Michael Sells
In Approaching the Qur’an: The Early Revelations, Michael Sells translates and comments on several short, hymnic Suras (chapters) that were among the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. Appearing at the end of the Qur’an, they are frequently the most often memorized, quoted, and recited. Since they don’t address the legal, political, and historical details of the later Suras, they are more easily accessible to those unfamiliar with the historical context. Their focus is on the Islamic fundamentals of belief in the one God, faith, prayer, and social justice.
Sells approaches these Suras by analyzing their distinctive tone and unique literary character. His translation and commentary highlight the ambiguities and subtle nuances of meaning frequently missing in other translations. He draws attention to the position of words in a verse, word endings, word sounds, and how certain sounds and words echo other Suras. His analysis is detailed and exhaustive.
Evidence of the complexity of gendered language in the Suras is teased out in Sells’ chapter, “Sound, Spirit, and Gender.” He argues much of gendered diction is, unfortunately, lost in many translations, adding to the erroneous characterization of Islam as a male-focused religion. Selected Resources for Further Reading and a CD Recording of the Islamic Call to Prayer and Six Suras as recited by several men and women are included with the book. Sells explains the different recitation styles and provides a transliteration of some of the Suras so non-native speakers can follow the recitation.
Sells’ approach to understanding the early revelations is scholarly, exhaustive, and accessible. He accentuates the complexity, hymnic quality, poetic diction, and calm and meditative aural resonance of the early Suras. This is a valuable and compelling approach to the Qur’an for those interested in exploring the aural qualities and interpretative ambiguities of the early revelations while getting a background on major concepts in Islam.
Very highly recommended.