Book excerpt: Generation after generation of Muslim scholars have endeavoured to uncover the implications of the Qur’anic text through the science of Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir). This book traces the development of Qur’anic exegesis from its formative period in the first century hijri until the modern era. It offers a comprehensive discussion of the primary approaches to Qur’anic exegesis; namely, exegesis by traditions, literary exegesis, jurisprudential exegesis, theological exegesis, mystical exegesis, scientific exegesis, modern exegesis, and orientalist exegesis. It also discusses the requirements for an exegete and approaches to exegesis which are considered unacceptable, such as exegesis by personal opinion. This book is part of a series of translations from the Encyclopaedia of the World of Islam (EWI) which was originally compiled in Persian. Other entries from this encyclopaedia which are available in English include Hadith, Hawza-yi ‘Ilmiyya, History and Historiography, Muslim Organisations, Political Parties, Qur’anic Exegeses, and Sufism.