A Study of Different Approaches in Contemporary Thematic Exegesis

(A Comparison Between Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi and Dr. Mustafa Muslim)

Abstract

Thematic interpretation is one of the most prominent contemporary exegetical approaches, and its methodologies have diversified according to the perspectives of those who practice it. This research aims to study the methodology of thematic interpretation through a scholarly comparison between two of its most prominent modern figures: Dr. Mustafa Muslim from the Sunni school and Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi from the Shia school, through their respective commentaries: "Thematic Interpretation of the Chapters of the Holy Qur'an" and "The Fragrances of the Qur'an." The motivation for this research stems from the pressing need for a precise understanding of the diversity of contemporary exegetical methodologies and how each school deals with the Qur'anic text within a thematic framework, along with the consequent impact on the derivation of Qur'anic theories. The importance of this research lies in its highlighting of two influential exegetical projects and offering a critical analytical reading of their methodological foundations. This benefits researchers in Qur'anic studies and enriches the field of Qur'anic exegesis. The research aims to: define the concept of thematic interpretation in both projects; clarify the methodological foundations upon which each exegete relied; and extract points of agreement and disagreement between them, along with a critical evaluation of each approach. The research adopted a descriptive, analytical, and comparative methodology, tracing and analyzing the exegetical texts and then comparing them to arrive at objective conclusions.