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Theology Through Exegesis: Hermeneutics and Theological Formation in Al-Maturidi's Qur'anic Commentary11 views
Author
Rahman, Zarif, Religious Studies - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia0009-0007-1908-5971
Advisors
Nair, Shankar, AS-Religious Studies (RELI), University of Virginia
al-Rahim, Ahmed, AS-Religious Studies (RELI), University of Virginia
Abstract
The aim of this dissertation is to demonstrate the potential of qurʾānic exegesis to inform us about topics pertaining to Islamic theology. To that end, this dissertation examines an early qurʾānic commentary, Taʾwīlāt al-Qurʾān (Interpretations of the Qurʾān), by Abū Manṣūr al-Māturīdī (d. 333/944). Al-Māturīdī’s work not only elaborates on theological topics found in his theological treatise Kitāb al-Tawḥīd (Treatise on Monotheism) but also contains theological discussions absent from the latter. In particular, the dissertation analyzes al-Māturīdī’s theological insights pertaining to Divine attributes, prophetology, ethics, and eschatology in his qurʾānic commentary. It is further argued that al-Māturīdī’s ability to discuss theology through exegesis stems from his hermeneutical concept of taʾwīl, the aim of which is to unearth possible meanings of the qurʾānic text. His theory of interpretation thus represents a significant hermeneutical advancement within early Sunnī qurʾānic exegesis, especially in relation to approaches that prioritized a more restrictive narration-based interpretation of scripture. Overall, the dissertation argues for the need to turn to qurʾānic commentaries to gain a more holistic understanding of Islamic theology.
Rahman, Zarif. Theology Through Exegesis: Hermeneutics and Theological Formation in Al-Maturidi's Qur'anic Commentary. University of Virginia, Religious Studies - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, PHD (Doctor of Philosophy), 2026-04-30, https://doi.org/10.18130/y8kq-kh21.
