ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the main factors in Muslim hermeneutics and philosophy which formed the basis of ibn Ezra’s approach. The extent of Muslim influence on ibn Ezra’s hermeneutics has not always been appreciated in traditional Jewish circles, although it has been recognised in scholarly circles. It is, however, difficult to assess the extent of direct influence on ibn Ezra. There is no doubt that ibn Ezra was heavily influenced by ibn Sina,1 known in western circles as Avicenna. Ibn Ezra was also influenced by his Jewish forbears, the Karaites and the Ge’onim, who themselves were directly influenced by Muslim hermeneutics and philosophy. Muslims and Jews residing in Muslim lands used similar methods to overcome hermeneutic problems. Inevitably, the definitions and comparative importance of the concepts pshat and drash changed in the process.