Book: Philosophical Perspectives on Modern Qur'anic Exegesis
Chapter: 4: Symbolism
Blurb:
This chapter analyses hermeneutically which is the meaning of symbol (mathal) and in which sense God is the “highest symbol” of the universe. A number of Qur’anic “signs” or “verses” (ayat) are studied in order to point out that the hidden must be drawn out of secrecy and showed, “disclosed” in openness, and this is possible only through interpretation. Muhammad and the Kaaba are chosen as particularly meaningful symbols of creed.