Publisher's Synopsis
The science of tafsir (exegesis of the Quran) was one of the earli-est academic activities in Islam. Since the Qurans 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 focuses his analysis on the following exegetical methods: tafsir of the Quran by the Quran, 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.
