Contextualist Approaches and the Interpretation of the Qur’ān

Ali Akbar,Abdullah Saeed

doi:10.3390/rel12070527

Abstract

When it comes to the interpretation of ethico-legal texts in the Qur’ān, there is usually a high degree of emphasis on literalism and textualism but not enough focus on contextualization. This is true for both the classical period and the modern period. This article points to the contextual nature of interpretation and how the contextualist approach to interpreting the Qur’ān can enable Muslims to follow its ethical teachings in accordance with contemporary needs and circumstances, without sacrificing fundamental Qur’ānic values. In order to do so, the article refers to Qur’ānic passages related to freedom of religion and the laws of punishment, and explores how a contextualist approach to interpreting such passages may yield results different from those of a textualist or literalist approach.

Highlights

Introduction such as shūrā aIn the early periods of Islamic history, jurists developed a set of principles of jurisprudence for the interpretation of different types of ethico-legal texts from theQur’ān and the Hadith
The contextualist approach can be applied to some ethico-legal texts that appear to be problematic in the contemporary context, especially when understood literally; for example, the Qur’ānic texts concerning certain criminal laws or those that seem to restrict the right to freedom of religion
Contextualists would argue that this type of interpretation does not lead to the modification of fundamental values, beliefs, or Qur’ānic practices

Summary

Introduction such as shūrā a

In the early periods of Islamic history, jurists developed a set of principles of jurisprudence (us.ūl al-fiqh) for the interpretation of different types of ethico-legal texts from the. Beginning with jurists such as Muh.ammad b. 820 CE), Muslim scholars have attempted to systematize this legal thinking and have. Contextualist Approaches and the Interpretation of the Qur’ān. It, these scholars have employed important tools such as qiyās (analogical reasoning) and(consensu a. As this complex juristic tradition developed, an the former. Cen complex set of interpretive principles, ideas, beliefs, and practices emerged alongside it.

The Context

Modern Concerns about Relevance

The Importance of the Contextualist Approach in Today’s World

Freedom of Religion and Apostasy

Qur’ānic Laws Related to Punishment

Concluding Remarks