“Read in the Name of your Lord” “Read in the Name of your Lord” How Does Classical Islamic How Does Classical Islamic

Scholarship Interpret the Qur’an? Scholarship Interpret the Qur’an?

Muhammad Al Muhammad Al Introduction to Classical Study of the Qur’an Introduction to Classical Study of the Qur’an

Leo Baeck College, London Leo Baeck College, London http://www.scripturesindialogue.org/ http://www.scripturesindialogue.org/

“Read in the Name of your Lord” “Read in the Name of your Lord” How Does Classical Islamic How Does Classical Islamic

Scholarship Interpret the Qur’an? Scholarship Interpret the Qur’an?

Muhammad Al Muhammad Al­ ­Hussaini Hussaini Introduction to Classical Study of the Qur’an Introduction to Classical Study of the Qur’an

Leo Baeck College, London Leo Baeck College, London http://www.scripturesindialogue.org/ http://www.scripturesindialogue.org/

Outline Outline

• • Why is the interpretation of the Qur’an Why is the interpretation of the Qur’an relevant to Jewish people? relevant to Jewish people? • • Structure, compilation, recension, and Structure, compilation, recension, and reception of the text reception of the text • • The origins of Qur’anic The origins of Qur’anic • • Contrasts and controversies in exegesis Contrasts and controversies in exegesis • • Some major classical commentators Some major classical commentators

Why is the interpretation of the Qur’an Why is the interpretation of the Qur’an relevant to Jewish people? relevant to Jewish people? Structure, compilation, recension, and Structure, compilation, recension, and

The origins of Qur’anic The origins of Qur’anic tafsir tafsir Contrasts and controversies in exegesis Contrasts and controversies in exegesis Some major classical commentators Some major classical commentators

Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Relevant to Jewish People? Relevant to Jewish People? Common DNA Common DNA – – Jewish Influences Jewish Influences • • Judaism and Islam Judaism and Islam – – intertwining mutuality intertwining mutuality

• • Narratives from Bible Narratives from Bible and Midrash in the and Midrash in the Qur’an and hadith Qur’an and hadith

• • Isra’iliyat Isra’iliyat and and qisas al qisas al­ ­ anbiya’ anbiya’ literature literature fundamental to fundamental to Qur’anic exegesis Qur’anic exegesis

Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Relevant to Jewish People? Relevant to Jewish People?

Jewish Influences Jewish Influences The angel of death was sent to Moses, The angel of death was sent to Moses, peace be upon him. peace be upon him. When he came to When he came to Moses, Moses slapped him in the Moses, Moses slapped him in the eye. eye. The angel returned to his Lord and The angel returned to his Lord and said, “You sent me to a slave who does said, “You sent me to a slave who does not want to die.” God replied, “Return to not want to die.” God replied, “Return to him and tell him to put his hand on the him and tell him to put his hand on the back of an ox, and for every hair under back of an ox, and for every hair under his hand he will be granted one more his hand he will be granted one more year of life.” year of life.” Moses said, “O Lord, what Moses said, “O Lord, what will happen after that?” will happen after that?” God replied, God replied, “Death”. “Death”. Moses said, “Then let it come Moses said, “Then let it come now.” Moses then requested God to let now.” Moses then requested God to let him die only a stone’s throw from the him die only a stone’s throw from the Holy Land. Holy Land. Abu Hurairah added: Abu Hurairah added: The Messenger of The Messenger of God, peace be upon him, said: God, peace be upon him, said: “If I were “If I were there, I would show you his grave below there, I would show you his grave below the red sand hill at the side of the road.” the red sand hill at the side of the road.”

Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Relevant to Jewish People? Relevant to Jewish People? Common DNA Common DNA – – Islamic Influences Islamic Influences • • Jewish/Karaite exegetical and Jewish/Karaite exegetical and

grammatical methods grammatical methods – – Yefet ben Yefet ben Eli (c.10), Abu al Eli (c.10), Abu al­ ­Faraj, Ibn Nuh Faraj, Ibn Nuh (c.10) (c.10) Diqduq Diqduq

• • Sacred language, Sacred language, ‘ijaz ‘ijaz and and linguistics linguistics – – Saadiya Gaon (892 Saadiya Gaon (892­ ­ 942) 942) Kutub al Kutub al­ ­Lugha Lugha in Iraq, in Iraq, Judah HaLevi in Andalus Judah HaLevi in Andalus

• • Kalam Kalam and Philosophy and Philosophy – – Mu’tazilism Mu’tazilism and Maimonides, and Maimonides, Bachya ibn Pakuda, Ibn Daud Bachya ibn Pakuda, Ibn Daud

• • Sufism and Hasidism Sufism and Hasidism – – Rabbi Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polnoye (1780) Yaakov Yosef of Polnoye (1780) Toledot Yaakov Yosef Toledot Yaakov Yosef, Rabbenu , Rabbenu Bachya Bachya Duties of the Heart Duties of the Heart

Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Relevant to Jewish People? Relevant to Jewish People?

