The enduring relevance of the Qur’an lies not only in its preservation, but also in our ability to view it with fresh eyes – where tradition provides insight and new methods illuminate the path to a deeper understanding.
The Qurʾān – Bridging Tradition and Modernity in Search of Understanding Symposium 2025
This international symposium invites academics, researchers and students to engage in an in-depth academic examination of the changing landscape of Qur’anic exegesis. Jointly organised by the Karlsruhe University of Education and the University of Vienna, the event offers a dynamic space to explore how classical approaches to the Qur’an can be reimagined in the face of the intellectual, social and ethical challenges of the modern world. Moving beyond traditional exegetical paradigms, this symposium brings together diverse perspectives, methods and cultural contexts to jointly seek a new understanding.
From hermeneutical innovations rooted in literary theory, linguistics and the historical-critical method, to the influence of modern rationalism, science and socio-political realities, the symposium offers a platform for critical reflection on how the Qur’an still speaks to our present day – powerfully and meaningfully.
Panel overview
- Linguistic Approaches to the Qur’an
Language and Meaning in the Qur’an: Focuses on literary, rhetorical and semantic analyses of the Qur’anic text. - Paradigmatic Approaches to the Qur’an
Modern Perspectives: Science, Society and Gender: Examines how scientific, social and feminist frameworks shape contemporary Qur’anic exegesis. - Deductive Approaches to the Qur’an
Themes and Concepts in Qur’anic Interpretation: Examines thematic and purpose-driven readings that derive broader meanings from specific verses. - Historical and comparative approaches
Context and comparison in Qur’anic interpretation: Examines how the Qur’an has been interpreted over time and across different traditions, including historical and interreligious perspectives.
In an age of rapid change, the quest to understand the Qur’an is not merely an academic endeavour, but an important task aimed at reconciling this timeless revelation with the complexities of modern life and ensuring that its guiding principles remain relevant across cultures and generations.
Programme and poster
Background and relevance
Since the 19th century, the interpretation of the Qur’an has been characterised by a productive tension between respect for tradition and the need to engage with modern thought. Theologians and scholars around the world have grappled with the question of how to honour the deep roots of Qur’anic exegesis whilst responding to rapidly changing social realities – from the rise of scholarly paradigms to issues of justice, gender and pluralism.
This symposium is a response to this intellectual urgency. It aims not only to document the scholarly discourse on Qur’anic hermeneutics, but also to advance it by highlighting contemporary methods that are both critically rigorous and socially engaged. With contributions from around the world, it will shed light on the possibilities for interpreting the Qur’an in our time – across languages, cultures and epistemologies.
Date and venue
9–10 December 2025
Online participation is possible.
Further information
Organisers
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B222
Phone
Availability
During term time: Mondays from 10.00 am to 11.00 am and Tuesdays from 12.00 noon to 2.00 pm by prior arrangement.
Organisation
University of Vienna
Room
EG003
Phone
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Updated on 2 October 2026 by Central Web Editorial Office