The Author

Abdulla Galadari is Assistant Professor at the Masdar Institute in the United Arab Emirates. He is also a Research Fellow at Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education in Scotland, UK.

Dr Galadari was appointed as an Honorary Non-Resident Fellow in January 2014 for a period of three years. Dr Galadari is Assistant Professor of Engineering Systems and Management at Masdar Institute, UAE. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering as well as a PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies (Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education). In the field of Islamic studies, his main research is in intertextual polysemy in scriptural hermeneutics and comparative religion. In the methods of interpretation, he looks into intertextualities between the Qur’an and itself as well as between the Qur’an and the Bible. Abdulla is also active in interfaith work and writes on interfaith issues. He is currently working on two book projects: “Intertextual Polysemy in Qur’anic Hermeneutics,” which discusses a new methodology of Qur’anic interpretation that takes the middle way between literalism and mysticism; and “The Hajj Rituals: A Guide to the Pilgrim,” which discusses the inner meanings of the Hajj rituals using extensive intertextual polysemy between the Bible and the Qur’an to unravel the symbolism of the rituals. Abdulla is also an author to various articles and book chapters. He has presented his research in various conferences and seminars around the world. In his spare time, Abdulla enjoys travelling around the world and learning about various cultures and religions. In other words, he is passionate about his work in that it is not different than his hobbies. (Source: http://www.almcollege.org.uk/about-the-college/our-staff/academic-staff/dr-abdulla-galadari/)

Presentation

This book outlines a new and innovative method of Qur’anic exegesis called intertextual polysemy. By interweaving science, history, and religious studies, it provides a linguistic approach which draws on neuropsychology.

Abdulla Galadari argues for the importance of understanding the polysemous nature of the words in the Qur’an. The book discusses examples of intertextual polysemy from Qur’anic and Arabic perspectives, the relationship between the Qur’an and the Bible, examples of intertextual polysemy between the Qur’an and the Bible, and finally examples of allegorical interpretation.

This book shows how new creative insights are now possible, including arguing that the Qur’an did not come to denounce the Gospel, but only interpret it in its own words – one of the stumbling blocks between Islam and Christianity.

Content

Preface
Acknowledgements
Notes on Transliteration
1. Introduction
2. Interpretation according to the Qur’an
3. Examples of Intertextual Polysemy from Qur’anic and Arabic Perspectives
4. The Relationship between the Qur’an and the Bible
5. Examples of Intertextual Polysemy between the Qur’an and the Bible
6. Allegorical Interpretation
7. Conclusion
8. Bibliography
Notes
Index