The Qur’anic Context and Purpose-Oriented Interpretation: A Study of Ibn ʿĀshūr’s Views

Abstract

This research aims to demonstrate the impact of Qur’anic context on purpose-oriented (maqāsid) interpretation of the Qur’an according to Ibn ʿĀshūr. It does so by examining the Qur’anic context through its coherent elements that are directly connected to the purpose-oriented interpretive methodology, considering it as a semantic weighting factor that leads to uncovering Qur’anic objectives and broadens their applicability in different contexts. The study also investigates the significance of Qur’anic context and its various types, which are closely related to serving purpose-oriented interpretation. The researchers relied on the inductive method to present evidences and indications from Ibn ʿĀshūr regarding context and objectives, followed by the analytical method to highlight the relationships and the effect of context in serving purpose-oriented interpretation.