That the Qur'an needed interpretation and commentary was recognised by Muslims right from the start, and over the 14 centuries of the Islamic era a considerable body of exegesis has been produced. That exegesis (the tafsir tradition) reflects a wide variety of methods, presuppositions, focuses of interest and substantive conclusions. Modern attempts to understand the Qur'an have generally been based on that Muslim tradition, which has also itself become an object of study. In recent years, however, there have been attempts to widen the field of discussion and to experiment with new approaches which develop insights gained from historical, biblical, literary critical and other studies. The result is that a variety of approaches to the Qur'an and the Muslim exegetical tradition are currently available. This book consists of 13 essays by several leading scholars in the academic field of qur'anic studies. Taken together, they offer a sample of the aims, methods and topics of enquiry now being pursued. Its apparatus criticus and consolidated bibliography should add to the use and interest of the volume for anyone concerned with the study of Islam.
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