Qu'ranic exegesis and thematic coherence : comparing the approaches of Amr Khalid and Amin Islahi.

This dissertation investigates how Amr Khālid, internationally renowned Muslim preacher, achieves thematic coherence in the Qur’ān. It then compares his approach to Amīn Iṣlāḥī (d. 1997), an exegete known for his Qur’ānic commentary, “Pondering Over the Qur’ān” (Tadabbur-e-Qur’ān). The research traces developments of thematic exegesis throughout history and explores concepts such as verse linkages, surah unity, surah pairs and surah groups. The findings highlight that both authors validate a level of coherence in the Qur’ān, albeit with minor methodological issues. They arrive at different Qur’ānic readings whilst applying similar thematic concepts, attributed largely to their differing applications of these concepts. Given Khālid’s global influence, this study underlines an increased popularisation of thematic commentary in a competing arena of exegetical approaches this century. This research area is enmeshed within a wider set of questions related to the interpretation of scripture and the central role the Qur’ān plays for Muslim reform in the modern world