Former British Prime Minister Tony BlairMichael Temchine
When was the last time you read the Bible, Koran or Torah?
Former British prime minister Tony Blair, a devout Catholic, says he reads the Koran every day to ensure he remains "faith-literate."
Citing an interview in the Observer magazine, the Daily Mail says Mr. Blair noted that having a knowledge of other faiths is crucial in a globalized world, and that his study of Islam helps him conduct his work as an envoy for the Middle East Quartet (the United Nations, U.S., European Union and Russia).
"I read the Qur'an every day. Partly to understand some of the things happening in the world, but mainly just because it is immensely instructive," he told the Observer.
Mr. Blair has previously praised Islam, and considers the Koran a reforming and inclusive book, the Daily Mail reports.
"It extols science and knowledge and abhors superstition. It is practical and way ahead of its time in attitudes of marriage, women and governance," Mr. Blair said.
Rather than picking up the latest New York Times best-seller on the way to the beach this summer, should we be toting the Bible, Koran or Torah instead?
Wency Leung