QiST: Journal of Quran and Tafseer Studies
QiST: Journal of Quran and Tafseer Studies is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing the scholarly discourse on the Qur'an and its exegesis (tafsir). The uniqueness of QiST lies in its emphasis on contextual and localized interpretations of the Qur'an, especially within the rich and diverse Islamic intellectual traditions of Southeast Asia. The journal encourages interdisciplinary and cross-cultural analyses of tafsir to foster meaningful dialogue between sacred texts and contemporary realities. Moreover, QiST prioritizes manuscript-based tafsir research and the advancement of Quranic studies through the use of digital archives, thereby expanding access to classical sources and enabling new methodological explorations. The Journal Is Published tri-annually in April, August and December by Program Studi Ilmu Al-Qur'an dan Tafsir, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta.
Measuring Connotative Meaning in English Translations of the Holy Qur'an: A Semantic and Applied Analysis
In a systematic semantic and applied analysis, this study investigates the transfer of connotative meaning in the English translations of the meanings of the Holy Qur'an. Instead of applying an instrument that treats Qur'anic connotation in isolation as subjective or impressionistic, the research introduces and operates a three-level gradational measurement instrument (weak, moderate, and strong) to measure the strength with which translations preserve rhetorical power, symbolic complexity, and pragmatic aim. Employing a qualitative descriptive-analytical approach, the study employs semantic analysis, rhetorical analysis, as well as contextual-pragmatic interpretation, to compare verses in selected Qur'anic texts with their English translations. This study reveals that comparatively weak connotative transfer frequently corresponds with literal, denotative translation styles in which speakers use surface lexical matching of expressions while minimizing imagery and discourse-level connotative meaning. Meaningfully, moderate transfer is partial success in communicating emotional or imagistic impact, while strong transfer reflects the symbolic, doctrinal, and ideological impact of the Qur'anic text by interpreting based on knowledgeable decision making. The study thus establishes and demonstrates the extent to which Qur'anic connotative meaning can be extracted and disentangled from subjective interpretation judgments, and that analysis for interpretation is a method of tackling this problem, which is currently an inadequate area of translation studies in Qur'an. The results provide a theoretically-grounded foundation for translation studies that enables comparison in translation work and provide an empirical basis for translators, researchers, and educators dealing with semantic fidelity and pragmatic adequacy during translation of sacred texts as they practice their profession.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ali Albashir Mohammed Alhaj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gendered Moral Agency and Qur'anic Hermeneutics of Sexuality: A Ma'na-cum-Maghza Reading on the Story of Yusuf and Zulaykha
This article investigates the gendered ethics of sexuality in Q.S. Yūsuf [12]:23–24 through Sahiron Syamsuddin's ma'na-cum-maghza hermeneutical framework, which integrates textual meaning with evolving ethical significance. Contemporary social discourses frequently construct sexuality as a burden borne by women, casting them as primary sexual objects and assigning responsibility for sexual misconduct to their bodies and behavior. Traditional interpretations of the Yūsuf–Zulaykhā episode have often reinforced this imbalance by foregrounding female desire while minimizing male sexual agency. Through a linguistic, contextual, and intratextual analysis (ma'na), followed by an exploration of historical, contemporary, and ideal significances (maghza), this study argues that the Qur'anic narrative actually affirms a more equitable ethical vision. The text acknowledges both Yūsuf and Zulaykhā as sexual subjects possessing desire and moral agency, while distinguishing them based on the ethical management of that desire rather than on gender. The findings demonstrate that: (1) sexual inclination is a universal human condition rooted in fiṭrah; (2) moral accountability applies equally to men and women; and (3) wrongdoing arises not from sexuality itself, but from its coercive or unjust enactment. Thus, the narrative offers a Qur'anic foundation for gender-equitable sexual ethics, challenging patriarchal interpretations that stigmatize female desire and absolve male responsibility.
Copyright (c) 2026 Siti Robikah, Izza Royyani, Muhammad K. Ridwan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Can the Educational Values of QS. Luqman 13-19 Be Contextualized for Career Families?
