تفسیر قرآن سے متعلق مستشرقین کے اشکالات ، معاصر چیلنجز اور حل (گورڈن ڈی نکل کی کتاب دی قرآن ود کرسچن کمنٹری کے تناظر میں منتخب آیات کا مطالعہ ) ORIENTALIST’S DOUBTS ABOUT QUR'ANIC TAFSIR, CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS (A STUDY OF SELECTED VE

Abstract

Orientalism is basically an academic movement that discusses the different nations of the East, but its main target is Islam and its scholarly sources, the most important of which is the last Book of Allah, the Qur'an. For centuries, Orientalists have engaged in a practice of criticizing various aspects of the Qur'an, a trend that persists today. These criticisms target different aspects of the Qur'an's i.e. its compilation, eloquence, and claims of divine origin etc. Gordon D. Nickel stands out as a prominent figure who has questioned interpretations of specific verses, including the opening verse of Surah Al-Baqara ذالک الکتاب, (This is the Book, AlBaqrah:2 ), the verse concerning Dhul-Qarnayn in Surah Al-Kahf یسئلونک عن ذی القرنین (They ask you about Dhul Qarnayn, AlKahf:83 ) and a verse from Surah Maryam وان منکم الا واردھا کان علیٰ ربک حتما مقضیا ( There is not one of you who is not coming to it, Al.Maryam:71).

Nickel argues that some Muslim commentators interpret the first verse as a reference to the Torah, identify Dhul-Qarnayn as Alexander the Great (356BC-323BC), and understand the third verse to mean that all of humanity will initially enter Hell. These interpretations contradict mainstream Muslim understanding, but its hints are found in the writings of some Muslim commentators. The existence of such interpretations within the Muslim tradition presents a significant challenge for Muslims and provides ammunition for Orientalist critiques. Addressing this issue is a primary responsibility for Muslim scholars. A solution requires identifying and isolating these problematic interpretations, clarifying authentic perspectives, and presenting factual information to counter Orientalist arguments. This necessitates scholars equipped with both classical and modern knowledge, a deep understanding of Qur'anic exegesis, and familiarity with the methods and approaches of Orientalists. Given the increased accessibility of information and ongoing attempts to sow doubt about Islam, finding a resolution is crucial for addressing concerns and providing clarity regarding Islam and its foundational texts. This paper aims to offer a potential solution to this complex issue.