Book: A Systematic Study of the Holy Qur’an (Advanced Version)
Author:Dr.Javed Jamil, Chair in Islamic Studies & Research, Yenepoya (deemed to be) University Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka – 575018, India
ISBN (Paperback): 978-93-340-8130-5
Price: INR 1150/- (currently available for INR 1000/-); US$ 60(currently available for US$ 40)
Available on Amazon or write to [email protected]
Reviewed by
Shakeba Umar
It was a truly memorable experience to be invited to the book launch of A Systematic Study of the Holy Qur’an (Advanced Version) by Dr.Javed Jamil at the India Islamic CulturalCentre. Dr. Jamil has always been a source of inspiration for me; his depth of knowledge and ability to connect Islamic teachings with contemporary issues have left a profound impact on me. As a longtime admirer of his work, I eagerly attended the event, and reading the book only deepened my appreciation for his scholarship. I feel compelled to share my thoughts on this remarkable work.
A Comprehensive Approach to Qur’anic Study
Dr. Jamil’s Advanced Version is a monumental achievement that takes Qur’anic studies to new heights. Spanning 752 pages, it builds on the foundation of his earlier work by offering additional insights, expanded verse explanations, and the inclusion of the original Arabic text alongside translations. As someone deeply interested in understanding the Qur’an’s universal message, I found this book to be a treasure trove of knowledge.
What stands out is the unique categorisation of verses, which goes beyond conventional exegeses. Dr. Jamil’s classification unveils the Qur’an’s holistic system, reminding readers of its relevance not just for spiritual guidance but for addressing individual, familial, societal, and global challenges.
Key Features That Left an Impression
- Bridging Science and Faith:One of the most striking aspects of the book is how effortlessly Dr. Jamil weaves modern scientific principles with Qur’anic teachings. As someone who values both faith and reason, I found his approach deeply satisfying. Unlike defensive arguments that try to fit science into scripture, Dr. Jamil shows how the two can complement each other, revealing the harmony between divine guidance and the natural world.
- Contextual Relevance:The book’s ability to draw parallels between the Qur’an’s revelations and contemporary societal challenges truly resonated with me. Dr. Jamil’s insights into modern issues– materialism, economic disparity, and social injustice – highlight the Qur’an’s timeless solutions, making this work highly practical and relatable.
- Tackling Modern Jahiliyyah:Dr. Jamil’s critique of modern ignorance, or jahiliyyah, struck a chord with me. His comparison of societal issues from the Prophet’s time to today’s challenges sheds light on how the Qur’an’s wisdom can combat current moral and ethical dilemmas. It’s a perspective I hadn’t fully appreciated until now.
A Holistic Vision for Humanity
This book is a call to action for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Dr. Jamil’s argument that the Qur’an serves as a final constitution for humanity is presented with clarity and conviction. I was particularly moved by his emphasis on disciplines like economics, health sciences, and sociology, showcasing Islam’s potential to offer holistic solutions.
Personal Reflections
Reading this book wasn’t just an academic exercise for me – it was a journey of introspection and enlightenment. Dr. Jamil’s vision of Applied Islamics resonates deeply with my belief in making Islamic teachings accessible and relevant to our everyday lives. His bold critiques of modern systems and his innovative terms like “economic fundamentalism” have challenged me to think differently about the world around me.
The book launch itself was an enriching experience, as I had the opportunity to witness Dr. Jamil’s passion for bridging traditional Islamic scholarship with modernity. It was a humbling reminder of the immense responsibility we carry as readers of the Qur’an to apply its guidance in meaningful ways.
It will be worthwhile to reproduce here an introductory paragraph from the book:
“Qur’ān is not an ordinary work of an ordinary mortal but a Singular, Supreme and Majestic Work of a Singular, Supreme and Majestic Author, God the Creator and the Lord of the Multi-World. Qur’ān itself categorically declares that it is for all times to come, for all parts of the world and for all future human generations. Qur’ān is a comprehensive work with a unique and unparalleled prescription for a holistic system. It includes the articles of faith, law, various systems related to organised living in the world, morality and history with the twin aims of success in this life and the Hereafter. When it comes to law, it points towards the Laws of Nature that govern the universe and its various constituents, both physical as well as biological; and lays down the principles of the holistic Constitution for the mankind. Qur’ān points to the functioning of the universe, every component of which, even if unconsciously due to its inherent nature, instead of free will, precisely follows the Laws of Nature, created and enforced by God. Then it tells humans, endowed with free will, to consciously commit themselves to Him, individually and collectively, for ensuring peace and harmony in the world.
The Kitāb is not a simple book for studying; but is a binding Final Testament for those who commit to God and Muhammad ﷺ, the Last of a long series of Ambassadors of God. The foremost aim of the Final Testament is to ensure the survival of human life with high standards of healthiness and peaceful co-existence of the human beings, as individuals, parts of families and members of society. And of course, it guarantees a highly successful life in the Hereafter for those who follow it with total commitment. It has another unique quality; it beautifully captures the changing mood, the reactions and the repercussions, which marked the evolving stages of Islamic Revolution in the life time of the Final Ambassador ﷺ.
The truth is that Qur’ān contains much more than what human brains can imagine, ponder or discover. Qur’ān is the greatest of all wonders, an “Eternal Wonder”, God’s biggest gift to mankind through Muhammad ﷺ, His Final Ambassador to the Earth; and its wonders will be becoming more and more manifest with every passing day in the onward march of the world civilisation. Being the Final Testament from God, man, the Final Product of the Creation, has no other option but to wholly commit to it, if he wants to acknowledge his Lord and ensure a better life for himself, individually and collectively, in the world and the Hereafter. …
“A Systematic Study of the Holy Qur’ān” is a humble endeavour to understand the wondrous messages, and the system, propounded by Qur’ān, particularly with its absolute necessity in the context of the present and the future world. It classifies the verses in an entirely unique way, which will give an idea to the reader about the comprehensiveness of the Testament of God. It will help in convincing him that this is the Final Testament from God, not to be merely understood, comprehended and researched; but also to be followed in letter and spirit in every walk of life, and to be applied to every system governing the human life, as individuals, families, society, nations and world as a whole.”
Final Thoughts
Dr.Javed Jamil’s A Systematic Study of the Holy Qur’an (Advanced Version) is more than a book – it is a transformative journey for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Qur’an’s eternal message. It’s a work that has left a lasting impact on me, and I believe it has the potential to do the same for countless others.
If you are looking for a book that bridges the gap between faith and reason, spirituality and practicality, tradition and modernity, this is it. I encourage everyone to delve into this profound masterpiece and discover for themselves the timeless relevance of the Holy Qur’an.