Al-Ghazali, Averroës and Interpretation of the Qur’an

This small but dense work is a reflection on the relationship between theology and other claims for knowledge, and asks whether all believers have access to the meaning of scripture. As a case study, it contrasts classic statements on the matter by two great names from medieval Islam, theologian and mystic, Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (d. 1111) and Averroës (Ibn Rushd, d. 1198), qadi and Aristotelian commentator of Cordoba. It then speculates regarding the implications of their approaches for the modern public sphere. The author, Avital Wohlman, is currently Head of Department of Philosophy and Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem where she has published a number of papers and books mostly on medieval Christian theologians. As alluded to by its title, the thesis of Wohlman’s book is that, regarding the interpretation of the Qur’an, Ghazali represents common sense, while Averroës insists that only trained philosophers may interpret the Qur’an. Ghazali is credited with an egalitarian position, advancing himself as a spiritual guide for Muslims. Averroës is characterized as a well-meaning elitist. The conclusion of the book stretches into the political and social ramifications of inclusive or exclusive guidelines for interpreting the Qur’an. Ghazali and Averroës are found to discourage public debate of Qur’anic meaning and thereby ‘squelch the desire to understand’ (p.108) and discourage dialogue. In our open, largely “atheist” society, silence of the public may turn to anger. The highlights of the book were chapters discussing Averroës’ arguments to harmonize Aristotle with Muslim scripture regarding the creation and intelligibility of the world. The presentation of Ghazali is flawed and the book is marred with a number of editorial mistakes.