Solomon and the Ant

“This is a conversation between the Qur’an and the Bible as serious as it is simple. Applying a wealth of scholarly experience, Penchansky engages the holy texts both thematically and thoughtfully. Using his mastery of post-biblical and Islamic traditions, the author ensures a robust discussion about how readers wrestle with God through the stories of Scripture.”


—Emran El-Badawi, University of Houston





“Some of the most obscure Qur’anic passages that seem to discuss fantastical realms, such as the jinn or demons, speaking animals, magical worlds of angels or deities, and mystical journeys have no recognizable biblical counterparts. Yet Penchansky is so well-versed in biblical literature that he brings a genuine voice artfully and skillfully mirroring Qur’anic narratives with similitudes in biblical literature. Away from any polemics, this is brilliantly an honest and sympathetic reflection that would undoubtedly enlighten and enrich any reader of the Qur’an.”


—Abdulla Galadari, Khalifa University of Science and Technology





“This book makes a unique and important contribution to the study of the relationship between the Bible and the Qur’an. Adopting a thematic approach, Penchansky offers a set of insightful and creative studies that explore how the two texts address the topics of polytheism, theodicy, and revelation. Readers will come away with a deeper appreciation of the fascinating interconnections that exist between the scriptures of the monotheistic traditions.”


—John Kaltner, Rhodes College





“The Qur’an’s narrative extension of the biblical tradition has been the subject of much scholarly discussion. While most scholars who engage in this field are trained in Qur’anic studies, Penchansky’s training in the Hebrew Bible makes Solomon and the Ant an important and unique contribution. Through a careful analysis of parallel stories in the Bible and the Qur’an, this book demonstrates how the two scriptures share the same cultural milieu, without losing sight of the Qur’an’s theological peculiarity, and it does so with commendable clarity.”


—Mun’im Sirry, author of Controversies over Islamic Origins