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ISL312Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Exegesis of the Qurán

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of Qur'anic exegesis (Tafsīr). It explores the historical development of Tafsīr, its various types and approaches, and the primary and secondary sources utilized in its study. The course also examines the role of prominent Mufassirūn and their works, as well as the contributions of Orientalists and Muslim scholars to the translation of the Qur'an. It provides a comprehensive understanding of Tafsīr and its significance in interpreting the Holy Qur'an.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
TafsirQuranExegesisInterpretationMufassirun

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definition of Tafsir and Ta'wil

2

Role of the Prophet and Sahabah in Tafsir

3

Early schools of Tafsir

4

Traditional Commentary (Tafsir bi 'l-ma'thur)

5

Intellectual Commentary (Tafsir bi 'l-ra'y)

6

Sectarian Commentary (Tafsir al-Madhhabi)

7

Judeo-Christian Based Commentary (Tafsir bi 'l-Isra'iliyyat)

8

Modernist Commentary (Tafsir al-'Asri)

9

Primary sources of Tafsir (Quran, Sunnah, Athar)

10

Secondary sources of Tafsir

11

Early English translations of the Quran by Orientalists

12

Muslim translations of the Quran into English

Total Topics12 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of Islam and the Quran

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Religious Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Islamic Scholar

Apply your skills in this growing field

Imam

Apply your skills in this growing field

Researcher in Islamic Studies

Apply your skills in this growing field

Translator of Islamic Texts

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Religious InstitutionsEducational OrganizationsTranslation ServicesResearch InstitutesCultural Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

MODULE 1: PRELIMINARIES

2h

Unit 1: Definition of Terms

2 study hours
  • •Read the course guide to understand the course objectives and structure.
  • •Study the literal and technical definitions of Tafsīr and Ta'wil.
  • •Compare and contrast the terms Tafsīr and Ta'wil.
Week
2

MODULE 1: PRELIMINARIES

2h

Unit 2: The Role of the Prophet and the Şahābah in Tafsir

2 study hours
  • •Examine the need for Tafsīr and the role of the Prophet Muhammad.
  • •Analyze the role of the Şahābah in the emergence of Tafsīr.
  • •Identify the characteristics of the contributions of the Prophet and the Şahābah to Tafsīr.
Week
3

MODULE 1: PRELIMINARIES

2h

Unit 3: The Early Schools of Tafsīr

2 study hours
  • •Study the contributions of Ibn Abbās to the science of Tafsīr.
  • •Learn about the early schools of Tafsīr in Makkah, Madinah, and Iraq.
  • •Analyze the characteristics of Tafsīr at this stage of development.
Week
4

MODULE 1: PRELIMINARIES

2h

Unit 4: Later Stages in the Development of Tafsīr

2 study hours
  • •Explore the later stages in the development of Tafsīr.
  • •Identify the four stages of development and their features.
  • •Give accounts of the contribution of scholars of various Islamic disciplines to the development of Tafsīr.
Week
5

MODULE 2: APPROACHES TO TAFSĪR

2h

Unit 1: At-Tafsīr bi 'l-ma'thūr (Traditional Commentary)

2 study hours
  • •Define and explain the significance of At-Tafsīr bi 'l-ma'thūr.
  • •Identify the weaknesses of Tafsīr bi 'l-ma'thūr.
  • •Study the features of Tafsīr bi 'l-Ma'thūr.
Week
6

MODULE 2: APPROACHES TO TAFSĪR

2h

Unit 2: At-Tafsīr bi 'l- ra'y (Intellectual Approach)

2 study hours
  • •Mention the views of the protagonists and those of the antagonists on a`t-Tafsīr bi `r-Ra'y.
  • •Appraise Tafsīr Imām Fakhru `d-Dīn Rāzī.
  • •Discuss Tafsīr al-Baydāwī as an Intellectual work.
Week
7

MODULE 2: APPROACHES TO TAFSĪR

2h

Unit 3: At-Tafsīr al-Madhhabī (Sectarian Commentary)

2 study hours
  • •Define Sectarian Tafsīr.
  • •Describe Sufī Commentaries on the Qur'ān and give an example.
  • •Expatiate on Mutazilite Commentary and give examples.
Week
8

MODULE 2: APPROACHES TO TAFSĪR

2h

Unit 4: A`t-Tafsīr bi `l-Isrāiliyyāt (Judeo-Christian Based Commentary)

2 study hours
  • •Define and describe Tafsīr bi `l-Isrā'iliyyāt.
  • •Discuss the features of Tafsīr bi `l-Isrā'iliyyāt.
  • •Examine the essence and limitation of Tafsīr bi `l-Isrā'iliyyāt.
Week
9

MODULE 2: APPROACHES TO TAFSĪR

2h

Unit 5: A`t- Tafsīr al-'Aşrī (Modernists Commentary)

2 study hours
  • •Describe a`t-Tafsīr al-'Aşrī.
  • •Write a brief note on Muhammad Abdou's contribution to a`t-Tafsīr al-'Aşrī.
  • •Discuss Sayyid Kutb briefly.
Week
10

MODULE 3: SOURCES OF TAFSĪR AND QUR'ĀN TRANSLATIONS

2h

Unit 1: Qur'ān, Sunnah and Athar as Primary Sources of Tafsīr

2 study hours
  • •Identify and discuss the Qur'ān as a primary source of Tafsīr.
  • •Identify and discuss Sunnah as a second primary source of Tafsīr.
  • •Identity and discuss reports emanating from the Şahābah (athar) as sources for Tafsīr.
Week
11

MODULE 3: SOURCES OF TAFSĪR AND QUR'ĀN TRANSLATIONS

2h

Unit 2: Secondary Sources of Tafsīr

2 study hours
  • •State the three kinds of secondary sources of Tafsīr.
  • •Give a sample of any of three secondary sources in Tafsīr work.
  • •Discuss the reasons leading to secondary sources of Tafsīr.
Week
12

MODULE 3: SOURCES OF TAFSĪR AND QUR'ĀN TRANSLATIONS

2h

Unit 3: The Early Translation into English by Orientalists

2 study hours
  • •Give background information on factors responsible for the emergence of Qur'ān translating to English language.
  • •Discuss the contribution of the Europeans to the translation of the Qur'ān.
  • •Enumerate the English translations of the Qur'ān.
Week
13

MODULE 3: SOURCES OF TAFSĪR AND QUR'ĀN TRANSLATIONS

2h

Unit 4: The Muslim Translations into English

2 study hours
  • •Give background information on Qur'ān Translating by Muslims.
  • •Identify the factors responsible for Qur'ān English translating by the Muslims.
  • •Illustrate the trend of early English Translations of the Qur'ān by examples.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of the historical development of Tafsir, noting key figures and their contributions.

2

Develop a comparative chart outlining the different approaches to Tafsir (traditional, intellectual, sectarian), highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

3

Focus on understanding the primary sources of Tafsir (Quran, Sunnah, Athar) and how they are used in interpretation.

4

Practice analyzing different Quranic verses using various Tafsir methodologies to understand their diverse interpretations.

5

Review the biographies and works of prominent Mufassirun, paying attention to their unique perspectives and contributions.

6

Prepare summaries of the key arguments and biases present in Orientalist translations of the Quran.

7

Create concept maps linking key terms and concepts related to Tafsir, such as Ta'wil, Mufassirun, Isra'iliyyat, and Asbab al-Nuzul.

8

Practice answering essay questions on the historical development, methodologies, and sources of Tafsir.

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