The phenomenon of career families in contemporary society often reduces the intensity of direct parental involvement in children's religious and moral education. Although numerous studies have discussed Islamic parenting and family education, limited research has specifically examined the Qur'anic foundation for children's education within the context of career families through a thematic interpretation of the Qur'an. This study aims to explore the educational values contained in Surah Luqman verses 13-19 and to analyze their relevance as a conceptual basis for Islamic religious education in career families. This research employs a qualitative library research method using a thematic tafsir (tafsir maudhu'i) approach. The analysis draws upon classical and contemporary Qur'anic interpretations, particularly the works of Ibn Katsir and Quraish Shihab, to identify and synthesize the educational principles embedded in the verses. The findings reveal four major educational dimensions: the inculcation of tauhid as a spiritual foundation, the habituation of worship practices to develop discipline and responsibility, the internalization of Qur'anic ethics to nurture emotional and moral character, and the cultivation of social awareness through the principle of amr ma'ruf nahi munkar. These values provide a comprehensive framework for children's education that remains relevant even in families where parental time and interaction may be limited due to professional commitments. This study contributes to the discourse on Islamic education by offering a Qur'an-based conceptual framework for parenting in career families, thereby demonstrating that Qur'anic educational values can function as adaptive moral guidance in responding to contemporary family dynamics.
Copyright (c) 2026 A Aidil, Iis Arifuddin, Um Hani, Nurul Fauziyah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Qur'an and Mathematics: The Dimension of Tawhid and Knowledge in the Perspective of Afzalur Rahman
The relationship between the Qur'an and mathematics remains theoretically contested between two dominant approaches: historical-empirical studies that attribute mathematical development in Islamic civilization to intercultural transmission, and contemporary analyses focusing on numerical patterns within the Qur'anic text. While the former emphasizes external influences, the latter often risks numerological overinterpretation without a clear epistemological foundation. This study addresses this gap by reconstructing Afzalur Rahman's interpretation of the Qur'an-mathematics relationship within a tawḥīdic epistemological framework. Using qualitative library research and content analysis, this study examines Rahman's works in dialogue with Seyyed Hossein Nasr and Bediüzzaman Said Nursi. The findings show that Rahman conceptualizes mathematics as an expression of divine unity, where the number one symbolizes the origin and return of multiplicity. Mathematics is thus understood not merely as a quantitative discipline, but as an ethical and contemplative science integrating rational precision with spiritual consciousness. Furthermore, this framework contributes to contemporary Islamic education by fostering moral formation, strengthening epistemological coherence, and encouraging scientific creativity. However, Rahman's paradigm operates primarily as a normative-philosophical model rather than an empirical explanation of scientific development. This study contributes to debates on religion and science by clarifying the epistemological role of tawḥīd in knowledge integration.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aqdi Rofiq Asnawi, Muhammad Diaz Supandi, Fahmi Akhyar Al Farabi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Equality and Complementarity in the Qur'an: A Thematic Exegesis of Gender Relations
Contemporary discussions on gender in the Qur'an have generated extensive scholarly debate, particularly regarding equality, authority, social roles, and justice. Although previous studies have made important contributions, much of the existing scholarship remains fragmented, often focusing on isolated controversial verses or approaching the issue primarily through legal, ideological, or apologetic frameworks. Consequently, there remains a significant gap in studies that reconstruct the Qur'an's discourse on gender through an integrated thematic exegetical perspective that connects theological, ethical, historical, and social dimensions. This study addresses that gap by employing a qualitative library research design using the thematic exegetical (tafsīr mawḍū‘ī) method. It analyzes selected Qur'anic verses related to human creation, spiritual accountability, reciprocity, family structure, inheritance, and social responsibility, while engaging both classical tafsir and contemporary scholarship on gender in Islam. The findings show that the Qur'an upholds the ontological and spiritual equality of men and women while also recognizing certain contextual and functional distinctions in social and familial responsibilities. These distinctions, however, are not framed as a theological basis for absolute hierarchy, but rather as part of a justice-oriented moral order grounded in reciprocity, accountability, and shared human dignity. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to contemporary global debates on religion, gender, and scriptural interpretation by offering a balanced Qur'anic framework that may inform discussions on gender justice, Islamic education, ethical family relations, and inclusive religious discourse in both Muslim and plural societies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mukhlis Widodo, Aceng Zakaria https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tracing Morphophonemic Change in Qur'anic Arabic: I'lal in the Verbal System of Surah Hud
