The Contextualist Exegetical Theory of the Qur an: Problems and Solutions

Contextualism is a semantic theory according to which intra- and extra-linguistic contexts play a role in processes of producing and understanding the meaning, as opposed to conventionalism or core-oriented dualism. This view is surrounded with worries when it comes to the Quranic exegesis, since it approaches the exegesis with intentions in the context of the time of Quranic Revelation, the views of ethnicists, and intentions of the time of the exegete, culminating in an audience-oriented view. In my view, problems raised against contextualism are rooted in its misinterpretations by both its proponents and critics. Thus, I set aside various formalist, pragmatist, behavioristic, conceptualist, and semantic versions of the view, espousing instead a hermeneutic version of contextualism which provides a philosophical account of the intersubjective nature of linguistic understanding, arguing for normative fluidity of Quranic meanings by relying upon distinct contextualist features of the Qur’an. In this way, we can reply to objections such as non-objectivity of contextual meanings, the fluidity of contextual meanings, and culturalism about contextual meanings. Contextualism can result in changes within methods and maxims governing the exegesis of a text, changes in one’s view of the text, and meaning and elements affecting one’s understanding.