Transformation and the Rationale for Quranic Sciences Research

Quranic sciences possess a unique distinction compared to other branches of Islamic scholarship: they have a collective identity (as a field of study) and are sometimes used as an adjective or a qualifier for other disciplines. Consequently, their scope and issues have been remarkably diverse and have undergone transformations throughout history. The central questions addressed in this study are: firstly, what transformations have occurred in the scope and topics of this field, and secondly, why have these transformations taken place? To answer these questions, works pertaining to Quranic sciences throughout the history of the Islamic world were collected to the greatest extent possible and analyzed using a historical-critical method. The findings indicate that diversity is inherent to this field, comprising a multifaceted nature where each facet corresponds to a specific discipline. Furthermore, its diversity and flexibility throughout history have been shaped by this very phenomenon; as in the broader history of Islamic scholarship, new disciplines have emerged or undergone changes in response to evolving questions and needs, directly impacting the scope and issues within Quranic sciences.