Tafsir Studies and the Conundrum of Normativity

Abstract Tafsir studies, due to its focus on reception history and tradition rather than the origins of Islam, may be a locus fruitful cooperation between new field Islamic theology ‘regular’ studies that transcends problematic dichotomy insider/outsider perspectives. Redefining normativity as negotiating future Islam’s discursive tradition, arguably shared concern theologians Islamicists, although their motivations differ, way further neutralise conundrum in studies. I argue ‘historically sociologically informed normativity’ is forward for theology, will make relevant beyond own disciplinary boundaries.