Abdel Haleem's introduction offers a brief history of the revelation and compilation of the Qur'an, its structure and stylistic features, and considers issues of interpretation in relation to militancy, intolerance, and subjection of women. His notes explain geographical, historical, and personal allusions and cross-referencing within the Qur'an. The Qur'an, believed by Muslims to be the word of God, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago. It is the supreme authority in Islam and living source of all Islamic teaching; it is a sacred text and a book of guidance, that sets out creed, rituals, ethics, and laws of Islamic religion. The Qur'an is recognized as greatest literary masterpiece in Arabic, but has remained difficult to understand in its English translations. This new translation is written in a contemporary idiom that remains faithful to the original, making it easy to read while retaining its powers of eloquence. The message of the Qur'an was directly addressed to all people regardless of class, gender, or age, and this translation is equally accessible to everyone.
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