Allah), emphasizing mercy, light, and omnipresence.
• Ethics and Conduct: Passages dealing with social justice, kindness to parents, and the importance of integrity.
• The Inner Life: A focus on "spiritual psychology"—how the Quran addresses the human soul, its struggles, and its potential for peace.
• The "Clear" Style: Cleary avoids archaic "thee" and "thou" language, opting for a minimalist, modern English that mirrors the brevity and impact of the original Meccan suras.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thomas Cleary (1949–2021) was a legendary translator of Eastern classics and one of the most prolific scholars of his time. He was a master of more than half a dozen languages, including Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese, and Japanese.

Cleary was famous for his "poly-intellectual" approach. Beyond the Quran, he translated:

• The Art of War (Sun Tzu)
• The Flower Ornament Scripture (Avatamsaka Sutra)
• The Secret of the Golden Flower (Taoist alchemy)

He held a PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University. Cleary’s unique gift was his ability to translate ancient wisdom in a way that felt immediate and practical for a modern audience, stripping away centuries of sectarian baggage to reveal the universal human truths beneath.