Focus and Scope

Mufassir: Journal of Qur’anic Exegesis and Studies

Mufassir: Journal of Qur’anic Exegesis and Studies focuses on multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, critical, and contextual approaches to Qur’anic interpretation and studies. Its scope includes classical, modern, and contemporary studies utilizing diverse methodologies—philological, historical, sociological, philosophical, thematic, and integrative cross-disciplinary approaches.

The journal encourages the exploration of meanings, methodologies, and the development of Qur’anic exegesis (tafsīr) through literature-based research, case studies, and the study of living Qur’an practices in society. It also serves as a scholarly forum for dialogue among researchers, academics, and professionals in the field of Qur’anic interpretation, with particular attention to educational, social, and cultural issues rooted in Qur’anic values. Studies of tafsīr manuscripts, exegetical thought, and the dynamics of thematic and contemporary interpretation are also among its main areas of concern.

Scope

The main scope of this journal includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

1. Tafsīr and Methodology of Interpretation

This cluster covers the study of tafsīr traditions from classical to contemporary periods, thematic and maqāṣidī approaches, as well as hermeneutical methods in understanding the Qur’an. The journal welcomes critical exploration of various interpretive methods, styles, and epistemologies from different schools and eras.

Subtopics:

  • Classical, modern, and contemporary tafsīr
  • Thematic and contextual tafsīr
  • Maqāṣidī and mawḍūʿī tafsīr
  • Methodology and epistemology of tafsīr
  • Tafsīr criticism and comparative studies
  • Qur’anic hermeneutics

2. Qur’anic Sciences and Linguistic Studies

This cluster highlights scholarly inquiries related to the structure, linguistic style, and auxiliary sciences of the Qur’an. The primary focus includes linguistics, balāghah (rhetoric), qirā’āt (variant readings), compilation history, and foundational concepts in ʿUlūm al-Qur’ān.

Subtopics:

  • ʿUlūm al-Qur’ān
  • ʿIlm al-Qirā’āt
  • Qur’anic rhetoric (balāghah) and semantics
  • Qur’anic linguistic studies
  • History of the muṣḥaf and Qur’anic compilation

3. Living Qur’an and Socio-Cultural Contexts

This cluster encompasses studies on the continuing presence and practice of the Qur’an in Muslim life across cultural settings. Included are works on local interpretations, religious practices, and community responses to Qur’anic verses.

Subtopics:

  • Living Qur’an studies
  • Local and Nusantara tafsīr traditions
  • The Qur’an in culture and society
  • Local traditions and the Qur’an
  • Qur’an-based socio-religious practices

4. Manuscript Studies and the Intellectual History of Tafsīr

This cluster focuses on research into classical tafsīr manuscripts, philological studies, as well as the biographies and intellectual networks of exegetes. It emphasizes the significance of Islamic intellectual heritage and tafsīr historiography in understanding the evolution of Islamic thought.

Subtopics:

  • Tafsīr manuscript and philological studies
  • Nusantara tafsīr manuscripts
  • Biographies of mufassirūn (exegetes)
  • Intellectual networks in tafsīr
  • History of Qur’anic interpretation

5. Interdisciplinary Tafsīr and Digitalization

This cluster invites contributions employing new and interdisciplinary approaches that relate tafsīr to contemporary issues such as environment, gender, education, digital technology, and social media. Through such approaches, the Qur’an is examined in light of its relevance to the challenges of modern times.

Subtopics:

  • Digital tafsīr and social media
  • Interdisciplinary tafsīr studies
  • Qur’anic interpretation on science, ecofeminism, and the environment
  • Qur’anic education and tarbawī verses
  • The Qur’an and technology