In this programme, students will engage in an in-depth study of the Qur’an, the Muslims’ divine scripture, utilising different exegetical methods.

Qur’anic exegesis provides the knowledge and tool to understand the meaning of each word and phrases and become familiar with the underlying meaning of the text. In this programme, the students will become well-versed with the principles of exegesis and Qur’anic sciences.  They will engage in their own independent research through reading the Qur’an and consulting major exegetical works, while using sequential or thematic methods and employing different theological, philosophical, mystical, narrative and jurisprudential approaches of different Islamic intellectual tradition, especially that of Shi’i school.

The students will become familiar with both the external and internal hermeneutic principles governing the understanding of the text. They will learn different exegetical methods including Qur’an-by-Qur’an, narration-based, reason/intellect-based, or mystical methods. The programme will also delve into the views of leading orientalists regarding the Qur’an, its compilation and qira’āt.