Islamic Influences Islamic Influences

Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Relevant to Jewish People? Relevant to Jewish People? The Immediacy of The Immediacy of

كتب علينا في القرآن أن نقتل اليهود حيث نجدهم إن أشد كتب علينا في القرآن أن نقتل اليهود حيث نجدهم إن أشد الشيخ أحمد يسين الشيخ أحمد يسين الناس عدواة للذين أمنوا اليهود الناس عدواة للذين أمنوا اليهود

• • It is decreed upon us in the Qur’an that It is decreed upon us in the Qur’an that we kill the Jews wherever we find them we kill the Jews wherever we find them ” ”Truly the strongest among people in Truly the strongest among people in enmity to those who believe are the Jews” enmity to those who believe are the Jews” Sheikh Ahmed Yassin Sheikh Ahmed Yassin

Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Relevant to Jewish People? Relevant to Jewish People? The Immediacy of The Immediacy of Anti Anti­ ­semitism semitism

كتب علينا في القرآن أن نقتل اليهود حيث نجدهم إن أشد كتب علينا في القرآن أن نقتل اليهود حيث نجدهم إن أشد • • الناس عدواة للذين أمنوا اليهود الناس عدواة للذين أمنوا اليهود

It is decreed upon us in the Qur’an that It is decreed upon us in the Qur’an that we kill the Jews wherever we find them we kill the Jews wherever we find them – – Truly the strongest among people in Truly the strongest among people in enmity to those who believe are the Jews” enmity to those who believe are the Jews” Sheikh Ahmed Yassin Sheikh Ahmed Yassin

Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Relevant to Jewish People? Relevant to Jewish People? The Hope of a New Convivencia? The Hope of a New Convivencia?

ان الذين امنوا والذين هادوا والصابئون والنصارى من امن باهللا ان الذين امنوا والذين هادوا والصابئون والنصارى من امن باهللا المائدة المائدة واليوم االخر وعمل صالحا فال خوف عليهم والهم يحزنون واليوم االخر وعمل صالحا فال خوف عليهم والهم يحزنون

• • Truly those who believe, and those who follow Truly those who believe, and those who follow the Jewish faith, and the Sabians and the the Jewish faith, and the Sabians and the Christians Christians – – whomsoever believes in God and in whomsoever believes in God and in the Last Day and works righteousness, there the Last Day and works righteousness, there shall be no fear upon them, nor shall they grieve shall be no fear upon them, nor shall they grieve The Table The Table ( (Qur’an Qur’an 5 5) ) 69 69

Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Why is Interpretation of the Qur’an Relevant to Jewish People? Relevant to Jewish People? The Hope of a New Convivencia? The Hope of a New Convivencia?

ان الذين امنوا والذين هادوا والصابئون والنصارى من امن باهللا ان الذين امنوا والذين هادوا والصابئون والنصارى من امن باهللا • • واليوم االخر وعمل صالحا فال خوف عليهم والهم يحزنون واليوم االخر وعمل صالحا فال خوف عليهم والهم يحزنون

69 69 Truly those who believe, and those who follow Truly those who believe, and those who follow the Jewish faith, and the Sabians and the the Jewish faith, and the Sabians and the

whomsoever believes in God and in whomsoever believes in God and in the Last Day and works righteousness, there the Last Day and works righteousness, there shall be no fear upon them, nor shall they grieve shall be no fear upon them, nor shall they grieve

69 69

Structure Structure

• • Qur’an in Egyptian Edition Qur’an in Egyptian Edition (pl. (pl. su’ar su’ar from root from root s s­ ­w w­ ­

• • Arrangement is not chronological but longest to Arrangement is not chronological but longest to shortest shortest

• • The The ayah ayah (pl. (pl. ayy ayy from root from root sign’) is the basic unit of exegesis because it sign’) is the basic unit of exegesis because it was the basic unit of revelation was the basic unit of revelation

• • A A sura sura is Makkan ( is Makkan (Makkiyya Makkiyya ( (Madaniyya Madaniyya) or amalgamated corresponding to ) or amalgamated corresponding to the two phases of the Prophet’s ministry the two phases of the Prophet’s ministry

• • Traditional division into 30 sections or Traditional division into 30 sections or azja’ azja’) or 60 ) or 60 hizb hizb (pl. (pl. ahzab ahzab

Qur’an in Egyptian Edition Qur’an in Egyptian Edition – – 114 chapters 114 chapters sura sura w w­ ­r r ‘fence, division’) ‘fence, division’)

