Jason Criss Howk - The Qur’an: A Chronological Modern English Interpretation

The Quran: A Chronological Modern English Interpretation

Published by Old Stone Press

an imprint of J. H. Clark & Associates, Inc.

Louisville, Kentucky 40207 USA

www.oldstonepress.com

2017, Jason Criss Howk

All rights reserved.

This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher, Old Stone Press, or from the author, Jason Criss Howk, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review; nor may any part of this book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or other, without written permission from the publisher or author.

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The Quran: A Chronological Modern English Interpretation
includes maps, illustrations, bibliographical references, and index

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017904866

ISBN: 978-1-938462-28-3 (Paperback: $27.95)

ISBN: 978-1-938462-30-6 (Hardcover: $39.95)

ISBN: 978-1-938462-31-3 (Ebook: $14.99)

Published in the United States

PRAISE FOR MAJOR (RET.) JASON HOWK AND THE QURAN

Jason Howk has spent a career working with people from the Middle East and the greater Islamic world. His deep interactions with those of the Islamic faith have helped shape his extensive understanding of the people of the region in a way that few in the West ever come to understand.

Dr. Ahmed Qureshi, Adjunct Professor of Middle East Studies,
US Air Force Special Operations School

Jason Howks impressive and easy to understand interpretation of Muslim orthodoxy allows the Western world an education in beliefs that are difficult to put into perspective.

Michael Franckowiak, NFL football player;
Wall Street finance trader; veteran supporter

Jasons work across the globe has led him literally to being in the trenches to develop Muslim coalitions and being at the most senior levels of government. His experience and expertise is truly fascinating and one of a kind; not a better man for this task than Jason Howk.

Lieutenant Colonel Jim, Army officer with years of
operational experience inside foreign cultures

Now, more than perhaps ever before, efforts are needed to improve cross-cultural and religious understanding. Opening up and explaining the key Islamic text to non-Muslims is so important when sound bites and prejudice are dominating the dialogue. His work is timely and necessary.

Evan Fuery, former U.K. Military and Joint Operations colleague;
energy company executive

While the Quran is open to wide interpretation, Jason does an outstanding job of providing an unbiased and easily understood translation. from the beginner student to the most experienced regional expert.

Alan Van Saun, Special Operations Professional

This groundbreaking presentation of the Quran will fortify our understanding and facilitate exploration of a major dilemma of our time.

Gloria F. Hartley, former school psychologist

Major (ret.) Jason C. Howk is a well-prepared, well-spoken writer and lecturer. His knowledge about the Islamic faith and of the Quran is the result not of only his scholarship and research, but from his first-hand experience in Afghanistan, where he successfully befriended leaders and local citizens. Jason is able to help close the information and understanding gaps which exist between the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds.

John C. Strickland, Retired banker, former Councilman in Pinehurst, N.C.

In his presentations and classes, Jason discusses the complex history and contemporary issues of the Middle East in educated, clear, unbiased terms. Providing factual information in a non-judgmental way, Jason helps listeners understand complicated material and process current events. He utilizes his educational, professional, military, and personal experiences to describe and humanize material that typical Americans read only in newspapers.

Martha A. Wolfe, Social Worker

An exceptional rendition of the Quran written for the layman and theologian alike. This is by far the most understandable English rendition of the Quran to date, bringing a common understanding of Islam to historians, academia, and all people of faith. A must read for followers of the Christian and Jewish faith to allow for an educated conversation with the Muslim community.

Brett Feddersen, U.S. National Security and Defense Professional

Jason readily shares his in-depth knowledge of Islam, the Quran and the Middle East in a clear and understandable way. To seek a deeper understanding on complicated subjects, this book is the place to begin.

Gina Brown, Retired Real Estate Company President & Owner

Jason Howk has been studying the Middle East for over twenty years. Both in service to our nation and as an academic, he is uniquely qualified from both his academic study and the time that he has spent in the Arab world to undertake this project. This translation will help all of us Westerners better understand the challenges the world faces in the Middle East.

Lieutenant Colonel Gabe Barton, U.S. Army

I wish every American could attend one of his talks. The truth needs to be told. An uninformed opinion leads to bias and hate. This has led me to want to learn more about Islam.

Wanda Tubbs, Retired office manager and secretary, Pinehurst Rotary Club, N.C.

Contents

TOPIC

For Michelle

Jason, the Quran doesnt just belong to Muslims. Its a gift to humankind from God, and it invites all people to read it, think about it, interpret it, and share it. You are answering Gods call. If people dont accept that, then they dont understand Islam and should read the Quran again.

Dr. Abbas Kadhim, Islamic scholar and trusted friend

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.

Mark Twain, American author and humorist

The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.

Ernest Hemingway, American author and lover of life

Acknowledgments

I pause here to remember my many Muslim friends that taught me what the true teachings of Islam are: kindness, charity, hospitality, forgiveness, and respect for elders. Some of my Muslim acquaintances died too young, while others continue today to live loving and peaceful lives of tolerance. May we forever be united against hateful and violent people of any religious faith.

I also pause to remember my brothers and sisters, around the globe, that have fallen in the Great War of our time. A toast of Balvenie to you. Whether in or out of uniform, you served honorably trying to protect the innocent and to end the intolerance of violent radical Islamists and other murderers that prey on the innocent.

My friend once told me, Islam is not a religion of peace or war. Islam is a religion, just like any other. Peace and war depend on ones interpretation and ends. His thought provides us the answer to our current troubles. We must learn more about each others religions and cultures and build on our similarities, not fight over our differences. I would further add that I dont want a war between all Muslims and the rest of humanity, because that is exactly what groups like ISIS seek. Only through education can the world undermine the twisted ideology that violent radical Islamist movements are spreading. Almost every religion can be, and at some point, has been, used to cloak hatred and bigotry, something which we must stand against whenever it occurs.