Purpose - This study aims to investigate the morphophonemic process of i'lal in Arabic verbs (fi'il) containing weak letters (ḥurūf al-'illat) in Surah Hud. The research was conducted to explain how phonological changes in Qur'anic Arabic operate systematically according to the principles of ṣaraf and to demonstrate their linguistic relevance in maintaining phonetic ease and morphological balance. The study argues that the phenomenon of i'lal in Surah Hud reflects a structured interaction between morphology and phonology in classical Arabic. Design/methods/approach - This research employs a qualitative descriptive method within the framework of Arabic morphophonemics and ṣaraf theory. The data consist of Qur'anic verbs in Surah Hud that undergo phonological changes involving weak letters. Data collection was carried out through intensive reading, documentation, and classification of relevant verbs. The analysis focused on identifying the original forms of the verbs, tracing phonological transformations, and categorizing the types of i'lal. Findings - The study identifies five major types of i'lal in Surah Hud: i'lal bil ḥadzfi, i'lal bit taskīn, i'lal bin naqli, i'lal bil qalbi, and i'lal bil ibdal. These changes occur consistently according to Arabic morphological rules and primarily function to facilitate pronunciation efficiency while preserving the grammatical structure of Qur'anic Arabic. Among these types, i'lal bil qalbi and i'lal bil ḥadzfi appear most frequently in the analyzed data. Research implications/limitations - This study is limited to verbs found in Surah Hud and focuses specifically on morphophonemic aspects of i'lal. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to all Qur'anic surahs or broader Arabic linguistic structures without further comparative studies. Future research may expand the corpus to other surahs or explore syntactic and semantic dimensions of i'lal. Originality/value - This study contributes to Arabic linguistic scholarship by providing a systematic morphophonemic analysis of i'lal in Qur'anic fi'il. It offers a detailed classification of phonological transformations in Surah Hud and strengthens the integration of ṣaraf theory with modern morphophonemic approaches in Qur'anic studies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dzikri Cahya Mahesa, Fathir Khalid, Muhammad Nurhasan, D Dayudin, A Akmaliyah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gender Relations in Urban-Popular Qur'anic Exegesis: Repackaging Patriarchal Authority in Ahmad Sarwat's Tafsir Al-Mahfuzh
Purpose - Studies on gender in Indonesian Qur'anic exegesis have largely focused on progressive-hermeneutical interpretations, while fiqh-oriented tafsir circulating in urban digital spaces remains understudied. This study aims to examine the construction of gender relations in Ahmad Sarwat's Tafsir Al-Mahfuzh, particularly in his interpretation of Q.S. An-Nisa' verses 1, 11, and 34, and to identify its ideological position within contemporary Indonesian exegetical discourse. Design/methods/approach - This research employs a qualitative library research design. Data were collected through systematic close reading of Tafsir Al-Mahfuzh and analyzed using content analysis and textual interpretation. The analysis focuses on three dimensions of gender relations: ontological (human creation), socio-economic (inheritance distribution), and structural (qawwamah and family leadership). Findings - The study identifies a paradigm of Traditionalist Complementary Hierarchy. Sarwat affirms ontological and spiritual equality between men and women but maintains asymmetrical socio-juridical authority structures. Classical patriarchal concepts are reformulated through modern urban-managerial language without altering their underlying epistemological foundations. While the interpretation promotes ethical moderation by restricting physical violence, it rejects substantive restructuring of domestic power relations and continues to privilege male leadership within the family. Research implications/limitations - The study is limited to textual analysis of three selected verses in a single exegetical work and does not investigate audience reception or the influence of digital dissemination on interpretation. Originality/value - This research proposes the concept of Urban-Popular Exegesis, a typology characterized by innovation in medium and presentation while maintaining conservative legal substance. The findings demonstrate that digital religious platforms may reinforce refined forms of patriarchy rather than necessarily promoting liberalized interpretations of gender in Islam.
Copyright (c) 2026 Seri Asmita Harahap, Ida Kurnia Shofa, Khoirun Nidhom, Bensar A. Muin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluating the Normative Boundaries of Religious Moderation in Tafsir Moderasi Beragama through Muhammad Shahrur's Theory of Limits
Purpose - Despite increasing scholarly attention to religious moderation in Muslim-majority societies, there remains a lack of studies that systematically evaluate the normative boundaries of state-produced Qur'anic exegesis through an internally Islamic theoretical framework. This study aims to examine how the principles of religious moderation articulated in the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs' Tafsir Moderasi Beragama can be understood through Muhammad Shahrur's Theory of Limits (Naẓariyyat al-Ḥudūd), and to assess whether the text represents doctrinal flexibility or a coherent theological framework of wasaṭiyyah. Design/methods/approach - This study employs a qualitative descriptive-analytical approach based on library research. The primary source is the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Tafsir Moderasi Beragama, while Muhammad Shahrur's Theory of Limits serves as the analytical framework. Four key principles of religious moderation—justice and balance (al-'adālah wa al-tawāzun), amar ma'ruf nahi munkar, ease in religion (taysīr), and gradualism (tadarruj)—were analyzed to identify their normative upper (ḥadd al-a'lā) and lower (ḥadd al-adnā) limits. Findings - The analysis demonstrates that all four principles operate within clearly defined normative boundaries. Justice and balance are positioned between extremism and negligence, amar ma'ruf nahi munkar between moral responsibility and coercion, ease in religion between rigidity and permissiveness, and gradualism between ideal norms and social realities. These findings indicate that the Ministry's interpretation institutionalizes moderation as a structured theological paradigm rather than as doctrinal leniency. Research implications/limitations - The study is limited to a textual analysis of one official Indonesian tafsir and does not examine its reception or implementation in broader social contexts. Consequently, the findings may not be directly generalizable to other state-sponsored interpretations without comparative investigation. Originality/value - This study offers a novel application of Shahrur's Theory of Limits as an evaluative framework for official religious exegesis. It contributes a methodological model for comparative studies of state-produced religious texts and provides insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners seeking to promote religious moderation in pluralistic societies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ahmad Mohammad Tidjani, Ahmad Mahfud, Zulfatul Wasilah; Aufal Muhammad Safii https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Qur'anic Exegesis in the Digital Sphere: The Dynamics of Authority, Audience, and Algorithms on Individual and Collective Platforms
