Semantic Network of the Qur’ānic Themes Introduction of Six New Approaches in Thematic Interpretation of the Holy Qur’ān

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Abstract

Method of thematic interpretation is one of the modern and efficient methods in Qur’ānic Studies. With the help of thematic interpretation, the Qur’ānic knowledge (ma‘ārif) can be presented in a systematic way and compatible with numerous requirements and issues of any era and thereby practical answers and approaches can be received from the Qur’ān. Intrinsic capabilities of the thematic interpretation have prompted the researchers to think of new approaches to the thematic interpretation. In this article, besides the current thematic interpretation approach, other approaches of thematic interpretation, such as thematic interpretation in terms of Revelation, thematic interpretation according to the order of the Muṣḥaf, thematic interpretation based on the structure of the sūra, thematic interpretation by the scriptural (muṣḥafī)-structural style, and thematic interpretation by the revelatory (nuzūlī)-structural style, are also dealt with and the fundamentals, rules, and principles of each one is reported along with an example.
Given that different styles of thematic interpretation each examines the Qur’ān's viewpoint concerning a single theme, none of them presents a thorough and comprehensive view of the Qur’ān's model in analyzing and examining that theme. In conclusion, it is suggested to outline the semantic network of the Qur’ānic themes in order to achieve a comprehensive method, using the capabilities of different styles.