The work of the twelfth-century Shiâe(tm)ite scholar al-Tabrisi, Majmaâe(tm) al-bayan, is one of the most important works of medieval commentary on the Qurâe(tm)an, and is still in use today. This work is an in-depth case study of Islamic exegetical methods and an exploration of the nature of scriptural interpretation in Islam.

Drawing on a wide variety of sources including unpublished manuscripts, the author examines how exegesis serves to construct, maintain and defend the status of the Qurâe(tm)an as scripture and to uphold certain ideological agendas, among them the notion of the literary and rhetorical supremacy of Godâe(tm)s revelation in Arabic. Focusing on the genre and process of Qurâe(tm)anic exegesis itself, he treats Qurâe(tm)an interpretation as part of a category of religious practice recognizable from the history and comparative study of religion.

Written in clear and accessible style, Qurâe(tm)anic Hermeneutics makes Qurâe(tm)anic exegesis intelligible to specialists in Islam as well as those interested in scripture and its interpretation in general. As such, it will be a valuable reference to scholars of Islamic studies, religion and scripture.