Structural and Epistemological Obstacles to a Moderate Qur’anic Interpretive Discourse: A Methodological Analysis

Abstract

The Holy Qur’an, as the primary source of Islamic belief, ethics, and legislation, necessitates interpretive engagement grounded in rigorous methodological principles established within the classical Islamic scholarly tradition. However, contemporary Qur’anic interpretation is increasingly marked by ideological intrusion, methodological fragmentation, and epistemic imbalance, resulting in interpretive deviations that undermine both textual integrity and intellectual coherence. This article examines the principal obstacles hindering the emergence of a moderate Qur’anic interpretive discourse, understood not as a compromise between extremes, but as a principled, methodologically disciplined approach rooted in authoritative exegetical foundations. Employing an inductive and descriptive-analytical methodology, the study traces the historical and intellectual origins of interpretive deviation across both classical and modern periods. It critically analyses the effects of selective engagement with the Qur’anic text, sectarian partisanship, excessive rationalism, unregulated scientific interpretation, secular and atheistic hermeneutics, semantic manipulation of Qur’anic terminology, disproportionate reliance on ambiguous verses, and uncritical incorporation of Isrā’īliyyāt narratives. The analysis demonstrates that interpretive deviation is not incidental, but rather emerges systematically when established exegetical principles such as Qur’an-by-Qur’an interpretation, Prophetic explanation, linguistic precision, contextual coherence, and jurisprudential methodology are neglected or subordinated to external ideological commitments. The study argues that a moderate Qur’anic interpretive discourse functions as an epistemological safeguard against distortion, extremism, and ideological exploitation of the sacred text. It further underscores that interpretive moderation is achieved through fidelity to the hermeneutical legacy of the early Muslim community, comprehensive engagement with the Qur’anic discourse, and a balanced integration of reason and revelation. The article concludes by offering methodological recommendations aimed at revitalising disciplined Qur’anic interpretation capable of addressing contemporary intellectual challenges while preserving the Qur’an’s semantic, theological, and civilisational integrity.