Arrangement is not chronological but longest to Arrangement is not chronological but longest to

from root from root a a­ ­y y­ ­y y ‘indication, ‘indication, sign’) is the basic unit of exegesis because it sign’) is the basic unit of exegesis because it was the basic unit of revelation was the basic unit of revelation

Makkiyya Makkiyya) or Medinan ) or Medinan ) or amalgamated corresponding to ) or amalgamated corresponding to

the two phases of the Prophet’s ministry the two phases of the Prophet’s ministry Traditional division into 30 sections or Traditional division into 30 sections or juz juz (pl. (pl.

ahzab ahzab) )

Timeline of the Prophet Muhammad Timeline of the Prophet Muhammad

• • c570 Birth in Makkah c570 Birth in Makkah • • c576 Death of mother Amina c576 Death of mother Amina • • c578 Death of grandfather Abd al c578 Death of grandfather Abd al­ ­Muttalib, care of uncle Abu Talib Muttalib, care of uncle Abu Talib • • c583 Trading journeys to Syria c583 Trading journeys to Syria • • c595 Meets and marries Khadija c595 Meets and marries Khadija • • 610 Beginning of Revelation and Makkan Ministry 610 Beginning of Revelation and Makkan Ministry • • c615 Emigration of followers to Abyssinia c615 Emigration of followers to Abyssinia • • 616 616­ ­619 Boycott of Banu Hashim 619 Boycott of Banu Hashim • • c618 Medinan Civil War c618 Medinan Civil War • • c619 Death of Khadija and Abu Talib c619 Death of Khadija and Abu Talib • • c622 Emigration to Medina and Medinan Ministry c622 Emigration to Medina and Medinan Ministry • • 624 Battle of Badr 624 Battle of Badr – – Muslim defeat Makkans, expulsion Banu Qaynuqa Muslim defeat Makkans, expulsion Banu Qaynuqa • • 635 Battle of Uhud 635 Battle of Uhud – – Muslims defeated, expulsion of Banu Nadir Muslims defeated, expulsion of Banu Nadir • • 627 Battle of the Ditch 627 Battle of the Ditch – – Destruction of Banu Quraydha Destruction of Banu Quraydha • • 628 Treaty of Hudaybiyya 628 Treaty of Hudaybiyya • • 630 Bloodless conquest of Makkah 630 Bloodless conquest of Makkah • • 631 Rule over most of Arabian Peninsula 631 Rule over most of Arabian Peninsula • • 632 Farewell pilgrimage and death 632 Farewell pilgrimage and death

Timeline of the Prophet Muhammad Timeline of the Prophet Muhammad

Muttalib, care of uncle Abu Talib Muttalib, care of uncle Abu Talib

610 Beginning of Revelation and Makkan Ministry 610 Beginning of Revelation and Makkan Ministry c615 Emigration of followers to Abyssinia c615 Emigration of followers to Abyssinia

c619 Death of Khadija and Abu Talib c619 Death of Khadija and Abu Talib c622 Emigration to Medina and Medinan Ministry c622 Emigration to Medina and Medinan Ministry

Muslim defeat Makkans, expulsion Banu Qaynuqa Muslim defeat Makkans, expulsion Banu Qaynuqa Muslims defeated, expulsion of Banu Nadir Muslims defeated, expulsion of Banu Nadir

Destruction of Banu Quraydha Destruction of Banu Quraydha

631 Rule over most of Arabian Peninsula 631 Rule over most of Arabian Peninsula

Compilation of the Qur’an Compilation of the Qur’an • • Three phases to Uthmanic recension Three phases to Uthmanic recension • • Primary text written on fragments during the Primary text written on fragments during the lifetime of the Prophet and memorised by the lifetime of the Prophet and memorised by the qurra’ qurra’ (pl. of (pl. of qari’ qari’ root root

• • First compilation of the First compilation of the manuscript) by Zaid b. Thabit under Abu Bakr manuscript) by Zaid b. Thabit under Abu Bakr caliphate caliphate

• • Second recension by Zaid b. Thabit under Second recension by Zaid b. Thabit under Uthman b. Affan caliphate Uthman b. Affan caliphate

• • Final pointing of Final pointing of scriptio defectiva scriptio defectiva plena plena by Abu Bakr b. Mujahid by Abu Bakr b. Mujahid

Compilation of the Qur’an Compilation of the Qur’an Three phases to Uthmanic recension Three phases to Uthmanic recension Primary text written on fragments during the Primary text written on fragments during the lifetime of the Prophet and memorised by the lifetime of the Prophet and memorised by the

root root q q­ ­r r­ ­’’ reader) reader) First compilation of the First compilation of the mushaf mushaf (root (root s s­ ­h h­ ­f f manuscript) by Zaid b. Thabit under Abu Bakr manuscript) by Zaid b. Thabit under Abu Bakr

