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Sufi Commentaries on the Qur'an in Classical Islam
Contributor(s): Sands, Kristin (Author)

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 ISBN: 0415366852     ISBN-13: 9780415366854
Publisher: Routledge
OUR PRICE: $152.00  

Binding Type: Hardcover - See All Available Formats & Editions
Published: December 2005
Qty:

Annotation: The Classical period of Islam, from the tenth to the fifteenth centuries, was a period in which the most influential commentaries on the Qur'an were written. Sufi Commentaries on the Qur'an in Classical Islam looks at the unique contributions of Sufis to this genre and how these contributions fit into the theological and exegetical discussions of the time.
This study begins with an examination of several key hermeneutical assumptions of Sufis, including their understanding of the ambiguous and multivalent nature of the Qur'anic text, the role that both the intellect and spiritual disciplines play in acquiring knowledge of its meanings, and the ever-changing nature of self which seeks this kind of knowledge. The second half of the study is an analysis and comparison of the themes and styles of several different commentaries on:
- The Qur'anic story of Musa (Moses) and al-Khadir
- The figure of Maryam (The Virgin Mary)
- The Light Verse
It demonstrates that, while Sufi interpretation has often been characterized as allegorical, these writings are more notable for their variety of philosophical, visionary, literary and homiletic styles.
"Sufi Commentaries on the Qur'an in Classical Islam" is the first comprehensive study of the contributions for Sufis to the genre of commentaries on the Qur'an and is essential reading for those with research interests in Sufism, Qur'anic exegesis and Islam.

Click for more in this series: Routledge Studies in the Qur'an
Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Religion | Islam - Koran & Sacred Writings
- Religion | Islam - Sufi
- Social Science | Ethnic Studies - General
Dewey: 297.122
LCCN: 2005007845
Series: Routledge Studies in the Qur'an
Physical Information: 0.5" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" L (1.03 lbs) 8 pages
Themes:
- Religious Orientation - Islamic
Features: Glossary
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:

Meeting the ever increasing interest in Islam and Sufism, this book is the first comprehensive study of Sufi Qur'anic commentaries and includes translations of many writings previously unavailable in English. It examines the shared hermeneutical assumptions of Sufi writers and the diversity in style of Sufi commentaries. Some of the assumptions analyzed are:

* the Qur'an is a multi-layered and ambiguous text open to endless interpretation

* the knowledge of deeper meanings of the Qur'an is attainable by means other than transmitted interpretations and rational thought

* the self is dynamic, moving through states and stations which result in different interpretations at different times.

The styles of Sufi commentaries are explored, which range from philosophical musings to popular preaching to literary narrative and poetry. Other commentaries from the classical period are also investigated to provide context in understanding Sufi approaches and exegetical styles.

 
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