THE DYNAMICS OF QUR'ANIC TAFSIR IN INDONESIA: HISTORICAL PERIODIZATION AND THE ROLE OF LOCAL SCHOLARS

Al-Iklīl fī Ma’ānī al-Tanzīl by Misbah bin Zainil Mustafa is a Qur’anic exegesis that was born from the pesantren tradition and was written during the New Order era under the leadership of President Soeharto. Through his exegesis, Misbah criticized social, political, and religious issues in Indonesia. The issues he highlighted, including how he formed his criticism, and its political as well as scholarly ramifications, are the focus of this study. Using descriptive, historical and explanatory methods, this article presents interesting and important findings. First, Misbah was an Indonesian ulama who started to publicly criticize the New Order regime’s policies and Muslims’ behaviors who were deemed inconsistent with Islamic values. In the midst of a hegemonic and repressive political system, Misbah’s attitude was a high risk and faced with political pressure from the New Order regime. Second, the use of Qur’anic exegesis as a medium for expressing criticism was an unusual move. During the New Order era, various criticisms of the government were raised through the mass media, art performances, literary works, or extra-parliamentary movements on the streets, but Misbah used Qur’anic exegesis as a medium for criticism; an out of the ordinary choice. Finally, from a political standpoint, because of his Al-Iklīl, Misbah was able to escape the political pressures of the hegemonic New Order government, and in term of academic contribution, he was able to establish a new tradition in the history of Qur’anic interpretation in Indonesia.

The language of the Qur’an has long been disputed in the history of Qur’anic exegesis. It particularly related to the discourse of Arabic rhetoric and in turn has also sparked a considerable controversy especially in the context of “kalam” sectarianism (madhhab kala>mi>). John Wansbrough, a famous Western scholar, is one of those who paid much attention on the issue in his monumental work, Qur’anic Studies. The work is regarded as one of the exponents of the “historical-critical” study of the Quran that contains several key issues, including the intersection of the Qur’an with Arabic rhetoric discourse, which in turn is also responsible for the emergence of sacred sense in the two domains. Starting with Wansbrough’s key issues on Qur’anic Studies, this article provides a brief introduction to his thought about the emergence of the concept of the sacred language (lingua sacra) in the history of the Qur’an and some of the implications thereof.Keywords: John Wansbrough, lingua sacra, rhetorical exegesis, majaz.

Qur'anic exegesis in Saudi Arabia has distinct characteristics compared to other Middle Eastern countries. Although Saudi Arabia is recognized as the center of Islamic civilization and is expected to serve as the epicenter for the development of Qur'anic interpretation, in reality, the progress of tafsir in this country tends to be stagnant. This study aims to analyze the stagnation in the development of Qur'anic exegesis in Saudi Arabia by examining the dominant interpretative trends and the socio-political factors influencing them. The research employs a qualitative method with a library research approach, focusing on various tafsir literatures authored by Saudi scholars and relevant academic studies. The findings reveal that Qur'anic exegesis in Saudi Arabia is predominantly characterized by the tafsir bi al-ma’tsur (transmitted) approach, which is textual and normative in nature, while ijtihad-based and contextual approaches are rarely utilized. Socio-political factors such as the dominance of certain schools of thought, conservative religious education policies, and state control over religious discourse contribute significantly to this stagnation. The study concludes that the stagnation in the development of Qur'anic exegesis in Saudi Arabia is driven by a conservative interpretative orientation, limited openness to modern exegetical methodologies, and the strong influence of socio-political dynamics in shaping the discourse of Qur'anic interpretation in the country.

This article discussed the perceptions of Muslim thinkers on the Quran and tafsir in terms of both the classic and modern eras. However, the article is subjected to the analytical comparison between the classical and modern eras of Qur’anic exegesis. Throughout the research about these thoughts, the root-age of tafsir with the approach of the interpreters and the Islamic thinkers will gain special attention. To establish adequate information in the study, a clear picture of the exegetical thoughts with the several perceptions of classical and modernist thinkers is drawn accordingly. However, in enabling this projected idea to reach the target area, the research adopted the following analytical method, reviewing the available literature; such as books, articles, journals, and the dissertation, which may have a direct or indirect connection to this research. Nevertheless, the noble Qur’an is quite recognized as a book representing the first source of evidence in Islam; many perceptions may be established in the course of striving to gain its exegetical expression. So, this article has drawn a straight line to reach the efforts of Muslim thinkers in both the late and current era to protect the sacred book (Qur’an) with their noble knowledge of Qur’anic exegesis.

