Zishan Ghaffar

Professor Zishan Ghaffar serves as Chairman and Professor at the Center for Comparative Theology and Cultural Studies (ZeKK) at the University of Paderborn, holding the W3 Professorship for Koran Exegesis at the Institute for Islamic Theology since December 2020. Previously, he served as a substitute professor at the same institution from March to November 2020.

His educational background includes:

• Doctoral studies in Islamic Theology at the Center for Islamic Theology, University of Münster (2012-2016), completing his PhD with summa cum laude in May 2017
• Graduate studies at the Graduate College for Islamic Theology in Münster (2012-2016)
• Studies in Philosophy, Islamic Studies, and Protestant Theology at Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (2006-2011), earning a Magister degree with grade 1.0
• Scholarship recipient of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (2008-2011)

Professor Ghaffar's research focuses on Quranic studies and Islamic theology, with particular expertise in classical Quranic exegesis, historical-critical Koran exegesis, Quranic theology, Prophet's biography, the historical Muhammad, comparative theology, and the genesis of early Islam. His work frequently explores connections between Islamic scholarship and Syrian Christianity, demonstrating deep interdisciplinary knowledge.

His recent publications reveal a consistent scholarly trajectory examining Quranic interpretation through historical, theological, and comparative lenses, with particular emphasis on eschatology, prophetology, and the historical context of Quranic revelation. His methodology bridges traditional Islamic exegesis with contemporary historical-critical approaches, creating innovative pathways for understanding Quranic texts.

• Joint project for the social transfer of comparative theology

Professor Ghaffar has delivered numerous lectures at international conferences on topics including Quranic hermeneutics, comparative theology, and prophetic knowledge. His teaching portfolio includes specialized courses on Quranic Arabic, hermeneutics of the Quran and Sunnah, and eschatology in Christian-Muslim dialogue, reflecting his commitment to both traditional Islamic scholarship and contemporary academic approaches.

As Chairman of the Center for Comparative Theology and Cultural Studies (ZeKK), he leads an institution dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary research and dialogue between religious traditions, serving as a platform for advancing scholarly understanding of theological concepts across cultural contexts.