Over the course of six sections, this rich reference book explores the various areas of Qur'anic studies:

1. its language,
2. the history of its documentation,
3. its many disciplines,
4. the methods of interpretation,
5. its inimitability,
6. and finally, as a work of art.

The themes explored also include the impact of the Qur'an on Islamic civilisation, as well as the various classical sub-disciplines of Qur'anic studies, including the study of the variant readings (qira'at), the reasons for revelation (asbab al-nuzul), and abrogation (naskh).

Unlike some other works, Prof Zarzour also explores contemporary scholarship on the Qur'an, notably through a critical evaluation of modern tendencies such as the claim that the Qur'an contains scientific miracles, and an evaluation of some of the most recognised modern works of Qur'anic commentary (tafsir).