Authority and Interpretation in Qur’anic Studies: Re-examining Classical Tafsīr in Contemporary Islamic Scholarship

Abstract

The interpretation of the Qur’an has been a central concern of Islamic scholarship since the earliest period of Islamic history. Classical scholars developed a sophisticated discipline of tafsīr in order to explain the meanings, linguistic features, and legal implications of Qur’anic verses. Through methodologies based on the Qur’an itself, the Prophetic Sunnah, and the explanations of the Prophet’s companions, classical exegetes established a systematic framework for interpreting divine revelation. Their works formed the intellectual foundation of Qur’anic studies and played a crucial role in shaping Islamic theology, law, and moral thought. However, the modern period has introduced new intellectual and methodological challenges that have encouraged scholars to revisit and reassess classical tafsīr traditions within contemporary academic contexts.This study examines the authority and interpretation of the Qur’an by analyzing classical methodologies of tafsīr and their relevance in contemporary Islamic scholarship. Using a qualitative analytical approach based on library research and textual analysis, the article explores the theological foundations of Qur’anic authority, the interpretive methods employed by classical scholars, and the emergence of modern approaches to Qur’anic interpretation. Particular attention is given to historical, literary, and thematic methodologies that have developed in modern Qur’anic studies, as well as contemporary efforts to reinterpret classical tafsīr in response to modern intellectual and social challenges. The study argues that classical tafsīr remains an essential resource for understanding the Qur’an while contemporary interpretive approaches provide new perspectives that enrich Qur’anic scholarship. By integrating traditional exegetical methods with modern academic tools, contemporary scholars seek to preserve the authority of the Qur’an while addressing the evolving needs of Muslim societies. The article concludes that the interaction between classical and modern approaches demonstrates the dynamic and continuing development of Qur’anic studies within Islamic intellectual tradition.