The Foundations of Qur’anic Studies: The History, Form, and Content of Islam’s Holy Book (SC-630)

Course Details:

This course explores tafsir literature from the classical period to modernity. Students will investigate the evolution of Qur’an commentary, the sub-genres of tafsir literature, the biographies of some great scholars of Qur’an commentary and their methodologies. Selected verses of the Qur’an will be read with commentaries about the following topics: God’s existence and attributes, determinism, sin and divine mercy, prophethood and Muhammad, Jesus and Mary, heaven and hell, war and peace, Shari’a and politics, pluralism, men and women, etc. Knowledge of Arabic is not required but several texts unavailable in English will be translated orally during this course and students knowing Arabic will be invited to read them in the original language. A basic knowledge about Islamic theology and the history of Muslim societies would be useful.

Course fulfills the following curricular requirements:
MAIRS - Interreligious Studies Elective
MAIRS - Islamic Studies: Beliefs and Practices
MAIRS - Islamic Studies: Foundational Fields
MAIRS - Islamic Studies Elective
MAC - Islamic Studies Pathway Elective
MAC - Chaplaincy elective

Instructor(s):

• Suheil Laher