Purpose - This study investigates how Qur'anic exegesis (tafsīr) is produced, disseminated, and legitimized in the digital sphere by examining the interaction among religious authority, audience participation, and algorithmic mediation across individual and collective digital platforms. Design/methodology/approach - A qualitative digital content analysis was conducted on 25 tafsīr contents selected through purposive sampling from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Islamic websites. Data were analyzed using thematic and descriptive-analytical methods. The study employs Heidi Campbell's Digital Religion, Max Weber's theory of authority, and Stig Hjarvard's mediatization of religion as analytical frameworks. Findings - The findings reveal two dominant models of digital tafsīr dissemination. Individual platforms rely primarily on charismatic religious figures as sources of legitimacy, while collective platforms derive authority from institutional credibility and editorial mechanisms. Audience participation extends beyond content consumption to content redistribution and reinterpretation, positioning users as prosumers. Furthermore, platform algorithms significantly influence content visibility, popularity, and patterns of fragmented religious consumption. The study demonstrates that digital tafsīr operates within a hybrid ecosystem where traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational forms of authority interact and coexist. Research implications/limitations - The study is limited to 25 digital tafsīr samples and focuses primarily on Indonesian digital platforms. Consequently, the findings may not fully represent broader global Muslim digital environments. Future studies may employ larger datasets and comparative cross-national approaches. Originality/value - This study contributes to the growing field of digital tafsīr by integrating religious authority, audience participation, and algorithmic mediation into a single analytical framework. It highlights algorithms as influential socio-technical actors in shaping the visibility, legitimacy, and circulation of Qur'anic interpretation in contemporary digital culture.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Nur Rhafik, Moh. Yardho, Abdullah Qohi, Nur Rohmat, Surya Saputra Mahmud, Muhammad Ihsan Mahbub https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Wasatiyyah as Translational Practice: Ideology and Gender in Shihab's Qur'anic Translation
Purpose - Despite extensive scholarship on Quraish Shihab's gender hermeneutics in Tafsīr Al-Mishbāh, little attention has been given to his 2013 standalone translation Al-Qur'an dan Maknanya (QM) as an independent ideological text. This study investigates whether and how Shihab's declared principle of wasaṭiyyah (Islamic moderation) is consistently manifested in his translation of gender-related Qur'anic verses. Design/methodology/approach - The study employs a qualitative textual analysis combining Lefevere's rewriting theory, Baker's narrative theory, and Von Flotow's feminist translation strategies. Using close reading, paratextual analysis, and cross-translation comparison, ten verses representing five contested gender clusters—creation ontology, male authority, violence against women, polygamy, and women's testimony—are examined. Findings - The analysis demonstrates that wasaṭiyyah is operationalised through three interrelated translational mechanisms: hermeneutically open lexical choices, ideologically calibrated parenthetical additions, and contextual footnotes. These mechanisms appear consistently across all five verse clusters, albeit with varying intensity. Their most explicit manifestation occurs in the polygamy verses, where a footnote characterises polygamy as a "narrow door accessible only to those in extreme need." Their most subtle application appears in creation ontology, where the translation of nafs wāḥidah preserves interpretive openness and avoids both patriarchal and liberal-feminist extremes. Research implications/limitations - The study focuses exclusively on selected gender-related verses in QM and does not examine the translation's broader theological or socio-political dimensions. Future research may extend the framework to other thematic domains and Qur'anic translations. Originality/value - The study establishes wasaṭiyyah as a verifiable translational practice rather than a mere discursive claim, bridging ideology-based Qur'anic translation studies and Islamic gender hermeneutics while offering a methodological model for evaluating moderation ideologies in Islamic textual production.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dede Rodin, Saiful Amar, M. Fachrur Rozy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Cosmology of Love in the Qur'an: A Taoist-Sufistic Reading of Cosmic Verses through Sachiko Murata
