Evaluating Theodore Khoury’s Method of Interpreting the Quran

Document Type : The Quarterly Jornal

Authors

1 Associate professor, Center for Research on Quranic Sciences, Hadith, and Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate professor, Department of Islamic Teachings, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.

3 Seminary student, Level 4, Comparative Quranic Exegesis, Kosar Islamic Science Education Complex, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Orientalists have long been engaged in the study of the Quran, translating and interpreting it alongside other activities. Their objectives include identifying similarities or differences between the Quran and other scriptures, highlighting potential flaws within the Quran, and employing scientific criteria to uncover factual information. Theodore Khoury, a German Christian priest, dedicated a significant part of his scholarly career to translating and interpreting the Quran, gaining support from members of the Christian community. The primary objective of this research is to address the following question: How can we assess the exegetical methodology employed by Theodore Khoury in his interpretation of the Quran, considering its principles, rules, and sources? Through a descriptive-analytical study of this issue, examining the principles concerning miracles, rules regarding evidence, and the extent of utilizing different exegetical sources, it becomes evident that Theodore Khoury's interpretation is characterized by predominantly superficial interpretations of Quranic verses and occasional negligence, despite his acknowledgment of the Quran's divine and miraculous nature. These shortcomings arise from his heavy reliance on specific Sunni sources of Quranic exegesis. As a result, not only does he overlook the distinctions between the Quran and the Bible, but he also lacks a neutral and impartial perspective when it comes to various aspects of Islam and the Quran.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

* The Holy Quran.
* The Bible.
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