At the heart of the Islamic tradition lies the Qur'an - law-maker, moral code, and the word of God, speaking directly to Muslims for over one thousand years.<BR>Acclaimed Muslim scholar Farid Esack leads the reader through the Qur'an, outlining the key themes, explaining its historical and cultural context, and examining the complexities and controversies surrounding such difficult issues as truth, justice, and gender relations. In the current troubled state of world affairs, Esack's elegant and objective guide offers readers valuable insight into one of the world's most powerful books; insight that is only going to become more relevant in the years to come.