Purpose - This article aims to examine the cosmology of love in the thought of Sachiko Murata and to explore its application to Qur'anic cosmic verses concerning the sky, the earth, and rain. While studies on Qur'anic cosmology and Murata's intellectual contributions have expanded considerably, limited attention has been given to integrating her Taoist-Sufistic framework into the interpretation of cosmic verses. The study argues that love (maḥabbah) constitutes an ontological foundation that underlies the structure and harmony of the cosmos. Design/methods/approach - This research employs a qualitative library-based methodology. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources related to Qur'anic cosmology, Sachiko Murata's writings, Taoist philosophy, and Islamic mysticism, particularly Ibn Arabi's metaphysics. The analysis utilizes thematic exegesis (tafsīr mawḍūʿī) combined with philosophical hermeneutics to uncover symbolic and relational meanings embedded in selected cosmic verses. Findings - The study reveals that the Qur'anic representation of the cosmos reflects a dynamic relational structure grounded in love. The sky symbolizes an active-transcendent principle, the earth embodies a receptive-immanent principle, and rain functions as a mediating element that animates their interaction. These cosmic relations illustrate maḥabbah as a unifying ontological force that sustains creation and cosmic order. Research implications/limitations - The study is limited to textual and philosophical analysis and does not incorporate empirical or ecological field data. Consequently, its conclusions are primarily interpretive and theoretical, providing a foundation for further interdisciplinary research on Qur'anic cosmology and environmental ethics. Originality/value - This article offers a novel integration of Murata's Taoist-Sufistic cosmology with Qur'anic studies and proposes a "cosmology of love" as a model of relational ontology. It contributes to Islamic ecological spirituality by reorienting the human-nature relationship from anthropocentrism toward relational cosmocentrism.
Copyright (c) 2026 Siti Masykuroh, M Masruchin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Application of Qur'anic Values Regarding Visual Impairment at Yaketunis in Yogyakarta
Purpose - This study examines how Qur'anic values are implemented in the education and empowerment of visually impaired individuals at the Islamic Welfare Foundation for the Visually Impaired (Yayasan Kesejahteraan Tunanetra Islam - Yaketunis) in Yogyakarta. The research seeks to explore how Islamic principles of equality, dignity, compassion, and human empowerment are translated into educational practices for persons with visual impairments. Design/methodology/approach - The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving teachers, students, and institutional administrators. The data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns in the implementation of Qur'anic values within educational activities and dormitory life. Findings - The findings reveal that Yaketunis has successfully integrated key Qur'anic values into its educational system and daily practices. The value of tawḥīd is manifested through worship activities and spiritual development programs. Equality is reflected in inclusive educational practices and recognition of individual potential regardless of physical limitations. Compassion is demonstrated through humanistic social interactions and mutual support among members of the institution. Meanwhile, independence is fostered through life-skills education, vocational training, and self-development programs. These values collectively contribute to the personal, social, and spiritual empowerment of visually impaired individuals. Research implications/limitations - The study is limited to a single Islamic educational institution and focuses primarily on visually impaired learners. Future research may compare similar institutions or examine the implementation of Qur'anic values among other groups with disabilities. Originality/value - This study contributes to the discourse on Islamic inclusive education by demonstrating how Qur'anic values can serve as a practical framework for empowering persons with disabilities. It positions Yaketunis as a model of humanistic and transformative Islamic education that promotes dignity, inclusion, and self-reliance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Arif Friyadi, Ahmad Saerozi, Umma Farida, Abdul Karim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Metaphor in QS. Az-Zumar: 9 as Cognitive Framework of Knowledge and Revelation
Purpose - Contemporary Qur'anic studies and Islamic education have predominantly emphasized linguistic, normative, and cognitive dimensions of the Qur'an, often overlooking its spiritual, symbolic, and transformative aspects. This study investigates the conceptual function of Qur'anic metaphor in QS. Az-Zumar: 9, particularly the distinction between alladhīna ya'lamūn (those who know) and alladhīna lā ya'lamūn (those who do not know), in order to demonstrate that 'ilm in the Qur'anic worldview represents an integrated form of cognitive, ethical, and spiritual awareness. Design/methodology/approach - This study employs a qualitative-conceptual approach based on library research. Data were collected from the Qur'anic text, classical tafsīr literature, and relevant works in Islamic epistemology and cognitive studies. The analysis combines epistemological, semantic, and spiritual approaches within the framework of Qur'anic Cognitive Science (QCS) to examine the conceptual and transformative functions of Qur'anic metaphor. Findings - The study reveals that QS. Az-Zumar: 9 constructs a Qur'anic cognitive framework that differentiates two modes of human perception and understanding. The interrogative metaphor hal yastawī functions as a cognitive trigger that encourages self-reflection on knowledge, ethical orientation, and spiritual commitment. Within the QCS framework, alladhīna ya'lamūn represents holistic knowledge characterized by intellectual, moral, and spiritual integration, whereas alladhīna lā ya'lamūn signifies epistemic deficiency arising from the absence of awareness, ethical responsibility, and divine orientation. Research implications/limitations - The study is limited to the analysis of QS. Az-Zumar: 9 and selected classical exegetical sources. Further research may apply the proposed framework to other Qur'anic metaphors and broader contexts of Islamic education and cognitive studies. Originality/value - This article demonstrates that Qur'anic metaphor functions not merely as a rhetorical device but as a transformative conceptual and epistemological mechanism. It contributes to the development of a holistic Islamic epistemology by integrating cognitive, ethical, and spiritual dimensions within the emerging field of Qur'anic Cognitive Science.
