The Recitation and Interpretation of the Qur'an: Al-ghazali's Theory

This book is the first English translation, with useful introduction and many valuable notes, of al-Ghazali's Kitab Adab Tilawat al-Qu'ran, which is a part of his greatest work Ihya' 'Ulum al-Dini (The Revival of the Religious Sciences). In the Introduction of this translation (pages 9-18) the subject of Qu'ran-reading is nicely initiated. In chapter I (pp. 19-33) the merits of Qu'ran- recitation are discussed. In chapters II & III (pp. 34-85) ten external etiquettes or praiseworthy manners and ten internal (mental) tasks of Quran-recitation are set forth. In chapter IV (pp. 86-104) the existence of deep, hidden meaning of the Qu'ran is proved as against the proponents of outward exegetes. The obstacles to the understanding of deep, hidden meanings of the Qu'ranic verses are pointed out. The Prophet's prohibition of Qu'ran-explanation according to one's personal opinion is discussed in detail in pp. 90-104. In this context the controvercial problem of tafsir bi-l ray (interpretation of Qur'an acconding to valid personal opinion) is seriously considered and supported with proofs and evidences.The Arabic text translated here is compared with eight other printed Arabic texts and then translated very carefully and accurately using free-flowing, modern English. The translation is evaluated in the Review:"M.A. Quasem's translation and helpful annotation make accessible to the English reader an important writing of al-Ghazali on the Qu'ran."--Professor Dr. Issa J. Boullata, Institute of Islamic Studies, McGill Canada (in Religious Studies Review, P-268, Vol. 7, July 1981). Dr. Quasem, Professor at the National University of Malaysia, is a brilliant scholar of Islamic subjects and Western Philosophy and a renowned specialist in Ghazali's thought. He is proficient in several languages, including Arabic, Persian, and Urdu. He has published several books on different aspect of Islam and Sufism and also many research articles.