Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd’s Linguistic and Contextualist Approach to Revelation and the Qur’an

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 26 March 2025 In the realm of Qur’anic studies, few scholars have dared to challenge traditional paradigms as profoundly as Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd. His ground-breaking linguistic approach to revelation repositions the Qur'an not merely as a divine text but as a complex interplay of language, culture, and historical context. By highlighting the Qur’an’s communicative nature, Abu Zayd invites readers to reconsider the notions of prophecy and revelation, highlighting the human element in the articulation of divine messages. His work transcends the boundaries of metaphysical interpretations, offering a fresh perspective that situates the sacred text within the rich tapestry of pre-Islamic Arab society and contemporary literary theory. (Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd/From Files) Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd, is a contemporary scholar who significantly challenges traditional understandings of Qur’an as revelation with his unique perspective on revelation. Abu Zayd moves away from purely metaphysical interpretations of revelation by emphasising its linguistic and communicative nature. He posits that the Qur’an is not a verbatim dictation but rather the result of a dynamic interaction between the divine and the Muhammad’ s consciousness, articulated in the Arabic language of his time. This perspective highlights the human element in the articulation of the divine message, without diminishing its sacred origin. A key aspect of Abu Zayd’s understanding of revelation is his comparison of prophecy with poetry and soothsaying. He argues that this comparison does not detract from the divine nature of revelation but rather situates it within the epistemological and cultural context of pre-Islamic Arab society, where communication with the supernatural realm was an accepted concept. By drawing parallels with familiar forms of inspired speech, Abu Zayd aims to show that revelation, while unique, was not a complete rupture with the past. Abu Zayd stresses that the Qur’an should be understood as a ‘text’ situated within its specific historical, social, and cultural context. This contextual approach is central to his hermeneutics. He argues that understanding the circumstances surrounding the revelation of specific verses is crucial for grasping their intended meaning and distinguishing between the historical and temporal aspects and the universal principles embedded within the text. This allows for a more nuanced interpretation that moves beyond literal and decontextualized readings. Furthermore, Abu Zayd makes a crucial distinction between the absolute Word of God and the Qur’an. He suggests that the Qur’an is a manifestation of the Word of God in the Arabic language, implying that there can be other manifestations of the divine word. This idea opens up the possibility of recognising the validity of other scriptures as expressions of divine communication. Abu Zayd’s hermeneutic approach is heavily influenced by modern literary theory and linguistic analysis. He emphasises the polysemic nature of language and the role of the interpreter in constructing meaning. Drawing on concepts from structuralism and semiotics, Abu Zayd views the Qur’an as a complex linguistic system with its own internal coherence and external relations to its historical context. He was notably influenced by the work of Hasan Hanafi and literary theorists like Yuri Lotman. The significance of Abu Zayd’s approach lies in its systematic application of linguistic and literary analysis to the interpretation of the Qur’an, combined with a strong emphasis on historical context. This methodology provides a framework for potentially reconciling the divine origin of the Qur’an with its human articulation and historical situatedness. By highlighting the communicative nature of revelation and the role of the Muhammad as an active participant in the process of conveying the divine message in a specific linguistic and cultural context, Abu Zayd opens up new avenues for understanding and interpreting the sacred text in ways that are relevant to the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. His work underscores the idea that interpreting the Qur’an is an ongoing process that requires critical engagement with the text and its historical context, rather than a mere adherence to static, traditional interpretations. Abu Zayd’s innovative approach serves as a vital bridge between the divine and human dimensions of the Qur’an, advocating for a dynamic interpretation that honours both its sacred origins and its historical context. By distinguishing between the absolute Word of God and its manifestations, he paves the way for a broader understanding of divine communication, acknowledging the validity of diverse expressions of spirituality. His emphasis on the ongoing, critical engagement with the Qur’an challenges static interpretations, urging contemporary scholars and believers alike to explore the text with an eye toward its relevance in today's world. In doing so, Abu Zayd’s work not only enriches the discourse on the Qur'an but also affirms the importance of context and interpretation in the quest for understanding sacred texts. … A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are (co-edited) - Shame, Modesty, and Honour in Islam and Interfaith Engagement beyond the Divide (Springer) URL: https://www.newageislam.com/ijtihad-rethinking-islam/abu-zayd-linguistic-contextualist-approach-quran/d/134982 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism