Introduction to Sciences of Qur'an

Ahmad, Nadzrah and Kozhithodi, Salahudheen (2025) Introduction to Sciences of Qur'an. International Institute of Islamic Thought East and Southeast Asia Office, Kuala Lumpur. ISBN 978-629-96482-2-2

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Abstract

The Qur’ān is the most comprehensive word of Allah and the central religious text of Islam. The Qur’ān is a complete and absolute book of guidance. It introduces itself among others, as the guidance for the entire universe, (Q. 3:96); the light to guide mankind aright, (Q. 4:174); the evidence between right and wrong, (Q. 2:185); the clarification to issues of life, (Q. 16:89). The Qur’ān is composed of 114 chapters and is divided into 30 parts. Its content begins with Sūrah al-Fātiḥah and ends with Sūrah al-Nās. The sūrahs (chapters) of the Qur’ān touch upon many aspects of human existence, conduct and behaviour, social organisation, legislation and eschatological matters. Understanding the Qur’ān requires comprehending the tools or sciences needed to approach the Qur’ān. This book provides a comprehensive and easy to understand reference for studying the sciences of the Qur’ān. Intended as a reference mainly for students, this book is equipped with learning outcomes at the beginning of every chapter accompanied with lesson activities at the end of each chapter. Chapter 1 deals with waḥy as divine communication with human beings. It explores three significant themes related to the science of the Qur’ān, namely the necessity of revelation (waḥy), the different modes of revelation, and Prophet Muḥammad’s PBUH experience with the revelation of the Qur’ān. Chapter 2 elaborates on the various stages, nature and characteristics of Qur’ānic revelation. Chapter 3 provides an overview of the origin, development and scope of the sciences of the Qur’ān. Chapter 4 discusses the collection and transmission of the Qur’ān. It focuses on the compilation and standardisation of the Qur’ān, the revelation of the Qur’ān according to the Seven Letters (sabʿat al-aḥruf), and the variant recitals, their transmission and conditions. Chapter 5 concentrates on the classification of the text. It provides descriptive scrutiny over the major methods of classification of the Qur’ānic text into Meccan and Medinan, Decisive (Muḥkam) and Allegorical (Mutashābih), Literal and Metaphorical (Ḥaqīqī and Majāzī), General and Specific (ʿĀm and Khāṣ). Chapter 6 discusses the occasions and circumstances of the descent (asbāb al-nuzūl). It elaborates on the definition of asbāb al-nuzūl and its various types while maintaining the significance of this knowledge other than mere historical records. Chapter 7 analyses the mechanism of abrogation (naskh), which is the most contentious issue in the Sciences of the Qur’ān. Chapter 8 of the book focuses on the inimitable nature of the Qur’ān on the doctrine of iʿjāz, which has been considered one of the central themes of Qur’ānic Sciences (ʿUlūm al-Qur’ān). Qur’ānic interpretation and all its components are further deliberated in Chapter 9. This chapter highlights the need and significance of Qur’ānic interpretation. Chapter 10 discusses the translation of the Qur’ān; its theory and practice. It analyses the question of the Qur’ān’s translatability along with the relevant discourses and practices. The book concludes with Chapter 11 which addresses the Qur’ānic worldview for comprehensive excellence. This chapter highlights the key elements of the Qur’ānic worldview; cosmology, ontology, theology, epistemology, anthropology, axiology, and teleology. Four significant areas are briefly presented; fundamental elements of the Qur’ānic worldview, its higher objectives, ethico-legal lessons, central themes and principles of the Islamic holy text. We wish to thank IIIT for the publication of this book. Our gratitude also goes to Dr Suhail K. for his ideas and initial contribution to the development of the book. Special thanks go to KIRKHS for the support and encouragement so that the book meets its timely publication. On behalf of the authors, we hope and pray that this book contributes substantially to forming one’s vision of life.

Item Type:	Book
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Quran, Sciences, Ulum al-Quran, Revelation, wahy
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP100 Sacred books > BP130 Works about the Qurʼān B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP100 Sacred books > BP134 Qur'an B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP173.2 Sources of Islam
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Qur’an and Sunnah Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
Depositing User:	DR NADZRAH AHMAD
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2025 16:15
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2025 16:15
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q836
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/122421

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