Though a series of divine scriptures were revealed to the prophets preceding Muhammad, Qur’an has the distinction of being the final. It has encapsulated the teachings of all divine religions. The Qur’an claims to come with two-fold purposes: first, to confirm the true and original message, and second, to guard this message for all time eternal. The Qur’anic word to mark this special position attained is ‘Muhaimin’ (5:48). It (Muhaimin) refers to the one who safeguards, watches over, stands witness, preserves and upholds. The Qur’an as Muhaimin preserves within it the teachings of all the former revealed books. The Qur’an is a touchstone on which the teachings of other revealed books can be tested. Further, the Qur’an substantiates the ‘Word of Allah’ that has remained intact in the previous divine books. It bears testimony to the Will of Allah contained in such books.
Thoughtful men cannot afford to neglect the teachings and philosophy of Qur’an. Innumerable exegeses have been written on the Qur’an since its revelation on Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE. There has been no break in that endeavor till this day. However, with the strides of science and technology and in light of other philosophies, the Qur’an is read with fresh queries and insights both by its admirers and skeptics. Though in the earlier periods both traditional (Tafsir bil Mathur) and rational approaches (Tafsir bil Rai) of Qur’anic exegeses existed, in contemporary times a cry for rationalistic interpretation of Qur’anic verses is raised aloud. Though the Qur’an applauds reason, it also reminds of the limitations of reason. The exegesis and interpretation of Qur’an is thus a sensitive and careful exercise.
As the Qur’an has detailed in principle many things about man, life, universe, soul, good, evil, hereafter, heavenly bodies, the world of animals, plants, insects, angels, rain, air, clouds, etc, scholars from all backgrounds – religion, linguistics, history, psychology, science, mathematics, philosophy, astronomy – refer to this Book for expanding their knowledge and sometimes verifying its authenticity. There have been many attempts even in Muslim ranks where exegetes have tried to compile a rationalistic Tafsir of Qur’an, as by Allama Zamakshari and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Scholars like Maulana Wahid-ud-Din Khan don’t hesitate in reconciling Qur’an with science. Efforts are on from all directions where Muslims, neo-Muslims, non-Muslims all attempt to study Qur’an through their own perspectives.
Recently on the 5th and 6th of July, 2021, I had the fortune to participate in a two-day webinar organised by the Department of Islamic Studies, BGSBU, Rajouri. The theme of the webinar was apt: “Approaching the Quran in Contemporary Times: A Quest for Engaging with the Divine Guidance”. Eight guest speakers spoke on the theme. It was a rare opportunity to witness scholars from both religious and science backgrounds exploring the wondrous verses of the Qur’an about the universe and the earthly life. It was a first of its kind programme where diverse opinions about Qur’anic exegesis were expressed in a cordial manner. The webinar generated fresh debates about the interpretation of Qur’an in post-modern times.

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Dr Ashraf Amin