Second recension by Zaid b. Thabit under Second recension by Zaid b. Thabit under Uthman b. Affan caliphate Uthman b. Affan caliphate

scriptio defectiva scriptio defectiva to a to a scriptio scriptio by Abu Bakr b. Mujahid by Abu Bakr b. Mujahid

Abu Bakr Compilation Abu Bakr Compilation • • Abu Bakr first caliph (d. Abu Bakr first caliph (d. 634 634 • • Battle of Yamama Battle of Yamama 633 633 during wars of Apostasy, death of during wars of Apostasy, death of 700 700 qurra’ qurra’

• • Zaid bin Thabit (d. Zaid bin Thabit (d. 666 666), commissioned to collect only ), commissioned to collect only written copies with oral testimony of two Companions written copies with oral testimony of two Companions

• • "...By Allah, if he (Abu Bakr) had ordered me to shift one "...By Allah, if he (Abu Bakr) had ordered me to shift one of the mountains it would not have been harder for me of the mountains it would not have been harder for me than what he had ordered me concerning the collection than what he had ordered me concerning the collection of the Quran... So I started locating the Quranic material of the Quran... So I started locating the Quranic material and collecting it from parchments, scapula, leafstalks of and collecting it from parchments, scapula, leafstalks of date palms and from the memories of men” date palms and from the memories of men” 6 6: :60 60: :201 201

• • Collection of Collection of mushaf mushaf through to third caliph ‘Umar b. al through to third caliph ‘Umar b. al Khattab; the document given to ‘Umar’s daughter Hafsa Khattab; the document given to ‘Umar’s daughter Hafsa

Abu Bakr Compilation Abu Bakr Compilation 634 634) ) during wars of Apostasy, death of during wars of Apostasy, death of

), commissioned to collect only ), commissioned to collect only written copies with oral testimony of two Companions written copies with oral testimony of two Companions "...By Allah, if he (Abu Bakr) had ordered me to shift one "...By Allah, if he (Abu Bakr) had ordered me to shift one of the mountains it would not have been harder for me of the mountains it would not have been harder for me than what he had ordered me concerning the collection than what he had ordered me concerning the collection of the Quran... So I started locating the Quranic material of the Quran... So I started locating the Quranic material and collecting it from parchments, scapula, leafstalks of and collecting it from parchments, scapula, leafstalks of date palms and from the memories of men” date palms and from the memories of men” al al­ ­Bukhari Bukhari

through to third caliph ‘Umar b. al through to third caliph ‘Umar b. al­ ­ Khattab; the document given to ‘Umar’s daughter Hafsa Khattab; the document given to ‘Umar’s daughter Hafsa

Uthmanic Recension Uthmanic Recension • • Recitational variants across the Islamic Empire Recitational variants across the Islamic Empire • • 653 653 Zaid commissioned with Caliphal committee of six notables and Zaid commissioned with Caliphal committee of six notables and

reviewed the text based on the reviewed the text based on the mushaf mushaf • • "So 'Uthman sent a message to Hafsa saying, "Send us the manuscripts of "So 'Uthman sent a message to Hafsa saying, "Send us the manuscripts of

the Qur'an so that we may compile the Qur'anic materials in perfect copies the Qur'an so that we may compile the Qur'anic materials in perfect copies and return the manuscripts to you." Hafsa sent it to 'Uthman. 'Uthman then and return the manuscripts to you." Hafsa sent it to 'Uthman. 'Uthman then ordered Zaid bin Thabit, 'Abdullah bin AzZubair, Said bin Al ordered Zaid bin Thabit, 'Abdullah bin AzZubair, Said bin Al 'AbdurRahman bin Harith bin Hisham to rewrite the manuscripts in perfect 'AbdurRahman bin Harith bin Hisham to rewrite the manuscripts in perfect copies. 'Uthman said to the three Quraishi men, "In case you disagree with copies. 'Uthman said to the three Quraishi men, "In case you disagree with Zaid bin Thabit on any point in the Qur'an, then write it in the dialect of Zaid bin Thabit on any point in the Qur'an, then write it in the dialect of Quraish, the Qur'an was revealed in their tongue." They did so, and when Quraish, the Qur'an was revealed in their tongue." They did so, and when they had written many copies, 'Uthman returned the original manuscripts to they had written many copies, 'Uthman returned the original manuscripts to Hafsa. 'Uthman sent to every Muslim province one copy of what they had Hafsa. 'Uthman sent to every Muslim province one copy of what they had copied, and ordered that all the other Qur'anic materials, whether written in copied, and ordered that all the other Qur'anic materials, whether written in fragmentary manuscripts or whole copies, be burnt. Said bin Thabit added, fragmentary manuscripts or whole copies, be burnt. Said bin Thabit added, "A Verse from Surat Ahzab was missed by me when we copied the Qur'an "A Verse from Surat Ahzab was missed by me when we copied the Qur'an and I used to hear Allah's Apostle reciting it. So we searched for it and and I used to hear Allah's Apostle reciting it. So we searched for it and found it with Khuzaima bin Thabit Al found it with Khuzaima bin Thabit Al­ ­ Believers are men who have been true in their covenant with Allah.‘ Believers are men who have been true in their covenant with Allah.‘ al al­ ­Bukhari Bukhari 6 6: :61 61: :510 510

