METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF QUR’ANIC EXEGESIS IN MODERN SCHOLARSHIP

Abstract

Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir) has historically served as a fundamental discipline within Islamic scholarship, providing interpretative frameworks for understanding the divine message of the Qur’an. With the emergence of modern intellectual movements, globalization, and interdisciplinary academic methodologies, Qur’anic interpretation has undergone significant methodological transformations. This article examines the methodological foundations of Qur’anic exegesis in modern scholarship, focusing on the evolution from classical interpretative models to contemporary approaches. It analyzes traditional methodologies such as linguistic, contextual, and transmitted exegesis, alongside modern hermeneutical, historical-critical, thematic, and interdisciplinary methods. The study highlights how modern scholars seek to balance textual fidelity with contemporary relevance while addressing social, ethical, and intellectual challenges. By exploring the strengths and limitations of modern exegetical methodologies, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature of Qur’anic interpretation in the modern academic landscape.