Copyright (c) 2026 R Rochmad, Muhammad Hadana Sabila, Faiz Muzakky, Belkıs Öznur Köylü, Ali Mahfuz Munawar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Why Is Interfaith Marriage Problematic in the Qur'anic Perspective? A Study of Hifz al-Din through Maqasid al-Shari'ah
Purpose - Interfaith marriage in Indonesia continues to generate theological, juridical, and socio-legal debates, particularly in the context of legal tensions surrounding Law No. 1/1974 and the Compilation of Islamic Law (Kompilasi Hukum Islam). While previous studies have predominantly approached this issue from legal and sociological perspectives, the epistemological function of ḥifẓ al-dīn (protection of faith) within a systematic Qur'anic framework remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates how the Qur'an conceptualizes interfaith marriage through the objectives of Islamic law (maqāṣid al-sharī'ah), with particular emphasis on faith preservation. Design/methodology/approach - The study employs a qualitative library-based approach using thematic Qur'anic exegesis (tafsīr maudhū'ī) integrated with the maqāṣid al-sharī'ah framework. The analysis focuses primarily on QS. al-Baqarah [2]:221 and QS. al-Mā'idah [5]:5, complemented by classical and contemporary exegetical sources, Islamic jurisprudence, and modern hermeneutical perspectives to evaluate the teleological objectives underlying the relevant legal rulings. Findings - The study demonstrates that the Qur'anic prohibition of interfaith marriage functions not merely as a legal restriction but as a preventive mechanism for safeguarding faith, preserving spiritual stability, and ensuring intergenerational transmission of Islamic values. It further argues that classical juridical concessions regarding marriage with the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitāb) require contextual re-evaluation in contemporary socio-legal settings through the principle of taqyīd al-mubāḥ for the realization of maṣlaḥah (public welfare). Research implications/limitations - The analysis is confined to Qur'anic theological and maqāṣid-based perspectives and does not include empirical investigation of contemporary interfaith families. Future research may integrate doctrinal and socio-empirical approaches across diverse Muslim societies. Originality/value - This study contributes to Qur'anic legal scholarship by positioning ḥifẓ al-dīn as the central epistemological rationale underlying the Qur'anic regulation of interfaith marriage. It offers a teleological framework that bridges thematic exegesis, maqāṣid al-sharī'ah, and contemporary Islamic family law, providing conceptual guidance for legal policy, premarital counseling, and the development of Islamic family regulations in pluralistic societies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nurul Maulida, Suqiyah Musafaah, Andy Luqman Hakim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Construction of Non-Naskh Reasoning in Tafsir At-Tanwir: Methodological Shifts and Juridical Challenges
Purpose - The debate on intra-Qur'anic naskh has long been central to Qur'anic studies. While Muhammadiyah's Manhaj Tarjih formally acknowledges naskh as a hierarchical legal principle for resolving conflicting evidences (ta'āruḍ), Tafsir At-Tanwir appears to adopt a different interpretive orientation. This study examines the construction of non-naskh reasoning within Tafsir At-Tanwir and evaluates the consistency of its application across different thematic verses such as theological, historical, and legal verses. Design/methodology/approach - This study employs a qualitative library-based research design using content analysis and critical-comparative methods. Primary data are drawn from two Muhammadiyah institutional works—Tafsir At-Tanwir and Manhaj Tarjih Muhammadiyah—while classical works on naskh, and Qur'anic interpretation literature serve as supporting sources. The analysis compares interpretive strategies employed in different thematic contexts to identify underlying methodological patterns. Findings - The findings reveal a significant methodological dualism in Tafsir At-Tanwir. In theological and historical discussions, the commentary adopts a modernist-rationalist approach influenced by Muḥammad 'Abduh and Rasyīd Riḍā, consistently rejecting intra-Qur'anic naskh through various approaches ranging from semantic deconstruction and the logic of revelatory chronology to linguistic analysis. However, this methodological consistency weakens when addressing practical jurisprudential issues, particularly in verses concerning family law and social relations, such as bequests to relatives, the waiting period for widows, and instructions regarding the Ahlulkitab. In these instances, the commentary tends to accommodate classical scholarly consensus or adopt a silent stance. Research implications/limitations - This study is limited to the first two published volumes of Tafsir At-Tanwir. Future research should examine subsequent volumes upon their release to determine whether this methodological inconsistency persists as the commentary progresses. Comparative studies with other contemporary institutional commentaries are also recommended to broaden understanding of non-naskh reasoning. Originality/value - This study contributes to contemporary Qur'anic studies by demonstrating that the rejection of intra-Qur'anic naskh in Tafsir At-Tanwir is neither absolute nor methodologically uniform. It introduces the concept of methodological dualism to explain the tension between Muhammadiyah's purification-oriented interpretative ideals and its pragmatic engagement with classical Islamic jurisprudence, thereby enriching discussions on methodological consistency in modern Qur'anic interpretation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Akhlis Al Majid, Trisna Yudistira, Faiz Hidayatullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
