Al-Ghazali and the Qur'an: One book, many meanings is the first work to focus entirely on the Qur’anic interpretation of Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali (1058–1111), a towering figure of Sunni Islam. Martin Whittingham explores both Al-Ghazali’s hermeneutical methods and his interpretations of particular Qur’anic texts, and covers Al-Ghazali’s mystical, legal and theological concerns. The book is divided into two parts. Part I examines Al-Ghazali’s legal and Sufi theoretical discussions. Part II asks how these theories relate to his practice, analysing the only three of Al-Ghazali’s works which are centrally concerned with interpreting particular Qur’anic passages: JawƗhir al-Qur’Ɨn (The Jewels of the Qur’an), al-mustaqim (The Correct Balance) and MishkƗt al-anwƗr (The Niche for Lights). The book sets out systematically the nature of Al-Ghazali’s dependence in Mishkat al-anwƗr on Ibn SƯnƗ (Avicenna). In addition, it illuminates the complex interactions of Al-Ghazali’s mystical, legal and theological concerns. Tables are used to make as clear as possible Al-Ghazali’s schemes of interpretation. Providing a new point of access to the works of Al-Ghazali, this book will be welcomed by scholars and students of Islamic studies, religious studies, hermeneutics and anyone interested in how Muslims understand the Qur’an.
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