Aspects of Qur'anic exegetical concept of self and human nature past and present

This thesis explores paradigms of the Qur'anic concept of 'self and 'human nature' in the ontological and hermeneutic works of selected contemporary and medieval writers and in the Islamic thought. Among the main themes of the thesis are: (i) the contrast between the humanitarian values projected in the Qur'an and the enigmatic interpretation of the Qur'an which tends to vitiate these values; (ii) the contrast between the respect for human life and human dignity, commensurate with human disposition recognised by Islam, and the radicalised ideology; (iii) the contrast between the code of living devised by Islam at the individual and social levels and the parochial juristic–political outlook. The thesis investigates the distortions concerning the Islamic concepts of Jihad, democracy and tolerance of other faiths. It traces the historic roots of the insurgent groups, evolving into violent extremism, which threatens in modem world the global security through indiscriminate bloodshed and terrorism in the name of Jihad. The treatment of women in Muslim societies has attracted in recent years a barrage of criticism against Islam. This is examined from the exegetical and extra-exegetical sources. The thesis probes into the conflict between the Muslim rationalists and the traditionalists and between the philosophers and the traditionalists on the controversy over emanation and responsibility for human actions. This research is topical in the wake of the 9/11 and 7/7 catastrophes and in the light of the dilemma facing the Muslims in the West. The juristic dictum over the qualification of religio-political leadership of the community and the implementation of the Shari'ah are investigated; and the attitude in the West in fomenting extremism among Muslims is explored. This research, for the first time in a Western University, examines two major Qur'anic exegeses, and correlates these writings to the exceptional, contemporary, burning issues of the day.