How Interpersonal Communication Shapes Tahfiz Pedagogy in a Gorontalo Quranic Boarding School?
Purpose - Effective interpersonal communication is fundamental to the success of Qur'anic memorization (tahfīẓ), yet previous studies have largely discussed communication in Islamic education at a general level rather than as a pedagogical mechanism within tahfīẓ. This study examines how interpersonal communication between tahfīẓ supervisors and santri shapes memorization quality in an urban Islamic boarding school (pesantren) in Gorontalo, Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach - The study adopts a qualitative phenomenological design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, naturalistic observation, and institutional documentation involving tahfīẓ supervisors, selected santri, and program records from a cohort of 30 students enrolled in a 2.5-year memorization program. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), including transcript familiarization, descriptive and interpretative coding, thematic clustering, cross-source comparison, and credibility verification. Findings - The findings identify five core interpersonal communication mechanisms that facilitate successful tahfīẓ: directive clarity, expressive religious storytelling, attentive corrective feedback, dialogic support, and adaptive communicative alignment during both face-to-face and online setoran. These mechanisms improve memorization fluency, tajwīd accuracy, learning discipline, and long-term retention by integrating precise oral feedback with emotional support and collaborative review. The study further proposes a Disclosure-to-Alignment Model, demonstrating how relational trust reduces anxiety associated with exposing memorization errors and enables corrective feedback to become cognitively meaningful and pedagogically effective. Institutional evidence also indicates sustained learning continuity and improved student progress despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research implications/limitations - This study is limited to a single urban pesantren and one tahfīẓ program. Future research should examine the proposed model across diverse institutional settings and employ mixed-methods approaches to evaluate its broader applicability. Originality/value - This study contributes to Islamic education and interpersonal communication scholarship by conceptualizing communication as a constitutive pedagogical mechanism rather than a supportive element in tahfīẓ education. It introduces the Disclosure-to-Alignment Model, linking relational trust, adaptive communication, and oral corrective feedback to enhanced Qur'anic memorization and extending contemporary theories of educational communication within Islamic learning environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 M Mustaqimah, Wahidah Suryani, Nuzlan Hunowu, P Pattaling https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Psychological Well-Being in the Qur'an: An Analysis of the Story of Prophet Solomon
Purpose - Contemporary discussions of well-being are frequently dominated by material and psychological perspectives, whereas the Qur'an presents a more holistic conception integrating spiritual, ethical, and social dimensions. This study examines the compatibility between Martin Seligman's PERMA model of psychological well-being and the Qur'anic narrative of Prophet Solomon (Sulaymān), with the aim of developing a Qur'an-based understanding of human flourishing. Design/methodology/approach - This study employs a qualitative library-based research design using thematic Qur'anic exegesis (tafsīr mawḍū'ī) and narrative analysis. Primary data consist of Qur'anic verses concerning Prophet Solomon, supported by classical and contemporary Qur'anic commentaries and relevant literature on positive psychology. The PERMA framework-Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment-serves as the analytical lens for interpreting the Qur'anic narrative. Findings - The findings demonstrate that all five PERMA dimensions are consistently reflected in the life of Prophet Solomon. Gratitude represents positive emotion; wisdom and just decision-making embody engagement; persuasive and compassionate interaction with Queen Bilqis illustrates positive relationships; devotion to Allah and commitment to public welfare constitute meaning; while the responsible use of power, wealth, and divine blessings reflects accomplishment. Collectively, these dimensions indicate that Qur'anic well-being extends beyond psychological flourishing to encompass spiritual consciousness and God-centered ethical responsibility. Research implications/limitations - This study is limited to the Qur'anic narrative of Prophet Solomon and a conceptual comparison with the PERMA model. Future research should examine other Qur'anic figures and empirically investigate the applicability of the proposed framework within Islamic psychology and well-being studies. Originality/value - This study contributes to Qur'anic studies and Islamic psychology by integrating a contemporary positive psychology framework with thematic Qur'anic exegesis. It proposes a holistic model of psychological well-being in which gratitude, divine orientation, ethical leadership, and social responsibility function as interconnected dimensions of human flourishing, thereby extending PERMA through a transcendental and theocentric perspective rooted in the Qur'an.