Orientalist Interpretations of Waḥy: Qur’ānic Revelation in 19th and 20th Century Studies

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This research focuses on waḥy (Qur’ānic revelation), a central term in Islamic theology and a focal point in orientalist discourse. It scrutinizes the extensive array of orientalists’ interpretations of waḥy that ranged from scholarly inquiry to outright skepticism. It goes beyond standard linguistic interpretations, unraveling the concept of waḥy, its translation and broader meanings as viewed by prominent orientalists from the 19th and 20th centuries. The study applies both the analytical and the critical methodologies to provide a contextual analysis to the philosophical and scientific approaches that shaped these orientalists’ perceptions on waḥy, assessing their underlying assumptions. The critique approach aims to engage with their interpretations critically and evaluate their translations of waḥy, examining the extent to which they are anchored in trustworthy and genuine Islamic resources. The research concludes by revealing disparities among orientalists; some of whom challenged the divine essence of Islam and posited theories suggesting that waḥy might have stemmed from external influences or personal disposition of Muhammad (SAW), contrasting sharply with the Islamic sacred view of waḥy. Their theories have significantly shaped the broader western perception of Islam, often portraying Islam as a faith rooted in human and lacking divine authenticity and originality. While other orientalists demonstrated more balanced and impartial views on waḥy, basically rooted in genuine Islamic scholarship. Their views have actively promoted an authentic understanding of waḥy from within its own Islamic worldview, challenging the orientalists’ biased narrative.