• • Other Other masahif masahif in existence recorded from Ubayy b. K’ab, Abd Allah b. in existence recorded from Ubayy b. K’ab, Abd Allah b. Mas’ud, Ali b. Abi Talib, Abu Musa al Mas’ud, Ali b. Abi Talib, Abu Musa al­ ­

Uthmanic Recension Uthmanic Recension Recitational variants across the Islamic Empire Recitational variants across the Islamic Empire

Zaid commissioned with Caliphal committee of six notables and Zaid commissioned with Caliphal committee of six notables and mushaf mushaf of Hafsa of Hafsa

"So 'Uthman sent a message to Hafsa saying, "Send us the manuscripts of "So 'Uthman sent a message to Hafsa saying, "Send us the manuscripts of the Qur'an so that we may compile the Qur'anic materials in perfect copies the Qur'an so that we may compile the Qur'anic materials in perfect copies and return the manuscripts to you." Hafsa sent it to 'Uthman. 'Uthman then and return the manuscripts to you." Hafsa sent it to 'Uthman. 'Uthman then ordered Zaid bin Thabit, 'Abdullah bin AzZubair, Said bin Al ordered Zaid bin Thabit, 'Abdullah bin AzZubair, Said bin Al­ ­As and As and 'AbdurRahman bin Harith bin Hisham to rewrite the manuscripts in perfect 'AbdurRahman bin Harith bin Hisham to rewrite the manuscripts in perfect copies. 'Uthman said to the three Quraishi men, "In case you disagree with copies. 'Uthman said to the three Quraishi men, "In case you disagree with Zaid bin Thabit on any point in the Qur'an, then write it in the dialect of Zaid bin Thabit on any point in the Qur'an, then write it in the dialect of Quraish, the Qur'an was revealed in their tongue." They did so, and when Quraish, the Qur'an was revealed in their tongue." They did so, and when they had written many copies, 'Uthman returned the original manuscripts to they had written many copies, 'Uthman returned the original manuscripts to Hafsa. 'Uthman sent to every Muslim province one copy of what they had Hafsa. 'Uthman sent to every Muslim province one copy of what they had copied, and ordered that all the other Qur'anic materials, whether written in copied, and ordered that all the other Qur'anic materials, whether written in fragmentary manuscripts or whole copies, be burnt. Said bin Thabit added, fragmentary manuscripts or whole copies, be burnt. Said bin Thabit added, "A Verse from Surat Ahzab was missed by me when we copied the Qur'an "A Verse from Surat Ahzab was missed by me when we copied the Qur'an and I used to hear Allah's Apostle reciting it. So we searched for it and and I used to hear Allah's Apostle reciting it. So we searched for it and found it with Khuzaima bin Thabit Al found it with Khuzaima bin Thabit Al­ ­Ansari. (That Verse was): 'Among the Ansari. (That Verse was): 'Among the Believers are men who have been true in their covenant with Allah.‘ Believers are men who have been true in their covenant with Allah.‘

in existence recorded from Ubayy b. K’ab, Abd Allah b. in existence recorded from Ubayy b. K’ab, Abd Allah b. ­ ­’Ashari ’Ashari

The Textus Receptus The Textus Receptus

• • The Uthmanic recension said to be in existence The Uthmanic recension said to be in existence in the Topkapi Museum and Uzbekistan; earliest in the Topkapi Museum and Uzbekistan; earliest manuscript in the British Library manuscript in the British Library

• • Scriptio defectiva Scriptio defectiva – – consonantal only like Hebrew consonantal only like Hebrew • • Final vowelling to a Final vowelling to a scriptio plena scriptio plena 7 7 ahruf ahruf (pl. of (pl. of harf harf h h­ ­r r­ ­ Mujahid; 7 Mujahid; 7 qira’at qira’at

• • Controversies due to allegations by Western Controversies due to allegations by Western scholars over the status of the Uthmanic scholars over the status of the Uthmanic recension recension – – Crone and Cook Crone and Cook

The Textus Receptus The Textus Receptus

The Uthmanic recension said to be in existence The Uthmanic recension said to be in existence in the Topkapi Museum and Uzbekistan; earliest in the Topkapi Museum and Uzbekistan; earliest manuscript in the British Library manuscript in the British Library

consonantal only like Hebrew consonantal only like Hebrew scriptio plena scriptio plena according the according the ­ ­f f letter) by Abu Bakr b. letter) by Abu Bakr b.

