The Jewels Of The Qur An Al Ghazali S Theory A Translation With An Introduction And Annotation Of Al Ghazali S Kitab Jawahir Al 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 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.