Systematic Critique of "Madigan" Theory of "al-Kitab" in the Qur'an

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In his book, "The Qur'an's Images of Itself," Daniel Madigan presents a special theory about the meaning of "al-Kitab" in the Qur'an, based on Toshihiko Izutsu's semantic approach. This theory rejects the conventional meaning of "al-Kitab", restricting it to the meaning of divine knowledge and will.

This theory has not received the critical attention it deserves from academic circles in the West or the Islamic world. It has been widely accepted by many, and has become a foundational basis for other theories concerning the interpretation of Qur'anic subjects. This article examines the efforts made by Madigan in this context, drawing on Toshihiko Izutsu’s theory of semantics. It aims at concluding that, upon evaluating Madigan’s work, his research cannot be regarded as a faithful application of Izutsu’s methodology. 

Therefore, the results of his analyses should be approached with skepticism. Madigan’s approach, both in terms of method and style, as well as his use of sources, differs significantly from that of Izutsu—making it difficult to consider his conclusions as grounded in Izutsu’s semantic framework.

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