Thematic Approach to Understanding the Qur’an: A Critical Study فہم قرآن کا موضوعی منہج:انتقادی مطالعہ

الملخص

Tafsir al-Mawḍūʿī methodology in the exegesis of the al-Qurʾān al-Karīm has been formally recognized as an independent scholarly approach since the mid-twentieth century, when comprehensive works began to be produced in this field. However, its foundational concepts can be traced back to the earliest periods of Qur’anic revelation. During the Prophetic era, the historical context of revelation reflects a form of thematic interpretation, wherein verses were revealed in response to specific circumstances, events, and questions, and were explained by the Prophet himself. This process clarified the Qur’anic perspective on various aspects of human life, including beliefs, worship, and social dealings. Moreover, the practice of collecting verses from different parts of the Qur’an on a single theme for better understanding has existed since the time of the Prophet and his Companions. The adoption of a thematic approach for understanding the Divine text is also evident in the sayings of the Prophet, the interpretations of the Companions, and the exegetical traditions of the early righteous scholars.