Exegesis of the Qurán
- Arts
- 300 level
- 2 credit units
- 88 pages
- 12 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Basic knowledge of Islam and the Quran
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ISL312, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ISL312 · UNIT 1 : DEFINITION OF TERMS
There are eight (8) hours of tutorials provided in support of this course. You will be notified of the dates, times and locations of these tutorials, together with the name and phone number of your tutor as soon as you are allocated a tutorial group.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the meaning and significance of Tafsir and Ta'wil.
- Identify the primary and secondary sources of Tafsir.
- Describe the different approaches to Tafsir, including traditional, intellectual, and sectarian.
- Evaluate the contributions of prominent Mufassirun throughout history.
- Analyze the impact of Orientalist and Muslim translations of the Quran.
- Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of various Tafsir methodologies.
What it prepares you for
- Religious Teacher
- Islamic Scholar
- Imam
- Researcher in Islamic Studies
- Translator of Islamic Texts
- Religious Institutions
- Educational Organizations
- Translation Services
- Research Institutes
- Cultural Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- MODULE 2: APPROACHES TO TAFSĪR
Unit 3: At-Tafsīr al-Madhhabī (Sectarian Commentary)
Understanding the nuances and subtleties of Sufi interpretations requires a deep understanding of mystical concepts and symbolism.
- MODULE 3: SOURCES OF TAFSĪR AND QUR'ĀN TRANSLATIONS
Unit 3: The Early Translation into English by Orientalists
Evaluating the biases and historical context of early translations requires critical thinking and awareness of Orientalist perspectives.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1MODULE 1: PRELIMINARIES
Unit 1: Definition of Terms · 2 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 2MODULE 1: PRELIMINARIES
Unit 2: The Role of the Prophet and the Şahābah in Tafsir · 2 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 3MODULE 1: PRELIMINARIES
Unit 3: The Early Schools of Tafsīr · 2 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 4MODULE 1: PRELIMINARIES
Unit 4: Later Stages in the Development of Tafsīr · 2 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 5MODULE 2: APPROACHES TO TAFSĪR
Unit 1: At-Tafsīr bi 'l-ma'thūr (Traditional Commentary) · 2 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 6MODULE 2: APPROACHES TO TAFSĪR
Unit 2: At-Tafsīr bi 'l- ra'y (Intellectual Approach) · 2 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 7MODULE 2: APPROACHES TO TAFSĪR
Unit 3: At-Tafsīr al-Madhhabī (Sectarian Commentary) · 2 hours
Define Sectarian Tafsīr.. Describe Sufī Commentaries on the Qur'ān and give an example.. Expatiate on Mutazilite Commentary and give examples..
- Week 8MODULE 2: APPROACHES TO TAFSĪR
Unit 4: A`t-Tafsīr bi `l-Isrāiliyyāt (Judeo-Christian Based Commentary) · 2 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 9MODULE 2: APPROACHES TO TAFSĪR
Unit 5: A`t- Tafsīr al-'Aşrī (Modernists Commentary) · 2 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 10MODULE 3: SOURCES OF TAFSĪR AND QUR'ĀN TRANSLATIONS
Unit 1: Qur'ān, Sunnah and Athar as Primary Sources of Tafsīr · 2 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 11MODULE 3: SOURCES OF TAFSĪR AND QUR'ĀN TRANSLATIONS
Unit 2: Secondary Sources of Tafsīr · 2 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 12MODULE 3: SOURCES OF TAFSĪR AND QUR'ĀN TRANSLATIONS
Unit 3: The Early Translation into English by Orientalists · 2 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 13MODULE 3: SOURCES OF TAFSĪR AND QUR'ĀN TRANSLATIONS
Unit 4: The Muslim Translations into English · 2 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of the historical development of Tafsir, noting key figures and their contributions.
- Develop a comparative chart outlining the different approaches to Tafsir (traditional, intellectual, sectarian), highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
- Focus on understanding the primary sources of Tafsir (Quran, Sunnah, Athar) and how they are used in interpretation.
- Practice analyzing different Quranic verses using various Tafsir methodologies to understand their diverse interpretations.
- Review the biographies and works of prominent Mufassirun, paying attention to their unique perspectives and contributions.
- Prepare summaries of the key arguments and biases present in Orientalist translations of the Quran.
- Create concept maps linking key terms and concepts related to Tafsir, such as Ta'wil, Mufassirun, Isra'iliyyat, and Asbab al-Nuzul.
- Practice answering essay questions on the historical development, methodologies, and sources of Tafsir.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ISL312 about?
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.
How many units does ISL312 have?
ISL312, Exegesis of the Qurán, has 12 units across 3 modules, over 88 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ISL312?
ISL312 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Arts.
Is ISL312 hard?
ISL312 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ISL312 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is ISL312 assessed?
ISL312 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What do I need before starting ISL312?
Basic knowledge of Islam and the Quran
What can I do with ISL312?
Religious Teacher, Islamic Scholar, Imam, Researcher in Islamic Studies and Translator of Islamic Texts.