Al Ghazali And The Qur An

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.

This book examines the contrasting interpretations of Islam and the Qur’an by Averroes and Al-Ghazali, as a way of helping us untangle current impasses affecting each Abrahamic faith. This has traditionally been portrayed as a battle between philosophy and theology, but the book shows that Averroes was rather more religious and Al-Ghazali more philosophical than they are usually portrayed. The book traces the interaction between two Muslim thinkers, showing how each is convinced of the existence of a Book in which God is revealed to rational beings, to whom He has given commandments, as well as of the excellence of Islamic society. Yet they differ regarding the proper way to interpret the sacred Book. From this point of view, their discussion does not address the contrast between philosophy and religion, or that between reason and revelation that is so characteristic of the Middle Ages, but rather explores differences at the heart of philosophical discussion in our day: is there a level of discourse which will facilitate mutual comprehension among persons, allowing them to engage in debate? This interpretation of sacred texts illustrates the ways religious practice can shape believers’ readings of their sacred texts, and how philosophical interpretations can be modified by religious practice. Moreover, since this sort of inquiry characterizes each Abrahamic tradition, this study can be expected to enhance interfaith conversation and explore religious ways to enhance tolerance between other believers.

This book is the first accurate English translation, with useful introduction and many valuable notes, of al-Ghazali's Kitab Adab Tilawat al-Qu'ran, which is a part of his greatest work Ihya' 'Ulum al-Deen (The Revival of the Religious Sciences). In the Introduction of this translation (pages 9-18) the subject of Qu'ran-reading is nicely initiated. In chapter I (pp. 19-33) the merits of Qu'ran- recitation are discussed. In chapters II & III (pp. 34-85) ten external etiquettes or praiseworthy manners and ten internal (mental) tasks of Quran-recitation are set forth. In chapter IV (pp. 86-104) the existence of deep, hidden meaning of the Qu'ran is proved as against the proponents of outward exegetes. The obstacles to the understanding of deep, hidden meanings of the Qu'ranic verses are pointed out. The Prophet's prohibition of Qu'ran-explanation according to one's personal opinion is discussed in detail in pp. 90-104. In this context the controversial problem of tafsir bi-l ray (interpretation of Qur'an acconding to valid personal opinion) is seriously considered and supported with proofs and evidences.The Arabic text translated here has been compared with eight other printed Arabic texts and then translated very carefully and accurately using free-flowing, modern English

Al-Ghazzali divides verses of the Quran into those relating to knowledge of God and those relating to humanity's obligation to God.

"Al-Ghazali and the Qur'an: One Book, Many Meanings is the first work 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 Qur'anic texts, and covers al-Ghazali's mystical, legal and theological concerns." "The book sets out systemically the nature of al-Ghazali's dependence in Mishkat al-anwar on Ibn Sina (Avicenna). In addition, it illuminates the complex interactions of al-Ghazali's mystical, legal and theological concerns. Tables are used to make as clear as possible al-Ghazali's schemes of interpretation." "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."--Jacket.

This book examines the contrasting interpretations of Islam and the Qur’an by Averroes and Al-Ghazali, as a way of helping us untangle current impasses affecting each Abrahamic faith. This has traditionally been portrayed as a battle between philosophy and theology, but the book shows that Averroes was rather more religious and Al-Ghazali more philosophical than they are usually portrayed. The book traces the interaction between two Muslim thinkers, showing how each is convinced of the existence of a Book in which God is revealed to rational beings, to whom He has given commandments, as well as of the excellence of Islamic society. Yet they differ regarding the proper way to interpret the sacred Book. From this point of view, their discussion does not address the contrast between philosophy and religion, or that between reason and revelation that is so characteristic of the Middle Ages, but rather explores differences at the heart of philosophical discussion in our day: is there a level of discourse which will facilitate mutual comprehension among persons, allowing them to engage in debate? This interpretation of sacred texts illustrates the ways religious practice can shape believers’ readings of their sacred texts, and how philosophical interpretations can be modified by religious practice. Moreover, since this sort of inquiry characterizes each Abrahamic tradition, this study can be expected to enhance interfaith conversation and explore religious ways to enhance tolerance between other believers.