Gary Wills, 'What the Qur'an Meant: And Why It Matters'

As with many sacred books, the Qur’an has been subject to centuries of interpretations and assertions. To discover what it really says, the first step is to read the text carefully. Wills has done just that, and his meticulous analysis clears away the accumulated distortions that have led to misunderstandings on questions ranging from the Islamic stand on religious war to the requirements that women wear veils. By comparing the Qur’an to the Bible, Wills, who studied for the priesthood before becoming a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and writer on politics and religion, finds many parallels between the texts, including rich passages that offer multiple meanings. His scholarly, open-minded approach invites people of all faiths to engage with this rich and inspiring text.

Produced by Tom Warren

[alimahdi]

The audience laughed when he talked about the skin telling the truth even though the person wants to hide it. But it is not so funny when you consider a medical exam where your body tells the truth about you smoking or eating too much suger, even when you want to hide it from your physician.

[naseema]

The best knowledgeable speech from non Muslim. And that knowledge comes only you read The QURAN, not through media.
Well done.

[platonaristote]

The Qur'an says, "Will they be equal to those who have knowledge and those who do not?

[ibmjadoo]

Gary Wills is wrong when he mentioned Allah as father of Jesus (Nauzubillah).
Quran denies this in Surah Ikhlas

[kennethwhite]

*TWO CORRECTIONS:*
1) Unlike the Bible, there is only one version of the Quran... again, many translations, but only one version.

2) Saddam Hussein was NOT a Sunni Muslim, he was a secular leader/dictator... again, he (Saddam) was not governing by the Quran or Sunnism.

[bakermot]

Gary Wills is a good and sincere man who I pray will receive guidance from Allah(SWT)

[Haridas]

Thank you for your objective and unbiased view. A son inherits twice as much because whatever he inherits must be shared with his wife. Women do not have to share their inheritance with their husbands.

[ebousanyang]

This man is a truthful person, he speaks of what he knows because he actually read the holy Quran mashallah

[yon]

HUGE RESPECT!!!
If a Muslim give lecture like this, they will never believe.

[mimianwar]

It was under the Angel Gabriel instructions that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) put together the Qur'an and arranged it on how it is today. With our technology now a days a special mathematical codes were discovered in the Qur'an that every letter in it's right place....one of our today's Qur'an's Miracles

[ummua]

Correction of order of the Qur'an.
The companions did know the order of how it was supposed to be compiled because the prophet had already taught them which chapter/verse comes after which.
It wasn't compiled haphazardly.

[insafdiri]

I as Muslim, appreciate you Mr Gary Wills for making clear what Islam really is, eventhough it's not 100% right. Thank you....

[KhalidJYusuf]

Require more study in depth . At end you will find its same message given to all starting from Ibrahim to Mohamnad (peace be upon all) at different times . God cannot change his words . It's the followers who keep changing to run religious shops .

[Caringforhumanity]

It is relieving that a great writer is unveiling the truth about the Holly Quran. However, Mr. Gary Wills must search further to find out the real wisdom beyond some of those "flaws" that he said exists in the Quran. For example, the reason that God said two women are equivalent to one man as witness in court of law is because women, as mothers, are compassionate in nature and may refrain from testifying against someone, therefore, two women should testify for the purpose of justice.

[faruqueahmad]

I'm a Muslim, and sometimes I tend to think that, unlike many common beliefs specially by the non-Muslims, Islam has given woman somewhat more favor over men. Because, in a nutshell, men bear almost all the responsibilities for their families and even relatives. But, in the end, I have complete faith that Allah is true and honest and perfect. He has to be, logically. We the creatures have different views only because we're not perfect.

[imansherrif]

Quran is a true revelation from our creator

[BIGBOSS-pjup]

This guy with his little effort in trying to read and understand Islam, is doing big huge favor to those old stubborn people around him... May Allah be in his guidance and their guidance. I know it's hard job because I dealed with old people who bounce between thinking they were living perfect according to what they were taught to believe.and how they feel something was wrong in what they spent their life believing...
I believe more you walk to the truth, you will find a help to get it...more you satisfy yourself with cursing Islam, more you block your guidance!

[shakeebrahman]

AlhamdulilAllah
What a great service he is doing for humanity ! May Allah bless this great person so intelligent and dignified way of calling intelligent people towards Quran !
Wish Muslim countries acknowledge and Honour this amazing gentle man !

[qiey]

I hear gary bissmillah say in silently bfore drink... hope mighty Allah give u hidayah to u & all in there...amin

[DanwrigCooldude]

There are no flaws in Quran.. quran is a word of God.. to understand quran is not just a matter of years, scholars have dedicated their entire life to comprehend the meanings of Quran..