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.

Subject Specific IntellectualUpon successful completion of this Programme, the students are expected to have acquired:

1.       An In-Depth Analytical and Comparative Understanding of Key Exegetical Works and Qur’anic Sciences

2.      A Thorough Understanding of Exegetical Methods, Approaches and Schools.

3.      A Profound Knowledge of Exegetical Principles and Terminology

4.      A Deep Familiarity with the Viewpoints of the Orientalists about the Qur’an and Exegesis

5.      An Ability to Engage in Research on the Qur’anic Perspectives on Specific Themes Such as God, Man and Creation, Prophethood, Revelation, Imamate and Eschatology.

Subject Specific skillsStudents will have:

1-    An advanced use of libraries and other learning resources effectively and systematically

2-    The ability to communicate exegetical ideas in writing, debate and oral or visual presentations, with clarity, precision, and incisiveness, in expository, narrative, analytical, and argumentative modes.

3-    The ability to summarise key points from presented material.

4-    The ability to read original exegetical resources independently.

5-    The ability to articulate and evaluate the specific themes underlying a more general question.