This book is the first of its kind to focus entirely on the Qur?anic interpretation of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058-1111), a towering figure of Sunni Islam. Martin Whittingham explores both al-Ghazali?s hermeneutical methods and his interpretations of particular Quranic texts, and covers al-Ghazali?s mystical, legal and theological concerns. Divided into two parts: * part one examines al-Ghazali?s legal and Sufi theoretical discussions * part two asks how these theories relate to his practice, analysing the only three of al-Ghazali?s works which are centrally concerned with interpreting particular Qur?anic passages: Jawahir al-Qur?an (The Jewels of the Qur?an); Al-Qist as al-mustaqim (The Correct Balance); and Mishkat al-anwar (The Niche for Lights). Providing a new point of access to the works of al-Ghazali, this book will be welcomed by scholars and students of Islamic studies, religious studies, hermeneutics, and anyone interested in how Muslims understand the Qur?an.