Controversies due to allegations by Western Controversies due to allegations by Western scholars over the status of the Uthmanic scholars over the status of the Uthmanic

Crone and Cook Crone and Cook

Hadith Hadith and the Origins of and the Origins of • • tafsir tafsir verbal noun of verbal noun of fassara fassara (II form root (II form root

exegesis exegesis • • t ta’wil a’wil verbal noun of verbal noun of ‘awala ‘awala (root (root ‘‘­ ­w w

moral and allegorical meaning moral and allegorical meaning • • hadith hadith (root (root h h­ ­d d­ ­th th news, conversation, chat) news, conversation, chat)

sayings of the Prophet reported by his Companions and Followers of the sayings of the Prophet reported by his Companions and Followers of the Companions Companions – – this is called the this is called the sunna sunna

• • a a hadith hadith consists of a consists of a matn matn (actual saying) and a (actual saying) and a narration) narration) – – Markus reported that Sandy reported that Larry reported that Markus reported that Sandy reported that Larry reported that Jackie reported that Irit said, Jackie reported that Irit said, “I take one sugar in my tea” “I take one sugar in my tea”

• • Science of Science of hadith hadith – – mutawatir mutawatir (‘ (‘widespread’ >20 reporters in each widespread’ >20 reporters in each generation from different places), generation from different places), hasan hasan generation in one place), generation in one place), da’if da’if (‘ (‘weak’ <4 reporters in each generation) weak’ <4 reporters in each generation)

• • Modern Jewish Orientalists Goldziher, Schacht and Wansborough Modern Jewish Orientalists Goldziher, Schacht and Wansborough questioned the authenticity of questioned the authenticity of hadith hadith backwards” backwards”

and the Origins of and the Origins of Tafsir Tafsir (II form root (II form root f f­ ­s s­ ­r r to explain, expound) to explain, expound) ­ ­

w w­ ­ll to elucidate) to elucidate) – – deeper hermeneutic, deeper hermeneutic,

news, conversation, chat) news, conversation, chat) – – the oral tradition of the the oral tradition of the sayings of the Prophet reported by his Companions and Followers of the sayings of the Prophet reported by his Companions and Followers of the

sunna sunna (the practice of the Prophet) (the practice of the Prophet) (actual saying) and a (actual saying) and a sanad sanad or or isnad isnad ( (chain of chain of

Markus reported that Sandy reported that Larry reported that Markus reported that Sandy reported that Larry reported that “I take one sugar in my tea” “I take one sugar in my tea” widespread’ >20 reporters in each widespread’ >20 reporters in each hasan hasan (‘ (‘good’ >4 reporters in each good’ >4 reporters in each

weak’ <4 reporters in each generation) weak’ <4 reporters in each generation) Modern Jewish Orientalists Goldziher, Schacht and Wansborough Modern Jewish Orientalists Goldziher, Schacht and Wansborough

hadith hadith ­ ­ “isnads “isnads have a tendency to grow have a tendency to grow

Exegesis Traditionis Exegesis Traditionis

• • Wansborough classification Wansborough classification – – haggadic, halakhic, haggadic, halakhic, • • Exegesis traditionis Exegesis traditionis – – tafsir bi tafsir bi­ ­ll­ ­ma’thur ma’thur is inherited’ is inherited’

• • The only legitimate authority of interpretation of the Qur’an derives The only legitimate authority of interpretation of the Qur’an derives from 1) other verses of the Qur’an 2) the Prophetic from 1) other verses of the Qur’an 2) the Prophetic reports of the Companions and the Followers reports of the Companions and the Followers

• • “Whoever talks about the Qur’an on the basis of his personal “Whoever talks about the Qur’an on the basis of his personal opinion (ra’y) or from a position of ignorance shall surely occupy his opinion (ra’y) or from a position of ignorance shall surely occupy his seat in the Fire” seat in the Fire” Ibn Kathir Ibn Kathir Tafsir Tafsir

• • Canonised in 8 Canonised in 8 th th century by the principles of century by the principles of by by al al­ ­Shafi‘i Shafi‘i in his legal in his legal­ ­exegetical work the exegetical work the

• • Will admit lexical discussion from pre Will admit lexical discussion from pre elucidate points of Arabic grammar, but little else that is external elucidate points of Arabic grammar, but little else that is external

• • asbab al asbab al­ ­nuzul nuzul ‘the occasion of revelation’; ‘the occasion of revelation’; injunctions’; injunctions’; isra’iliyyat isra’iliyyat ‘Jewish stuff’ ‘Jewish stuff’

