The Majestic Quran

meaning that is clear, plain and contemporary is for you, the reader to judge. The Topical Section Headings A distinct feature of this translation is the use of section headings for the sake of clarity. These headings correspond to the main themes and subject matter presented in the text. The headings of each section are not just attention-grabbing, but reflect its contents, themes and specific topics that will help the reader to understand the “bursts of revelation” as the Quran was revealed according to the needs of the time. However, this is only an attempt at clarity for the sake of understanding the divine text. They are not there to dictate the interpretation of these verses, although they may possibly give a particular interpretation to some readers. Their main purpose is to join ideas in the section, so helping to contextualise the passages. This allows the Quran to speak for itself. In brief, the headings are a useful device for unlocking the meaning and the purpose of the Quran and to help to make its teachings fully transparent. I believe this is a very convincing way for the reader to get a true taste of the Majestic Quran. Introduction to the Chapters The chapters, in the Quran are divided into sections, based on where the subject begins or at the seam between two subjects. These act as ‘hinge passages’, which are separate units that can be attached to a preceding or following narrative block. These narrative blocks can be very fluid, particularly those that act as buffer zones which allow one passage to merge into the next. The chapters highlight the period of revelation, the major themes and shed some light on the socio-economic, political, historical and cultural environment of the Arabian Peninsula at the time of revelation, the seventh century.