Surat al-Rum: a study of the exegetical literature.: An article from: The Journal of the American Oriental Society

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From the author: This paper analyzes the exegetical texts pertaining to the opening verses of Surat al-Rum (30:1-5) concerning the Byzantine-Persian wars of the early seventh century, and attempts to establish a "history of reader reaction to the Qur'an." Consultation of a number of commentaries down to the late fourteenth century and study of various interpretations given to these verses reveal that the very understanding of Surat al-Rum was influenced by the fluctuating relationship between the Islamic and Byzantine states and by the general historical developments affecting the Near East. By scrutinizing the various grammatical constructions and interpretations given to these verses, one is able to construct trends and motivations in exegesis. However, this study also clearly reveals that no matter how elaborate and contorted the explanations were, the exegetical tradition exercised a strong and constraining influence.

Citation Details
Title: Surat al-Rum: a study of the exegetical literature.
Author: Nadia Maria El Cheikh
Publication:The Journal of the American Oriental Society (Refereed)
Date: July 1, 1998
Publisher: American Oriental Society
Volume: 118 Issue: 3 Page: 356(9)

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