A Textbook on the Methods of Qur'anic Exegesis

Book excerpt: The science of tafsir (exegesis of the Qur'an) was one of the earliest academic activities in Islam. Since the Qur'an's revelation, a variety of methods and approaches have been developed to interpret its verses. This introductory textbook deals with the most important methods used in tafsir. Having made the distinction between exegetical 'methods' and 'approaches', the author focsues his analysis on the following exegetical methods: tasfir of the Qur'an by the Qur'an, narrative exegesis, intellectual and reason-based exegesis, scientific exegesis, allusive exegesis, exegesis by personal opinion, and comprehensive exegesis. This is an ideal textbook for beginners to the subject. There are useful summaries at the end of each chapter as well as questions, research tasks, and suggestions for further reading. The text abounds with examples from the works of leading exegetes and is written in a clear and lucid style.