Prolegomena to the Qur'an

A presentation of al-Khu'i's ideas on the interpretation of the Qur'an. Treating many critical and controversial topics connected with the collection and canonization of the text that have received little attention in the works of contemporary Muslim scholars. The arguments illuminate issues that have been at stake between Shi'i and Sunni Muslims.
Al-Khu'i (1899-1992) was one of the most respected Shi'i scholars of this century. This book, published in Arabic in 1974, presents al-Khu'is ideas on the interpretation of the Qur'an. In it, al-Khu'i treats many critical and controversial topics associated with the collection and canonization of the text, including the possible alterations to the Qur'an introduced by succeeding generations of reciters. Throughout, he stresses the importance of understanding the
historical setting in which the Qur'an was revealed in order to apply its provisions appropriately in contemporary Muslim society.