Al-Ghazali and the Qur'an: One Book, Many Meanings by Martin Whittingham (Edinburgh University, UK)
This book is the first of its kind to focus entirely on the Quranic interpretation of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058-1111), a towering figure of Sunni Islam. Martin Whittingham explores both al-Ghazalis hermeneutical methods and his interpretations of particular Quranic texts, and covers al-Ghazalis mystical, legal and theological concerns.
Divided into two parts:
- part one examines al-Ghazalis legal and Sufi theoretical discussions
- part two asks how these theories relate to his practice, analysing the only three of al-Ghazalis works which are centrally concerned with interpreting particular Quranic passages: Jawahir al-Quran (The Jewels of the Quran); 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 Quran.