(Researcher and author, Bayyinah Institute & the Centre for the Advanced Study of the Quran and its Interpretation)
Sharif Randhawa
Sharif Randhawa is a dedicated researcher, author, and scholar with a profound interest in the study of the Quran and its intricate relationship with Late Antique Biblical traditions. He is currently a researcher and author affiliated with the Bayyinah Institute and the Centre for the Advanced Study of the Quran and its Interpretation (CASQI). His work involves exploring the composition of the Quran and understanding its literary depth within the context of historical religious traditions. As a co-author of the book Divine Speech: Exploring the Quran as Literature, alongside Nouman Ali Khan, Sharif has contributed significantly to the study of the Quran from a linguistic and literary perspective.
Academic Background and Scholarly Pursuits
Sharif completed his Bachelor’s degree in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Washington in 2018, where his studies focused on the languages, history, and cultures of the Near East, particularly the religious and literary traditions of the region. His undergraduate experience allowed him to gain a deep understanding of Quranic studies, equipping him with the linguistic and analytical skills needed to engage with the Quran as both a religious text and a work of literature.
Currently, Sharif is pursuing a Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Chicago, where he continues to delve into the rich tapestry of Islamic history, Quranic composition, and the influence of Late Antique Biblical traditions on the Quran. His academic work is centered around understanding how the Quran engages with pre-Islamic religious and cultural narratives, particularly from the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Research and Writing Contributions
One of Sharif’s major contributions to Quranic studies is his co-authored work with Nouman Ali Khan, titled Divine Speech: Exploring the Quran as Literature. This book is a seminal work that examines the Quran not only as a divine revelation but also as a complex literary masterpiece. Through this work, Sharif and his co-author analyze the linguistic beauty, rhetorical devices, and structural composition of the Quran, helping readers appreciate its literary depth alongside its religious significance.
Sharif’s research goes beyond the text of the Quran itself; he is also interested in how the Quran interacts with and reflects the religious environment of Late Antiquity, particularly the Biblical traditions that were prevalent in the Near East at the time of the Quran’s revelation. His academic focus on this intersection has allowed him to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the Quran’s historical context and its dialogue with earlier religious traditions.
In his role as a researcher for Bayyinah Institute, Sharif has worked on projects that investigate these themes, helping to produce educational materials and content that bridge the gap between traditional Quranic scholarship and modern academic methods. His collaboration with Dr. Sohaib Saeed at the Centre for the Advanced Study of the Quran and its Interpretation (CASQI) further enhances his research portfolio, where they collectively push the boundaries of contemporary Quranic interpretation.
Teaching and Public Engagement
Beyond his academic research, Sharif is also committed to public scholarship. His blog, Quranic Musings, is a platform where he shares his reflections and ongoing research on Quranic studies, addressing both scholarly and lay audiences. Through his blog, Sharif engages with key questions about the Quran’s themes, its linguistic features, and its relationship with earlier religious texts, providing insightful analysis for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Quran.
In addition to his writing, Sharif frequently participates in lectures and seminars at academic institutions, contributing to discussions on Islamic history, Quranic composition, and comparative religious studies. His ability to translate complex academic research into accessible knowledge has made him a sought-after speaker on topics relating to Islamic scripture and Quranic interpretation.
Affiliations and Collaborative Work
Sharif’s academic journey is enhanced by his association with several key institutions in Islamic scholarship. His work with Bayyinah Institute, under the leadership of Nouman Ali Khan, positions him at the forefront of Quranic education in the West. The Institute’s mission to present Islamic knowledge in an accessible and relatable way aligns with Sharif’s approach to Quranic interpretation, which combines rigorous academic inquiry with a deep respect for the traditional Islamic sciences.
His affiliation with the Centre for the Advanced Study of the Quran and its Interpretation (CASQI) further solidifies his role as a key researcher in the field of Quranic studies. Under the direction of Dr. Sohaib Saeed, the center fosters advanced research into the Quran’s literary features, its interpretation through the ages, and its relationship with earlier religious texts. Through his work at CASQI, Sharif contributes to ongoing academic efforts to provide a more profound understanding of the Quran’s place within the broader context of Near Eastern religious traditions.
Future Projects and Contributions
Sharif is currently working on several projects related to the composition of the Quran, its engagement with Biblical narratives, and its literary structure. His research aims to further elucidate the Quran’s relationship with the Late Antique religious environment, shedding light on the ways in which the Quran responds to and interacts with the scriptural traditions of Judaism and Christianity.
Sharif’s upcoming publications and ongoing research will continue to contribute to the field of Quranic studies, making important connections between historical context and literary analysis. His work offers a bridge between traditional Islamic interpretations and the modern academic study of the Quran, providing valuable insights for both scholars and the wider Muslim community.