Exegesis of the Qur'ān : Classical and Medieval

This article must be read in relation with: Gilliot, "Traditional disciplines of Qur'anic studies", EQ, V (2006), p. 318-339, and with Id., Kontinuität und Wandel in der " klassischen " islamischen Koranauslegung (II./VIII.-XII./XIX. Jh.) ", Der Islam, 85 (2010), p. 1-155.Great divisions of this article: 1) Etymology and significance of the Arabic words "tafsir", "ta'wil" and related terms. 2) Legitimization of qur'anic exegesis by the Muslim scholars. 3) The formative period. 4) An intermediary and decisive stage: the introduction of grammar and linguistic sciences. 5) Constitutive Sunni corpora based upon traditions and later development. 6) Special legal exegesis. 7) The exegesis of the dialectical/speculative theologians. 8) Mystical exegesis