In the weekly sessions, selected passages from aṭ-Ṭabarī's exegetical work (tafsīr) are read in the original Arabic text, translated together and subjected to a detailed exegetical analysis. Particular attention will be paid to the isrāʾīliyyāt traditions, which will provide an intertextual focus. We will analyse the references to Jewish and Christian sources, both canonical and apocryphal works, to which the isrāʾīliyyāt traditions refer. This will allow us to fully understand the intertextual references and the influences of other religious traditions on Muslim exegesis.

The focus is on the precise interpretation of the linguistic subtleties and theological implications of the text in order to promote a sound understanding of traditional Islamic exegesis. This extra-curricular programme offers a unique opportunity to systematically and continuously engage with one of the central works of Islamic scholarship. Participants have the opportunity to engage intensively with the classical methods of tafsīr literature and discuss their relevance for the interpretation of specific passages.

The sessions take place weekly, always on Wednesdays at 6 pm, in a hybrid format that allows both on-site and online participation. Interested parties are cordially invited to participate in this academic discourse and explore the exegetical contributions of aṭ-Ṭabarī in their full depth and complexity.

The sessions are led by Bego Hasanovic, MA and Assistant Professor Dr Tuğrul Kurt. Even those who speak little or no Arabic are welcome to take part, as the texts will be translated and discussed together. If you are interested, please contact us at tugrul.kurt@univie.ac.at.

Venue: Hörsaal 2, 5th floor, Schenkenstraße 8-10, 1010 Vienna

Zoom-Link: https://univienna.zoom.us/j/69832051600?pwd=VEzwjpYcbkkGM081dCkRqPnNVxBpOs.1
Meeting-ID: 698 3205 1600
Kenncode: 123456789