This small work is essential reading for understanding Islam. The previous review suffices, but I just wanted to add a note about the work's content. During my first reading, I thought that the work was overly bogged down with a discussion of education and its development throughout Pakistan, Turkey, etc. However, upon a second reading, I found this to be the most profound and impactful section of the work, as this is the locus of the true reform of Islam and its true modernization will occur. Thus, this work is partly a late scholar's dream for the future of his religion. Though at the same time, it is deeply grounded in history and its realities.

Fazlur Rahman is truly one of the greatest scholars of Islamic History, in addition to being very controversial. In this book, Fazlur Rahman explores the transformation of the Islamic intellectual tradition, ranging from philosophy and ethics, to jurisprudence. He brilliantly exposes and analizes the tension that exists in the interpretation(s) of the Qur'an. Rahman ambitiously demonstrates that for Islam and the Qur'an to be what Muslims actually claim them to be, comprehensive in scope and pertinent for every age and society, then Muslims must re-evaluate the Qur'an in positive ways, and in light of modernity and its challenges. In a similar vein, Rahman argues that for Islam to truly demonstrate its principles of social equality and justice, Islamic scholars must re-examine their methodology and hermeneutics. Amongst several other things, Rahman critiques the repetitive rhetoric and anti-philosophical trends that the Islamic intellectual communities faced during Islamic Medieval times.

This work is a significant contribution to understanding the Muslim world today. It is a genuine search for broadening the scope of Islam by extrapolating upon its inherent egalitarian principles. It is also a beautiful re-evaluation of the Qur'an, by having studied it throught the context of its revelation. I recommend this book for Muslims as well as Non-Muslims interested in the study of Islam and Islamic Intellectual History.

This book is a handy book in learning about Islam, its doctrine and history. Rahman's approach is at once senstitive sociologically and also a little apolotgetic at times. This book is written by an intelligent "insider" It does not address questions about terrorism and should not be read as a way of informing a personal hatred against Muslims but should be read and is best read as a book that introduces readers in an understandable fashion to one of the world's "great" religions and agents for cultural expression and change. This book is about a religion- its theology, philosophy, sects, and its history- not radical anti-Western political movements.
My criticisms of this book are light- it is a bit dry and a bit academic at times. Also the typeface is sometimes a bit hard on the eyes but not annoyingly so. But overall it is a great work and a classic on a great religion and I highly recommend it for all those who would like to begin learning about Islam.

It's written for someone with some knowledge of the basics of Islam. Extremely well-organized, highly analytical and scholarly. It ranks with "Islam and the Destiny of Man" as the best intros.

This is a great book for someone looking to learn Islamic basics. It is easy to read, yet doesn't compromise on accurate information and detail. A good book for a new convert to Islam, or simply for someone studying comparitive religion. This book is often used in an introduction course on Islam at Georgetown University.

Certainly succint and clear, this book explores basic terms and ideas central to a clear understanding of Islam. This book puts all the more specific facts in perspective. Excellent for students or anyone who wants to know more than just the facts. One of Rahman's best.

Great book, I'd highly recommend it if you wish to get insight into various aspects of life from an Islamic standpoint. Man in society, man as an invidual etc. etc. Makes you think quite a bit and helps explain Islam in and it's philosophy for those particularly eager to stereotype and misjudge the religion and its practices.

Major Themes of the Quran is one of the few works of Fazlur Rahman (perhaps the only) which is not by any means controversial. This book is widely accepted by academics and traditional scholars. This book sets forth to analyze the major themes discussed within the Quran without much of any review or opinion. Excellent read and resource.