Orientalist Qur’anic Studies

During the First Quarter of the 15th Century AH

Abdul-Razzāq Hirmās

Department of Islamic Studies, College of Arts, Ibn Zuhr University, Morocco

This paper took stock of Qur’anic studies in the West during a specific period of time which is close to us. To give a calculated scholarly view, the subject matter of research was divided into five sections. The first addressed what was circulated two decades ago that the field of Orientalism was on the wane, but it is argued here that Orientalism is still very much alive. What has changed is its techniques and methods despite the deterioration in the quality of output. The second concentrated on Orientalist writing activity and came to the conclusion that this activity is as vibrant as ever in terms of writing, editing old manuscripts and translating. The third section brings to light another dimension which underpins the strength of contemporary Orientalism with its mechanisms of striking international cooperation agreements making it possible to hold conferences and symposia anywhere in the world. The fourth section was dedicated to highlighting the pioneering role of the Germans in today’s Orientalist scene. The fifth and last section introduced four of the most significant figures of the modern Orientalist movement. Four people belonging to four different Western nationalities were cited as example. Many more could have been cited particularly among the German and French who are actively engaged in this field.

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