Aktivitas penulisan tafsir di Dunia Melayu atau Asia Tenggara telah dimulai sejak beberapa abad lalu. Meskipun masih dalam bentuk elementer, sejak abad 17 wilayah ini telah memproduksi tafsir. Sebuah manuskrip melayu asal Aceh yang tersimpan di Universitas Cambridge menunjukkan bahwa teknik penulisan dan metode penafsiran yang diterapkan saat itu masih tergolong sederhana. Manuskrip ini yang merupakan tafsir surat al-Kahfi ditulis dengan tinta merah disertai terjemahan serta komentar yang ditulis dengan tinta hitam.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v5i3.739

This article examines the dynamics of Javanese-language Qur’anic exegesis by focusing on the styles, methods, and ideologies constructed by the mufassir in their works. Qur’anic interpretation in local languages across the Indonesian archipelago cannot be separated from the dialectical relationship between the sacred text and the socio-cultural context of society. In this regard, Javanese language and script serve not only as a medium of pesantren literacy but also as a marker of Javanese cultural identity. This study employs a qualitative approach through library research, with primary data drawn from Javanese Qur’anic commentaries and secondary data from scholarly works, articles, and books obtained through academic databases such as Google Scholar, Sinta, and Garuda. Data analysis was conducted in three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate three key aspects. First, the exegetical styles of Javanese tafsīr are deeply shaped by their social environment—pesantren, royal courts, and urban centers—resulting in diverse emphases in interpretation. Second, the exegetical methods combine bi al-ma’thūr and bi al-ra’y approaches with local pedagogical practices such as bandongan and communal readings. Third, the ideologies reflected in these works reveal the efforts of Javanese mufassir to preserve the intellectual authority of Islamic scholarship while simultaneously responding to political and cultural realities. This study argues that Javanese Qur’anic exegesis should not merely be regarded as a cultural or linguistic heritage but also as an epistemological space where local traditions negotiate with global Islamic scholarship. The study contributes to broader Qur’anic studies by situating Javanese tafsīr as both a continuation of local intellectual traditions and an adaptive response to the dynamics of Indonesian Islam in a modern context

The present study seeks to identify and introduce the exegetical trends among Iranian Sunnis using a descriptive-analytical method. After the Iranian people's conversion to Islam, the Holy Qur’an became the focal point of scholarly activities in the region. Consequently, various intellectual efforts and services rendered to Islam and Islamic sciences were primarily centered around understanding and interpreting the Holy Qur’an. In this context, Iranian Sunnis were at the forefront of Qur’anic exegesis during the early Islamic era and throughout earlier centuries. However, over time, the process of composing exegetical works slowed down. Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, significant strides were once again taken in this field. The Sunni exegetical movement in Iran experienced notable growth in the post-revolutionary period, particularly during the 1980s to the 2010s. The study's findings indicate that during this era, a considerable number of Iranian Sunni exegetes undertook the task of writing Qur’anic commentaries. These works have been classified into two major exegetical currents: the traditionalist exegetical trend and the modernist exegetical trend.

The noble Qur’an is a book of universal guidance for all people, at all times and places, until the Day of Judgement. The purpose of revealing the Qur’an is to show people the correct path in their relationship with their Creator and with one another. Allah (S.W.T.) revealed this noble book to His beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to explain and exemplify its contents for the Ummah to follow. Among the Prophet’s practical explanations are the concepts of generalization (ʿĀmm) and specification (Khāṣ) regarding certain rules. Therefore, this paper attempts to illustrate examples of generalization and specification in the verses of the Glorious Qur’an and their implications for Qur’anic exegesis. Content analysis was used to generate the examples. The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding these two concepts for scholars of tafsir. Conclusion and recommendations are provided.

Al Qur’an is the word of Allah that revealed to Muhammad the Prophet SAW in the form of high level and accurate Arabic. The Prophet SAW understood the meaning and let his companions know. Then, the companions, the tabi’in (the righteous followers), and the then ulamas followed the path of him. They discerned the Qur’an and created qur’anic exegesis so later on we found many versions of them. Many qur’anic exegesis, however, were written in Arabic, therefore many muslim of non Arabic speaking backgrounds have not been able to utilized them. This situation had triggered some ulamas of non Arabic speaking background (ulama ‘ajam) to write qur’anic exegesis of their own languages. One of them is whom we call the triangular ulamas, Syekh H. Abdul Halim Hasan, H. Zainal Arifin Abbas and Abdurrahim Haitami, who served Indonesian people with “Tafsir al-Quranul Karim”. They uses the Tahlili method in their writing, in which begining with surah Fatihah and finally ended at surah al-Nas

This research aimed to examine moderate Islamic education's role in developing Islamic studies in Indonesia. Pesantren education has proven its worth by graduating many students working in various professions, including as lecturers in Islamic studies at Islamic higher education. This study employed a qualitative approach where the researcher served as the primary data collector. The researcher collected data using interviews, observations, and conclusions using six stages of data management. The research findings have exposed the following: First, Islamic education deepens Islamic insight by studying the yellow book and internalizing moderate Islamic values in student interactions. The depth of methodology, practicing openness, and developing a growth mindset are three strengths of moderate Islam in pesantren. Second, alums who work as lecturers consistently become mouthpieces of religious moderation through lectures, community service, thought synthesis dissemination, scientific development, and institutional development. Thus, with its advantages, moderate Islamic education in pesantren can produce national figures who influence the dynamics and progress of Islamic studies in universities.

