تفسیر القرآن میں تاریخی اور ثقافتی تناظر کا کردار

The Role of Historical and Cultural Context in Tafsir al-Qur’ān: An Analytical Study" Mishal Saddiqa

Abstract

The interpretation of the Qur’ān (tafsir) has never been a purely linguistic or theological exercise; it has always been deeply intertwined with the historical circumstances of revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl), the socio-cultural environment of seventh-century Arabia, and the evolving cultural realities of subsequent Muslim societies. This study critically examines the indispensable role played by historical and cultural contexts in both classical and contemporary Qur’ānic exegesis. It argues that a proper understanding of the occasions of revelation, pre-Islamic Arabian customs (ʿurf al-jāhiliyyah), linguistic conventions of the Quraysh, and the lived experiences of the first Muslim community is essential for avoiding literalism, anachronism, and misinterpretation of the sacred text.Drawing on seminal works of classical tafsir (such as al-Ṭabarī, al-Qurṭubī, al-Rāzī, Ibn Kathīr, and al-Suyūṭī) and modern contextual approaches (including those of Fazlur Rahman, Muhammad Arkoun, Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd, Abdullah Saeed, and Amina Wadud), the research demonstrates how historical-cultural awareness has shaped major interpretive methodologies: tafsir bi’l-maʾthūr, tafsir bi’l-raʾy, thematic tafsir, and socio-historical tafsir. Special attention is given to controversial issues such as the interpretation of gender-related verses, rulings on slavery, warfare, and interfaith relations, showing how neglect or overemphasis of historical context has led to markedly different conclusions across time and space.The study further explores the implications of cultural context for contemporary Muslim societies living in pluralistic, post-colonial, and digital environments. It contends that while the Qur’ān’s universal message transcends its original milieu, authentic and relevant interpretation in the 21st century demands a balanced integration of historical fidelity and contextual sensitivity. The paper concludes that responsible tafsir in the modern age must combine rigorous historical scholarship with an ethical awareness of present cultural realities, thereby enabling the Qur’ān to remain a living guide rather than a frozen relic.