Interpreting the Qur´an

How is the Qur´an - central to all Muslims societies - to be understood today in order to meet the needs of these societies? Abdullah Saeed, a distinguished Muslim scholar, explores the interpretation of the ethico-legal content of the Qur´an, whilst taking into consideration the changing nature of the modern world. Saeed explores the current debates surrounding the interpretation of the Qur´an, and their impact on contemporary understanding of this sacred text. Discussing the text´s relevance to modern issues without compromising the overall framework of the Qur´an and its core beliefs and practices, he proposes a fresh approach, which takes into account the historical and contemporary contexts of interpretation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: The Context of the Debate on Interpretation Chapter Three: Revelation and Interpretation Chapter Four: Interpretation Based on Text and Textualism Chapter Five: Interpretation Based on Reason Chapter Six: Flexibility in Reading and Interpreting Chapter Seven: Abrogation and Reinterpretation Chapter Eight: The Meaning of the Text as an Approximation Chapter Nine: Recognition of the Complexity of Meaning Chapter Ten: Socio-Historical Context and Interpretation Chapter Eleven: Ethico-Legal Texts and a Hierarchy of Values Chapter Twelve: Epilogue