Comparative Study of the Key Terms of Biblical Exegesis and Islamic Tafsir

Abstract

This paper will comparatively analyze the Biblical Exegesis and the Islamic Tafsir, in terms of their respective interpretative methodologies and their theological bases. It will explore how the different frames help to explain the word in Christianity versus that of Islam. Both use terms like Hermeneutics, Exegesis, and Critical Analysis to describe God's meanings. The research study deals with major terms like Tafsir bil Ma'thur and Tafsir bil Ra'y in Islam, while corresponding to Hermeneutics in Christianity. Historical and contextual analysis also comes under its category, something as Asbab al-Nuzul of Islam and the Historical-Critical Method in Christianity. Results manifest very extreme differences between adaptability and stiffness in interpretation. More flexibility shows Christian Exegesis and Jewish Midrash, which has set all possibilities open for thematic and allegorical readings, whereas Islamic Tafsir is rather literal and still lodged within traditions. These findings have helped make deeper interpretations of the understanding of sacred texts, as well as foster interfaith dialogue, with both similarities and differences pertinent to Christian and Islamic approaches. More broadly speaking, such research has contributed to the field of comparative religion and theology in indicating areas in which the application of interpretive methods leads toward variations in religious practice, care regarding doctrinal consistency, and the implementation of ethical teachings in both religions.