Approaching the Qur'an presents brilliant translations of the short, hymnic chapters, or suras, associated with the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad.

These early suras contain some of the most powerful, prophetic and revelatory passages in religious history, offering the vision of a meaningful and just life that anchors the faith of one fifth of the world's inhabitants.

In addition to these translations, Michael Sells provides an introduction to the Qur'an, commentaries on the suras, a glossary of technical terms and discussion of the auditory nature and gender aspects of the Arabic text. An ideal resource for students and interested lay readers, the work is enriched by free audio downloads of Qur'anic reciters chanting several of the early suras, allowing readers to hear the Qur'an in its original form. This third edition also includes a new full sura and associated commentary, and a new preface.