Exegesis Traditionis Exegesis Traditionis

haggadic, halakhic, haggadic, halakhic, lexical, masoretic lexical, masoretic ma’thur ma’thur ‘exegesis according to what ‘exegesis according to what

The only legitimate authority of interpretation of the Qur’an derives The only legitimate authority of interpretation of the Qur’an derives from 1) other verses of the Qur’an 2) the Prophetic from 1) other verses of the Qur’an 2) the Prophetic sunna sunna 3) the 3) the reports of the Companions and the Followers reports of the Companions and the Followers Ibn Kathir Ibn Kathir “Whoever talks about the Qur’an on the basis of his personal “Whoever talks about the Qur’an on the basis of his personal opinion (ra’y) or from a position of ignorance shall surely occupy his opinion (ra’y) or from a position of ignorance shall surely occupy his

Tafsir Tafsir 1:5 1:5 century by the principles of century by the principles of ‘usul al ‘usul al­ ­fiqh fiqh expounded expounded

exegetical work the exegetical work the Risala Risala Will admit lexical discussion from pre Will admit lexical discussion from pre­ ­Islamic poetry in order to Islamic poetry in order to elucidate points of Arabic grammar, but little else that is external elucidate points of Arabic grammar, but little else that is external

‘the occasion of revelation’; ‘the occasion of revelation’; ahkam al ahkam al­ ­shari’i shari’i ‘legal ‘legal ‘Jewish stuff’ ‘Jewish stuff’

Exegesis Rationis Exegesis Rationis

• • Exegesis rationis Exegesis rationis – – tafsir bi tafsir bi­ ­ll­ ­ra’y ra’y ‘exegesis from reason’ ‘exegesis from reason’ • • Basra in the latter half of 8 Basra in the latter half of 8 th th century at school of sage Hasan al century at school of sage Hasan al

argument with Wasil b. ‘Ata on free will versus argument with Wasil b. ‘Ata on free will versus • • ‘itazala ‘itazala (VIII root (VIII root ‘‘­ ­t t­ ­z z to leave, slip, kick) to leave, slip, kick)

al al­ ­’adl ’adl ‘the people of monotheism and justice’ ‘the people of monotheism and justice’ • • Key Mu’tazilite theological doctrines: Unity of God without any Key Mu’tazilite theological doctrines: Unity of God without any

‘attributes’, hence the Qur’an is created not an eternal attribute of God; ‘attributes’, hence the Qur’an is created not an eternal attribute of God; Man has free will; Revelation through Scripture but ultimately only Reason Man has free will; Revelation through Scripture but ultimately only Reason can bring true knowledge of Faith can bring true knowledge of Faith

• • Development of Development of kalam kalam ‘‘philosophical ratiocination’ and philosophical ratiocination’ and philosophy’ philosophy’

• • Jewish and Karaite Mu’tazilites: Musa b. Maimun (Maimonides), Dawud al Jewish and Karaite Mu’tazilites: Musa b. Maimun (Maimonides), Dawud al Muqammiz, Yusuf al Muqammiz, Yusuf al­ ­Basir Basir

• • Under Caliph Ma’mun and Mu’tazilism becomes the official doctrine and the Under Caliph Ma’mun and Mu’tazilism becomes the official doctrine and the mihna mihna ‘inquisition’ takes place of Sunni dissenters such as Ahmad b. Hanbal ‘inquisition’ takes place of Sunni dissenters such as Ahmad b. Hanbal

• • With Sunni victory, the Gates of Ijtihad are closed With Sunni victory, the Gates of Ijtihad are closed

Exegesis Rationis Exegesis Rationis

‘exegesis from reason’ ‘exegesis from reason’ century at school of sage Hasan al century at school of sage Hasan al­ ­Basri, Basri,

argument with Wasil b. ‘Ata on free will versus argument with Wasil b. ‘Ata on free will versus qadar qadar ‘predestination’ ‘predestination’ to leave, slip, kick) to leave, slip, kick) – – mu’tazila mu’tazila or or ahl al ahl al­ ­tawhid wa tawhid wa

‘the people of monotheism and justice’ ‘the people of monotheism and justice’ Key Mu’tazilite theological doctrines: Unity of God without any Key Mu’tazilite theological doctrines: Unity of God without any sifat sifat ‘attributes’, hence the Qur’an is created not an eternal attribute of God; ‘attributes’, hence the Qur’an is created not an eternal attribute of God; Man has free will; Revelation through Scripture but ultimately only Reason Man has free will; Revelation through Scripture but ultimately only Reason

philosophical ratiocination’ and philosophical ratiocination’ and falsafa falsafa ‘‘Greek Greek

Jewish and Karaite Mu’tazilites: Musa b. Maimun (Maimonides), Dawud al Jewish and Karaite Mu’tazilites: Musa b. Maimun (Maimonides), Dawud al­ ­

