Approaches to the Qur'an

Since 1970 research in industrial geography has expanded significantly and the subjectarea now displays considerable diversity. Traditional approaches to industrial locationthrough descriptive monitoring have been complemented by applied studies of policy andplanning; by developments in theory in which neo-classical formulations have beenchallenged by behavioural and structuralist perspectives; and by increasing attention onthe Third World and the operation of multinational corporations as part of a worldeconomy. Links between national economic change and local trends, and the spatialinfluences of multiplant organisations, particularly in the context of regional economicdevelopment, have emerged as important issues within the OCygeography of enterpriseOCOapproach. Components of change analyses continue to provide a link between aggregateanalyses and studies of individual firms, with particular attention focused on plantclosures and redundancies. Related themes of contemporary concern include thephenomena of urban industrial decline and rural industrialisation, while the broadeningperspective of modern industrial geography also incorporates service industries inaddition to the traditional focus on manufacturing."In recent years, the study of the Qur'an and its interpretation has expanded to incorporate insights gained from historical, biblical, literary and critical studies. A variety of approaches to the Qur'an and the Muslim exegetical tradition are currently available. Approaches to the Qur'an consists of thirteen essays by leading scholars, both Muslim and non-Muslim, in the fields of qur'anic studies and Islamic studies. Taken together, they offer a sample of the aims, methods and topics of enquiry now being pursued. Each study has a full critical apparatus, and the book includes a consolidated bibliography which will be of great value to students and specialists.