An Anthropology of the Quran - 9781032052885

Taylor & Francis

This book presents an anthropological study of the Qur\u2019an, offering an unprecedented challenge to some of the epistemological and metaphysical assumptions of the taw\u1E25\u012Bdic discourses. Combining primary textual materials and anthropological analysis, this book examines transcendence as a core principle of the Qur\u2019an, uniquely signified in the divine name al-Qudd\u016Bs (the Holy). It shows how the taw\u1E25\u012Bdic representations of Allah constitute an inversion of this attribute; examines how this inversion has been conceived, authorized, and maintained; and demonstrates how it has affected Islamic thinking and practices, especially as relates to authority. This book also explores how a return to the Qur\u2019anic primacy of God\u2019s otherness as al-Qudd\u016Bs can influence Islamic thinking and practices moving forward. Therefore, it will be highly useful to scholars of Islamic Studies, philosophical theology, Qur\u2019anic studies, political science, ethics, .