Under Caliph Ma’mun and Mu’tazilism becomes the official doctrine and the Under Caliph Ma’mun and Mu’tazilism becomes the official doctrine and the ‘inquisition’ takes place of Sunni dissenters such as Ahmad b. Hanbal ‘inquisition’ takes place of Sunni dissenters such as Ahmad b. Hanbal

With Sunni victory, the Gates of Ijtihad are closed With Sunni victory, the Gates of Ijtihad are closed – – shut to this day shut to this day

Some Notable Some Notable Classical Classical Commentators Commentators • • Abu Ja’far Muhammad b. Jarir al Abu Ja’far Muhammad b. Jarir al Jami’ al Jami’ al­ ­Bayan ‘an Ta’wil ‘Ay al Bayan ‘an Ta’wil ‘Ay al tafsir bi tafsir bi­ ­ll­ ­ma’thur ma’thur

• • Abu al Abu al­ ­Qasim Mahmud b. ‘Umar al Qasim Mahmud b. ‘Umar al (Khwarazm 1075) (Khwarazm 1075) Al Al­ ­Kashshaf ‘an Haqa’iq Ghawamid al Kashshaf ‘an Haqa’iq Ghawamid al Tanzil wa ‘Uyun al Tanzil wa ‘Uyun al­ ­Aqawil fi Wujuh al Aqawil fi Wujuh al tafsir bi tafsir bi­ ­ll­ ­ra’y ra’y

• • ‘Umar Fakhr al ‘Umar Fakhr al­ ­Din al Din al­ ­Razi (Rayy 1149) Razi (Rayy 1149) – – Asharite anti Asharite anti­ ­Mu’tazilite but still discursive and Mu’tazilite but still discursive and rationalist rationalist

• • ‘Imad al ‘Imad al­ ­Din Isma’il b. Umar b. Kathir (Damascus 1300) Din Isma’il b. Umar b. Kathir (Damascus 1300) Tafsir al Tafsir al­ ­Qur’an al Qur’an al­ ­Azim Azim – – Hanbalite and juridical Hanbalite and juridical

Classical Classical

Abu Ja’far Muhammad b. Jarir al Abu Ja’far Muhammad b. Jarir al­ ­Tabari (Tabaristan 839) Tabari (Tabaristan 839) Bayan ‘an Ta’wil ‘Ay al Bayan ‘an Ta’wil ‘Ay al­ ­Qur’an Qur’an – – exemplar of exemplar of

Qasim Mahmud b. ‘Umar al Qasim Mahmud b. ‘Umar al­ ­Zamakhshari Zamakhshari Kashshaf ‘an Haqa’iq Ghawamid al Kashshaf ‘an Haqa’iq Ghawamid al­ ­

Aqawil fi Wujuh al Aqawil fi Wujuh al­ ­Ta’wil Ta’wil – – Mu’tazilite Mu’tazilite

Razi (Rayy 1149) Razi (Rayy 1149) Mafatih al Mafatih al­ ­Ghayb Ghayb Mu’tazilite but still discursive and Mu’tazilite but still discursive and

Din Isma’il b. Umar b. Kathir (Damascus 1300) Din Isma’il b. Umar b. Kathir (Damascus 1300) Hanbalite and juridical Hanbalite and juridical

Summary Summary

• • Relevance of Qur’an study for Jewish people and Relevance of Qur’an study for Jewish people and mutuality of Jewish mutuality of Jewish­ ­Islamic theology and exegetical Islamic theology and exegetical influences influences

• • Structure, compilation, recension and reception of the Structure, compilation, recension and reception of the text text

• • Key terminology in the development of the sciences of Key terminology in the development of the sciences of hadith hadith and how they are intimately linked the and how they are intimately linked the development of the science of development of the science of

• • Theological controversies between Traditionist and Theological controversies between Traditionist and Rationalist schools of interpretation in early and classical Rationalist schools of interpretation in early and classical periods of Islam have shaped the way the text is read periods of Islam have shaped the way the text is read and interpreted by the Muslim community today and interpreted by the Muslim community today

Relevance of Qur’an study for Jewish people and Relevance of Qur’an study for Jewish people and Islamic theology and exegetical Islamic theology and exegetical

Structure, compilation, recension and reception of the Structure, compilation, recension and reception of the

Key terminology in the development of the sciences of Key terminology in the development of the sciences of and how they are intimately linked the and how they are intimately linked the

development of the science of development of the science of tafsir tafsir Theological controversies between Traditionist and Theological controversies between Traditionist and Rationalist schools of interpretation in early and classical Rationalist schools of interpretation in early and classical periods of Islam have shaped the way the text is read periods of Islam have shaped the way the text is read and interpreted by the Muslim community today and interpreted by the Muslim community today