Qur’an Commentary and the Biblical Turn: A History of Muslim Exegetical Engagement with the Biblical Text

by Samuel Ross

The Qur’an and the Bible have been called "intertwined scriptures" due to the Qur’an’s frequent invocation of biblical narratives and figures. But what is the history of Muslims’ exegetical engagement with the biblical text? Through a comprehensive survey of more than 170 Qur’an commentaries, Samuel Ross traces the longitudinal history of the Bible in tafs?r. Offering detailed case studies and rich in historical context, Ross’s narrative culminates in the remarkable late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century biblical turn. Global in scope, this development has not only generated new Muslim views of the Bible but even new interpretations of the Qur’an itself. This monograph has been awarded the annual BRAIS – De Gruyter Prize in the Study of Islam and the Muslim World.

294 pages, Hardcover

First published February 19, 2024

Reviews

[Rainecko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Israiliate had always piqued my interest, but having delved into Dr.Ross’s exploration of how Tafsirs incorporated it and more specifically, the Bible, it opened my eyes to the wide ranging methods of understanding Tafsirs in a completely new light.

Dr. Ross implements thorough research, historical facts, and his own personal zeal on the topic to write a book that fills a massive gap in regards to the history of Tafsir and how Mufassir’s write about them.

Upon longer reflection and more outside study, this book will no doubt serve as a crucial reference point on the subject, and even now, I thoroughly benefitted and enjoyed it.