The Qur'an and Its Exegesis

Rating:
Summary: A Good Reference
Review: Helmut Gatje is an Orientalist who compiled some of the leading authorities in classic tafsir into one work. This book is a nice reference to classic tafir literature, with all of its insights and absurdities. I must admit that some of the literature is down right silly. Other parts are refreshing and thought provoking. I especially enjoyed the short dedication to Kashani's neo-platonic/Islamic exegesis. Some big names here: Zamakhshari, Baidawi, Tabari and Al Ghazali. It is interesting to see how the classic scholars viewed and approached the Qur'an and how indifferent they were to basic themes of justice. These scholars seem to me to be well educated men of their times. Perhaps the Prophet was simply a man of his times just as the scholars were, except that the Prophet had a vision one could say. Was the vision egalitarian, or patriarchal? There is evidence of both... Perhaps the evolution of the tafsir literature will provide a roadmap toward a contemporary approach to interpreting the Qur'an in spirit and in letter.