The rapid transformation of social and cultural values has significantly altered individual perceptions of marriage, leading to the emergence of gamophobia—an excessive fear of marriage and long-term commitment. This phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent among younger generations, influenced by rising divorce rates, economic uncertainty, and media exposure that portrays negative representations of marriage. This study aims to identify the underlying factors contributing to gamophobia and propose Qur’anic-based solutions as interpreted in Tafsir Al-Munir by Wahbah Az-Zuhaili. Using a qualitative approach through library research and thematic exegesis analysis (tafsir maudhu’i), this study examines gamophobia from the perspectives of marital psychology and Islamic studies. The findings reveal three primary factors triggering gamophobia: (1) fear of infidelity due to past experiences of betrayal, (2) concerns about the inability to establish a stable household, and (3) emotional unpreparedness in handling marital conflicts and commitments. Unlike previous studies that predominantly focus on psychological aspects, this research integrates Islamic values as solutions, including choosing a partner with effective conflict resolution skills, practicing tawakkul (trust in Allah) after making efforts, and fostering positive perceptions of divine decree. By employing a multidisciplinary approach that bridges marital psychology and Qur’anic exegesis, this study highlights that gamophobia can be mitigated through a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings, spiritual resilience, and enhanced emotional and mental preparedness for marriage.

Qur'anic exegesis (tafsir) occupies a special place in the development of intellectual traditions and Islamic civilization at large. As the primary source of Islamic teachings, Muslims have, for centuries, strived to understand the various meanings of the Qur'an in ways that meet the needs of contemporary society through diverse methods, including hermeneutics. This article aims to discuss the hermeneutical approach used by M. Amin Abdullah in the discourse of Qur'anic interpretation. This study falls into the category of qualitative research using a library research method, in which data is derived from textual studies or books relevant to the topic under discussion. The data analysis technique employed in this research is content analysis, used to analyze written data in the form of communicative content. The results of this study reveal that M. Amin Abdullah's hermeneutics generally align with the broader study of hermeneutics. However, the methodological distinction of his approach lies in the epistemological foundation of an integrative-interconnective paradigm in Islamic studies. Due to this methodological distinction, M. Amin Abdullah's hermeneutics possess a unique character in producing meaning in the study of Qur'anic exegesis. Keywords: exegesis; Qur'an; hermeneutics

In the early 20th century, various works of Qur'anic exegesis emerged in West Java after a three-century hiatus. The purpose of this study is to find the relationship between the introduction of the printing press to the Sundanese people and the rise of writing Qur'anic exegesis in West Java in the early 20th century. This study uses a qualitative approach with historical methods that include heuristics, criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The primary data consists of exegesis books printed in West Java in the early 20th century. Meanwhile, secondary data was collected through literature studies from various relevant scientific works. The results of the study show that in the mid-19th century, the Dutch East Indies colonial government introduced printing presses to the Sundanese community. This ultimately sparked the enthusiasm of the Sundanese menak (nobility) to write books. This tradition then began to encourage Sundanese ulama (Islamic scholars) to produce their own works in various fields of Islamic studies, including Qur’anic exegesis. The findings show a correlation between the introduction of printing presses and the increase in Qur’anic exegesis works in West Java in the early 20th century. This research contributes to enriching our understanding of the dynamics of Qur’anic exegesis writing in West Java by showing that the productivity of ulama was influenced by the interaction between technological developments, the socio-religious context, and the needs of proselytizing at that time.

This research aims to shed light on a specific style of oath in the Holy Qur'an-oath by the letter Tāʾ (التاء). This form of oath holds a unique status in Qur'anic usage, conveying specific meanings in the verses where it appears, differing at times from the grammatical discussions found in linguistic sources. The study explores whether the Tāʾ is an original element or a substitution for another letter and examines its semantic function within the Qur'anic text. Relying on the opinions of grammarians and various Qur'anic exegeses, the research seeks to uncover the true significance of oath by Tāʾ in the Qur'an and its contexts of usage.

Studies on the development of teaching materials have been dominated by a pedagogical orientation to develop learning objectives, strategies, and evaluation. Not many studies have been carried out on the scientific structure of teaching materials. This study tries to examine the relationship between Islamic education teaching materials in the sub-chapter of Al-Qur’an based on the authoritative Qur'anic exegesis. Studying Islamic education teaching materials from the reference sources aims to ensure the quality of the teaching materials. By focusing the study on analyzing the materials about the stories and models of the prophet Adam and Ayub, through the critical discourse analysis method on how the sources are used, and how the context of the material is presented, the results of this study reveal that the materials teaching of Islamic education, about the story of prophet Adam and Ayub, do not refer to the books of Qur’anic exegesis. The explanation model is textual. Partial values are provided, such as the repentance of the prophet Adam and the patience of Ayub. Therefore, this study recommended that the development of Islamic education teaching materials in the chapter of the prophet stories refer to the authoritative Qur’anic interpretation books so that the materials are richer, better in quality, and actual.