DESCPTION

In this course, we will embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Islam through the study of the Qurʾan, the foundational text that holds profound significance in all Muslim societies. Our aim is to delve into the principles, types, patterns, and tools of analytical and thematic interpretations of the Qurʾan, unraveling its wisdom and exploring its multifaceted nature. Students will explore the main features of the sacred text, delving into the disciplines that are intricately connected to its study. They will critically analyze and evaluate the various modes of interpreting the Qurʾan throughout history, from classical to pre-modern and modern periods. The course delves into diverse exegetical types, uncovering traditional and modern hermeneutical approaches that shed light on the Qurʾan’s profound meanings, its form, structure, and coherence. Students learn about methods of analytical interpretation (tafsir tahlili) and explore the content of the Qurʾan from many different aspects based on Qurʾanic sequences of verses. They also learn about the captivating world of thematic interpretation (tafsir mawduʿi) and explore the Qurʾan based on thought-provoking themes encompassing society, cosmos, and more, and uncover the profound insights and relevance it holds for our lives today. In the ever-changing landscape of the modern world, Muslim communities and societies face new challenges. The interpretation of the Qurʾan continually evolves to address these circumstances. Through the two modes of interpretation, students will embark on a question to explore Qurʾanic themes that resonate with our contemporary concerns, gaining valuable insights into the authority and applicability of the Qurʾan in the modern world.