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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 discussionspart 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.
- Book Cover
- Title
- Copyright
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Note on conventions used
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- Part I: Al-Ghazali's hermeneutical theories
- 1 'The activities of this world' (I): Faysal al-tafriqa bayna'l-Islam wa'l-zandaqa
- 2 'The activities of this world' (II): Al-Mustasfa min 'ilm al-usul
- 3 'The activities of the hereafter': Four texts defending Sufi approaches to the Qur'an
- Part II: Al-Ghazali's hermeneutical practice
- 4 Sailing to the midst of the fathomless ocean: Jawahir al-Qur'an
- 5 Syllogisms as the steps to heaven: Al-Qistas al-mustaqim
- 6 The coherence of the philosopher: Mishkat al-anwar
- Conclusion
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Index of Qur'anic citations
- Index
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