This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical evolution of Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir) and its foundational principles. Students will trace the development of tafsir from its earliest forms in the Islamic tradition, through the classical period, and into modern times, examining how the methods and aims of interpretation have adapted to changing historical, social, and intellectual contexts.

Alongside this historical overview, the course will delve into key theoretical concepts, including the important distinction between tafsir and ta’wil and the application of different types of context in interpreting Qur’anic verses. Moreover, students will critically engage with ongoing debates in Qur’anic exegesis, such as the perspective of Qur’anist thinkers, who question the authority of hadith as a source of Qur’anic interpretation and religious guidance.

By the end of the course, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of the historical development and essential principles of Qur’anic interpretation, equipping them to navigate both classical and modern exegetical debates.