Overview

This book is the first of its kind to focus entirely on the Qur'anic interpretation of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058-1111), a towering figure of Sunni Islam. Martin Whittingham explores both al-Ghazali's hermeneutical methods and his interpretations of particular Quranic texts, and covers al-Ghazali's mystical, legal and theological concerns. Divided into two parts: part one examines al-Ghazali's legal and Sufi theoretical discussions part two asks how these theories relate to his practice, analysing the only three of al-Ghazali's works which are centrally concerned with interpreting particular Qur'anic passages: Jawahir al-Qur'an (The Jewels of the Qur'an); Al-Qist as al-mustaqim (The Correct Balance); and Mishkat al-anwar (The Niche for Lights). Providing a new point of access to the works of al-Ghazali, this book will be welcomed by scholars and students of Islamic studies, religious studies, hermeneutics, and anyone interested in how Muslims understand the Qur'an.

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9780415663946

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Reviews

'This is undoubtedly a well-researched book which marks a milestone in the thriving study of al-Ghazali and, more importantly, in the study of classical Muslim hermeneutics.' - SHURUQ NAGUIB, University of Lancaster, UK - Journal of Semitic Studies, vol 54, no 2, August 2009 ""By surveying the great variety of approaches found in these works, Whittingham demonstrates that al-Ghazali had neither a consistent hermeneutical theory nor a consistent hermeneutical practice. The great virtue of this book is that examining al-Ghazali's thought through the lens of his Qur'anic hermeneutics demonstrates the inconsistencies in his writings over a uniquely broad array of issues in an accessible way."" - Ken Garden, Tufts University; Journal of the American Oriental Society, 130.1 (2010)

'This is undoubtedly a well-researched book which marks a milestone in the thriving study of al-Ghazali and, more importantly, in the study of classical Muslim hermeneutics.' - SHURUQ NAGUIB, University of Lancaster, UK - Journal of Semitic Studies, vol 54, no 2, August 2009 By surveying the great variety of approaches found in these works, Whittingham demonstrates that al-Ghazali had neither a consistent hermeneutical theory nor a consistent hermeneutical practice. The great virtue of this book is that examining al-Ghazali's thought through the lens of his Qur'anic hermeneutics demonstrates the inconsistencies in his writings over a uniquely broad array of issues in an accessible way. - Ken Garden, Tufts University; Journal of the American Oriental Society, 130.1 (2010)

'This is undoubtedly a well-researched book which marks a milestone in the thriving study of al-Ghazali and, more importantly, in the study of classical Muslim hermeneutics.' - SHURUQ NAGUIB, University of Lancaster, UK - Journal of Semitic Studies, vol 54, no 2, August 2009

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Edinburgh University, UK

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