Attached Paper Annual Meeting 2024

Towards an Understanding of ‘the Fiṭra': Tracing Significant Shifts in Interpretations of Qur’an 30:30

Papers Session: The Study of the Qur'an
Abstract for Online Program Book (maximum 150 words)

This paper focuses on interpretive trends related to the Qur'anic concept of a created human nature or _fiṭra_ (Q 30:30). In particular, I seek to show the complexity of the debates surrounding this concept and the possibiities and limitations of simply delienating a Qur'anic concept of human nature. I will do so by highlighting both internal and temporal trends: working towards an understanding of the Qur'anic _fiṭra_ we encounter the existence of a ranger of interpretations as well as broad consensus _and_ important continuities and discontinues between different periods.