A Critical Study of John Wansbrough’s
the Qur’an and Its Relevance for Contemporary Tafsir Studies
Keywords:
John Wansbrough, Orientalism, Qur’an, contemporary tafsir, historical criticismAbstract
Purpose — This article aimed to critically examine John Wansbrough’s thought on the Qur’an and to assess its significance within the dynamics of contemporary exegetical studies. The study was motivated by ongoing debates surrounding revisionist approaches in Western Qur’anic scholarship, particularly regarding the use of historical criticism in understanding the origin and formation of the Qur’an. It sought to address the epistemological gap between Wansbrough’s historical-critical framework and the normative foundations of Islamic tafsir, while clarifying the extent to which such an approach may be constructively engaged within Qur’anic studies.
Design/methods— The research employed a qualitative design based on library research. Data were collected through an in-depth examination of primary sources, namely John Wansbrough’s major works, complemented by secondary sources consisting of peer-reviewed journal articles and writings of contemporary Muslim scholars. The analysis applied content analysis and a critical-hermeneutic reading to explore conceptual assumptions, methodological structures, and interpretive implications of Wansbrough’s approach within the broader discourse of Qur’anic exegesis.
Findings— The findings indicated that Wansbrough’s historical-critical method made a significant methodological contribution to Western Qur’anic studies, particularly in challenging traditional narratives of textual formation. However, the study also revealed a strong reductionist tendency that marginalized the revelatory dimension of the Qur’an. Consequently, this article argued that historical approaches may be accommodated in tafsir studies only in a limited and critical manner, provided they remain anchored within an Islamic epistemological framework.
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