The Qur’an and The Orientalist: An examination of their main theories and assumptions

Muhammad Mohar Ali

Paperback, 384 Pages, Black & White
6.69 x 9.61 Inches
Qadeem Press

In “The Qur’ân and the Orientalists: An Examination of Their Main Theories and Assumptions,” Muhammad Mohar Ali presents a meticulous critique of Western scholarly interpretations of the Qur’an, offering a compelling Islamic perspective that challenges prevailing Orientalist views. This scholarly work delves deep into the methodologies and assumptions of Orientalist scholars, scrutinizing their approaches to the Qur’an and providing alternative insights rooted in Islamic tradition.

Ali’s journey into this exploration began with a profound realization of how Orientalist narratives often cast shadows on the Qur’an, reflecting biases that obscure its true essence. Drawing from his extensive research and prior writings, Ali consolidates his findings into a comprehensive examination divided into three parts.

Part I addresses allegations regarding the authorship of the Qur’an attributed to Prophet Muhammad, scrutinizing claims of ambition, literary influences, and alleged borrowings from Judeo-Christian sources. Ali systematically dismantles these assumptions, highlighting inconsistencies and biases inherent in Orientalist scholarship.

Part II delves into Orientalist perspectives on the Qur’anic revelation (wahy), dissecting theories proposed by notable scholars like Muir, Margoliouth, Bell, and Watt. Ali meticulously examines their assertions, revealing flaws and offering counterarguments grounded in Islamic theological discourse.

Part III explores Orientalist theories concerning the history and textual integrity of the Qur’an, from Nöldeke’s foundational assumptions to contemporary revisionist perspectives. Ali critically evaluates these theories, highlighting their implications for understanding the Qur’an’s linguistic nuances and textual transmission.

Throughout the book, Ali maintains a rigorous scholarly approach, engaging with primary texts, linguistic studies, and theological debates to substantiate his critiques. His work is not merely reactive but proactive, aiming to provide a balanced Islamic perspective that enriches scholarly discourse and fosters deeper intercultural understanding.

“The Qur’ân and the Orientalists” is not just a scholarly critique; it is a testament to Ali’s dedication to elucidating the Qur’an’s meanings and defending its integrity against Western academic scrutiny. It stands as an essential resource for students, scholars, and anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of Qur’anic interpretation from both Western and Islamic perspectives.

This book is a timely contribution to ongoing dialogues on Islam and Orientalism, inviting readers to reconsider entrenched perceptions and engage in a more nuanced understanding of the Qur’an’s role in Islamic theology and global intellectual discourse. Ali’s meticulous analysis and profound insights make this work indispensable for anyone interested in the intersection of Western and Islamic intellectual traditions.

“The Qur’ân and the Orientalists” promises not just an examination of theories but a journey toward deeper appreciation and comprehension of one of the world’s most revered scriptures, from a perspective deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship and tradition.

Table of Contents

PART I: On The Alleged Authorship of Muhammad (P.B.H)

Chapter I: The Allegation of Ambition and Preparation for Giving Out the Qur’an

Ambition in general

The alleged cultivation of poetical skill

The Question of literacy: Watt’s theory

II: The Alleged Borrowing from Judeo-Christian Sources

Summary of assumptions

Environmental influence

Contact with Judaeo-Christian experts

Qur’anic evidence about informants

Growth in Biblical accuracy

Differences in Qur’anic and Biblical accounts

III: The Alleged Contemporary Errors in the Qur’an

Mistakes about Judaism and Christianity

Alleged scientific errors

PART II: The Orientalists on the Qur’anic Wahy

IV: The Views of Muir and Margoliouth

Muir’s assumptions

Margoliouth’s assumptions

Vision of God

V: The Views of Richard Bell

Bell’s assumptions

Traditions about wahy

Pre-Qur’ân deliverances

Concept of Wahy

VI: Watt’s Treatment of Al-Zuhri’s Report on The Coming of Wahy

Segmentation of al-Zuhri’s report

Muhammad’s visions

The visit to Hira’

Encouragement from Khadijah and Warqah

VII: Watt’s Theory of Intellectual Locution

Poulain’s theory

Watt’s application

PART III: The Orientalists on the History and Text of The Qur’an

VIII: Theodore Nöldeke’s Assumptions

Basic facts and examination

IX: Inflation of Nöldeke’s Assumptions

Arthur Jeffery’s materials

Bell-Watt theories

John Burton’s collection of the Qur’an

X: Revisionism at Its Climax

J. Wansborough’s fallacies

Yahuda D. Nevo et al

The Şan’a’ find

XI: On the Text of the Qur’an: Language and Style

Nöldeke’s views

Bell-Watt extension to Nöldeke’s assumptions

XII: The So-Called Foreign Vocabulary and Copyist’s Errors

Orientalists’ fiction of foreign vocabulary

Arthur Jeffery’s foreign vocabulary

Theories of copyist’s errors

XIII: The Orientalists’ Translations of the Qur’an

Early translations

Ludovicco Maracci, Sale, Rodwell, Palmer, Bell, and Arberry

XIV: Conclusion

Select Bibliography

Index