An outline of the recent western academic trends in the historical study of the Quran

Abstract

The Quran, being the nub of Muslim society, is a source of moral and religious inspiration for Muslims. However, the interest of the western scholar in the Quran has mainly been historical. They approach the Quran in the light of western modern methodological developments. The present paper intends to highlight the recent western academic approaches to the history of the Quran or in other words, the collection of the Quran. Through a descriptive study, the paper concludes that the approaches and findings of western scholars represent a paradox. Moreover, a brief critical analysis demonstrates a dearth of sound evidence in western discourses.