Methodological Approaches in Qur’anic Studies: A Critique of Michael Cook’s Approach

Abstract

This critical study scrutinizes methods that scholars of the Qur'an apply to their research, with a specific emphasis on the major contributions of Michael Cook. The first part of this study starts with a survey of the historiography of Qur'an Studies particularly with the methodological approaches that have significantly contributed to the study of the Qur'an. The narration of prominent works in Qur'anic Studies covers the development of methodologies through the ages by analyzing the crucial contributions of various scholars in the field. Moreover, the study investigates the intellectual achievements of Michael Cook, looking into his conceptual framework and landmark discoveries. Through the application of highly evolved techniques such as text-linguistic analysis, textual exegesis, and comparative religious studies, it evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of Cook's method. It contrasts these with the strengths and weaknesses of alternative methodologies. With this inquiry, we advance the field of Qur'anic Studies by examining Cook's method and also pave the path for further research. This paper seeks to launch discourses on the methodology within the field. This study will encourage researchers to engage in profound and multidisciplinary studies exploring the Qur'an from varied approaches.