Ulum al-Qur'an
Understand the Qur'an more deeply. Study the scholarly disciplines surrounding the Book of Allah.
Level
Intermediate
Duration
6–10 months
Format
One-to-one · Online
Students
211+
£40/mo
One-to-one · Online · Flexible schedule
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The Qur'an is not only recited — it is studied. The Sciences of the Qur'an (Ulum al-Qur'an) encompass the scholarly disciplines that illuminate the context, composition, preservation, and proper interpretation of the Qur'an. This course covers the history of revelation, the compilation of the Mushaf, the methodology of Tafsir, abrogation, and more. It is an essential foundation for anyone wishing to study Tafsir or Islamic theology at a deeper level, and is suitable for students with basic Arabic reading ability and a general grounding in Islamic knowledge.
The manner, stages, and wisdom behind the gradual revelation of the Qur'an over 23 years. The first and last verses revealed, and the significance of the Meccan and Medinan periods.
The circumstances and events that prompted specific verses to be sent down. How understanding context clarifies meaning and resolves apparent tension between verses.
The distinction between verses revealed before and after the Hijra, their respective characteristics, and why this distinction matters for correct interpretation.
How the Qur'an was preserved during the Prophet's lifetime, compiled under Abu Bakr, and standardised under Uthman ibn Affan — and how this confirms its perfect preservation.
The concept of abrogation — which verses supersede others, the conditions required for a valid claim of naskh, and the scholarly discussion around it.
The linguistic, prophetic, and other dimensions of the Qur'an's inimitability — the challenge to produce its like, and why that challenge has never been met.
The different schools of Tafsir, the conditions for a sound interpretation, and an introduction to the major classical commentaries and how to use them.