Historical and Rational Approaches to Qur’anic Chronology: al-Jabiri and Darwazah Compared

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the paradigm of tartīb nuzūlī (chronological order of revelation) in Qur’anic studies through a comparative analysis of the thoughts of Mohammed Abed al-Jabiri and Izzat Darwazah. It seeks to address the need for a contextual and historically grounded interpretation of the Qur'an, arguing that understanding revelation chronologically reveals the dynamic development of its message and its interaction with socio-historical realities. Method: This research employs a qualitative-descriptive method with a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. Data were collected from primary sources (works of al-Jabiri and Darwazah) and secondary literature indexed in databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Data analysis was conducted through descriptive, comparative, and thematic analysis, supported by tools such as Mendeley and NVivo. Finding: The study finds that al-Jabiri emphasizes a historical-epistemological and rational-critical reconstruction of revelation, focusing on structural, historical, and rational dimensions. In contrast, Darwazah applies a historical-narrative approach by arranging Qur’anic interpretation strictly according to the chronology of revelation. Both approaches demonstrate that the Qur’anic message evolved gradually in response to changing socio-historical contexts, particularly across Meccan and Medinan phases. Implication: The study is limited by the hypothetical nature of chronological reconstruction due to incomplete historical data and potential inconsistencies in asbāb al-nuzūl reports. These constraints affect the generalizability and certainty of conclusions. Originality/ Value: This research contributes to contemporary Qur’anic hermeneutics by integrating two influential models of chronological interpretation, offering a balanced framework that bridges rational-critical and historical-narrative approaches. It highlights the relevance of tartīb nuzūlī as a methodological alternative for contextual Qur’anic interpretation and suggests further interdisciplinary exploration.