Al-Ghazali and the Qur'an: One Book, Many Meanings (Culture and Civilization in the Middle East) - Softcover

Whittingham, Martin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415663946 ISBN 13: 9780415663946

Publisher: Routledge, 2011

Synopsis

This book is the first of its kind to focus entirely on the Qur'anic interpretation of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058-1111), a towering figure of Sunni Islam. Martin Whittingham explores both al-Ghazali's hermeneutical methods and his interpretations of particular Quranic texts, and covers al-Ghazali's mystical, legal and theological concerns. Divided into two parts: part one examines al-Ghazali's legal and Sufi theoretical discussions part two asks how these theories relate to his practice, analysing the only three of al-Ghazali's works which are centrally concerned with interpreting particular Qur'anic passages: Jawahir al-Qur'an (The Jewels of the Qur'an); Al-Qist as al-mustaqim (The Correct Balance); and Mishkat al-anwar (The Niche for Lights). Providing a new point of access to the works of al-Ghazali, this book will be welcomed by scholars and students of Islamic studies, religious studies, hermeneutics, and anyone interested in how Muslims understand the Qur'an.

About this title

About the Author:

Edinburgh University, UK

Review:

'This is undoubtedly a well-researched book which marks a milestone in the thriving study of al-Ghazali and, more importantly, in the study of classical Muslim hermeneutics.' - SHURUQ NAGUIB, University of Lancaster, UK - Journal of Semitic Studies, vol 54, no 2, August 2009

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0415663946
• ISBN 13: 9780415663946
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176