A Study in Classical Exegetical Traditions
This dissertation is a critical study of the hermeneutical analysis used in classical tafsīr with reference to some Qurʼānic narrative passages. It examines those discourses that are related to these narrative passages by producing a comparative review of the some widely used Qurʼānic commentaries--namely, those by Hūd ibn Muḥakkim, al-Ṭabarī, al-Zamakhsharī, al-Thaʻlabī, al-Rāzī, al-Ṭabrisī, Ruzbihān al-Baqlī, and Nisābūrī. It critically studies the conditions that influenced the interpreters' prejudices and preconceptions. Also, this research critically analyzes the gap that exists between these Qur'ānic narratives and their interpretations. This research consists of five chapters. The first two chapters deal with hermeneutics and narratives with respect to approaches and methods. The last three chapters are case studies, which explore the hermeneutical discourses related to these narratives. An analysis of the early methods of exegesis used on selected Qurʼānic narrative passages--conducted through the interrelated concepts of linguistics, grammar, lexicography, mysticism, history, textuality, and theology- will serve as the framework within which to study the level of understanding of these interpreters of the Qurʼānic text and their impact on the Muslim community. Critical research is conducted and primary sources are used to study how these exegetes understood the Qurʼānic text and contextualized the available knowledge to interpret Qurʼānic narratives on the literary, textual narrative, theological, and mystical levels.
Critical research is conducted and primary sources are used to study how these exegetes understood the Qurʼānic text and contextualized the available knowledge to interpret Qurʼānic narratives on the literary, textual narrative, ...
