With the publication of Volume 2 of the “Handbook of Quranic Hermeneutics”, this major international project, edited by Prof. Dr. Georges Tamer, has reached another significant milestone. The new volume focuses on the formative and dynamic phase of Quranic exegesis from the 9th to the early 13th century.
The period between the 9th and early 13th centuries is regarded as one of the most fruitful periods in the history of Islamic thought. During this time, Qur’anic hermeneutics developed into a highly sophisticated field characterised by a dynamic interplay between the preservation of tradition and intellectual innovation.
Between Authentic Tradition and Philological Analysis
A central feature of this era was a deep commitment to the authentic transmission (naql). Scholars used precisely authenticated chains of transmission (isnād) to preserve prophetic accounts and the interpretations of early Muslims (Sira and Hadith) for posterity.
At the same time, linguistic and philological analyses established themselves as indispensable tools. Exegetes examined the rhetorical features, grammar, and stylistic uniqueness of the language of the Qur’an in order to uncover its multi-layered levels of meaning.
Systematics and Plurality
The exegetical works of this period are characterised by a high degree of systematic organisation:
- Verse-by-verse commentaries: Comprehensive explanations of the entire text.
- Thematic Essays: In-depth analyses of specific theological or legal issues.
- Methodological diversity: Despite sharing fundamental principles, the authors responded flexibly to the changing intellectual, cultural, and political context of their time.
The result is a diverse tradition of interpretation that continues to influence us today, one that has successfully reconciled the preservation of heritage with contemporary intellectual dynamism.
About the Overall Project
The “Handbook of Quranic Hermeneutics” is the first standard work of its kind to provide a comprehensive overview of the history of Quranic interpretation.
- Unification of scholarly research: Over 130 renowned researchers from around the world have contributed to this comprehensive work.
- Scope: It offers a comprehensive overview of a research field that is as diverse as it is hotly debated.
- Significance: The handbook fills a gap in the literature by systematically presenting both the methodological foundations and the historical development of hermeneutics.
Volume 2 now provides another key piece of the puzzle, significantly deepening our understanding of the development of Islamic scriptural exegesis during its heyday.