Qur’anic Studies: Methodology and Hermeneutics (IQSA)

Call For Papers: The Methodology and Hermeneutics Unit invites proposals for papers that focus on the theological and hermeneutical relationship between the Qur’an and extra-Qur’anic sources of truth or authority, including the prophetic Sunna, communal Sunna, consensus (ijma'), the Shi'i Imams and their Sunna, hadith literature, biographical literature (sira), formative exegetical literature (tafsir), the rulings of Muslim scholars ('ulama'), the Sufi shuyukh or Sufi poetry, mystical unveiling (kashf), studies of the material universe, intellect, and so forth. For example, proposed papers could consider: The hermeneutical relationship between the Qur’an and the prophetic Sunna; for instance, in how hadith, sira, or “occasions of revelation” (asbab al-nuzul) impact exegesis; How principles from Islamicate philosophy (falsafa) or theology (kalam) are used to exegete the Qur’an, or how specific verses become significant within Muslim ontological and cosmological discourse; How the idea of the Imams as the authoritative interpreters of the Qur’an influences exegesis in Shi'i Islam; How Sufi works of literature like the Mathnawi of Rumi or Divan of Hafiz distill the Qur’an for popular audiences; How Sufi exegetes read the Quran through the lenses of mystical principles and spiritual experience; Ways in which modern and contemporary Qur’anic interpretation adheres to or departs from influential premodern methods of tafsir, and so forth. Papers may advance new constructive approaches for explicating the Qur’an in light of extra-Qur’anic sources of truth or authority. Prearranged panels are also welcome.

Program Unit Chairs

Propose a Paper for this Program Unit

Questions About Membership?

• Call 866-727-9955 Toll Free in the US
• Call 404-727-9498 Outside the US
• Fax us at 404-727-2419
• Email us at sblservices@sbl-site.org