Implications of Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd’s interpretations on women issues in the Al-Qur’an

Despite the agreement of tafseer scholars on the methods for interpreting the Qur’an, Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd proposed a modern method. He believes that the application of Hermeneutics is the best method for interpreting the Qur’an based on the need to interpret the Qur’an in accordance to historical context and contemporary culture. Thus, Abu Zayd’s method of tafseer has given birth to polemics in the Islamic world. The objectives of this article are identify the method used by Abu Zayd and to analyze the implications of the method on women’s issues. This is a qualitative study employing content analysis method. Works by Abu Zayd are analyzed to extract his method in interpreting. His interpretations are compared to the opinions of tafsir scholars. Results of this study indicate that Abu Zayd’s method of interpretation is relative and has given rise to harsh polemics in women related issues