A Critical Analysis of William Montgomery Watt’s Perspective on Verse 47 of Sūrat Yūnus in Light of the Views of Muslim Exegetes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Quran and Hadith Sciences Department, College of farabi, University of Tehran

2 PhD student in comparative interpretation, Al-Mustafa Al-Alamiya University, Qom

Abstract

This study presents a critical analysis of William Montgomery Watt’s perspective on Qur’an 10:47 in light of the views of Muslim exegetes. The verse, which states, "There is an apostle for every nation; so when their apostle comes, judgement is made between them with justice, and they are not wronged," serves as a focal point for examining the clash between socio-historical and revelatory approaches to the Qur’an. This study employs a descriptive–analytical method and, with reference to authoritative Islamic exegetical works (Tafsīr), examines and explicates William Montgomery Watt’s interpretation. Influenced by the historical-critical method and the dating scheme of his teacher Richard Bell, Watt interprets this verse as a reflection of the specific socio-political circumstances of Medina and portrays the Prophet of Islam (PBUHH) primarily as a social reformer and political arbiter. The findings reveal that Watt’s reading is fundamentally shaped by empiricist, historicist, and reductionist presuppositions regarding revelation and the nature of the Qur’an. In contrast, Muslim exegetes, citing textual context, revelatory foundations, and interpretive traditions, understand the verse as articulating a transcendent, timeless divine principle: that prophets are sent to convey God’s message and execute His just judgment among nations. The conclusion asserts that while Watt and Muslim interpreters superficially agree on the social function of the prophecy, they are fundamentally divergent in their epistemological bases, methodological approaches, and ultimate understanding of the verse’s meaning. This study thus offers a clear case study of the differences between Orientalist and Islamic hermeneutics.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 08 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 08 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 07 December 2025

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