Few books in the history of humanity have been so little understood as the Quran, the text sent to the prophet Muhammad as a series of revelations considered to be the direct word of Allah.

In this book, prominent scholar Bruce Lawrence shows the reader that the Quran is Islam. Starting from the origins of the faith in 7th century Arabia, he explains why the Quran must be both memorized and recited by the faithful.

He also examines many of the significant scholars who have commented on or challenged the sacred text - from the English monk Robert of Ketton to the poet and philosopher Muhammad Iqbal - and assesses the influence it has had and continues to have on societies and political life around the world.

Most importantly, he emphasizes that the Quran is a sacred book of signs that does not just convey a message. Rather, it is a text that requires interpretation and can only be understood through history.