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ardelia Nihlah Ilahi, Muhamad Haikal Husaini, Fejrian Yazdajird Iwanebel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Al-Tusi's Concept of Imamah in al-Tibyan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an: A Review of the Doctrine of Imamah in Modern Muslim Socio-Political Models
Purpose - This study examines how Abū Ja'far Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan al-Ṭūsī constructs the doctrine of imāmah in al-Tibyān fī Tafsīr al-Qur'ān and how this classical exegetical construction can be traced through subsequent Imāmī scholarship into the modern doctrine of wilāyat al-faqīh. It addresses a gap in scholarship that has generally treated al-Ṭūsī's exegesis and modern Shī'ī political thought as separate fields. Design/methodology/approach - The study employs qualitative library research and thematic analysis. Primary data consist of al-Tibyān, with relevant Qur'ānic verses identified through keyword-based selection. Al-Ṭūsī's exegetical arguments are classified according to naṣṣ, 'iṣmah, and wilāyah, while Talal Asad's concept of discursive tradition is used to trace their intellectual transmission across subsequent generations. Findings - The findings demonstrate that al-Ṭūsī integrates naql and 'aql to construct imāmah as divinely sanctioned leadership centered on the Ahl al-Bayt. This exegetical framework subsequently became a stable reference point for later Imāmī jurists, particularly Naraqi, whose expanded conception of juristic authority provided an identifiable link to Khomeini's formulation of wilāyat al-faqīh. Research implications/limitations - The study is limited by its library-based design, primary focus on al-Tibyān, reliance on secondary sources for parts of the intellectual genealogy, and contextual rather than fully weighted comparison with Sunnī khilāfah. Originality/value - The study contributes an exegetical genealogy connecting classical Shī'ī tafsīr with modern political thought and extends the application of discursive-tradition theory to Qur'ānic hermeneutics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hafid Syaifuddin Fatah, Jullul Wara, Hisam Sidqi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Boundaries of Legitimate Knowledge in Islamic Thought: Authority, Pluralism, and the Politics of Interpretation
Purpose - This article examines how Islamic intellectual tradition distinguishes legitimate knowledge from mere opinion and how this distinction regulates interpretive authority, intellectual pluralism, and the boundaries of interpretation. It addresses the contemporary tension between unrestricted interpretive plurality and monopolistic claims to religious authority. Design/methodology/approach - The study employs conceptual-historical textual analysis of classical Sunni legal and theological sources alongside contemporary scholarship on knowledge, authority, and tradition. Particular attention is given to intellectual contributions associated with the Malaysian and ISTAC traditions, especially Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas, Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud, Osman Bakar, and Imtiyaz Yusuf. Findings - The study demonstrates that the Islamic intellectual tradition neither endorses unrestricted interpretive pluralism nor permits the absolute closure of meaning. Instead, it accommodates principled plurality grounded in revelation, methodological discipline, scholarly validation, and ethical accountability. Contemporary interpretive disputes become particularly difficult when interpretive freedom is detached from epistemic discipline or when epistemic authority is conflated with political power. To address this tension, the study develops a four-layer model of legitimate knowledge that integrates revelation, methodological competence, scholarly validation, and ethical responsibility. Research implications/limitations - The proposed framework provides a conceptual basis for distinguishing legitimate intellectual diversity from epistemic relativism and interpretive dissolution. However, its conceptual and text-based design requires further testing through empirical studies of contemporary Muslim scholarly and educational institutions. Originality/value - The article contributes a systematic model of legitimate knowledge that preserves juristic and intellectual plurality while maintaining the truth claims, methodological discipline, and ethical accountability central to Islamic reasoning. It offers an alternative to both anti-pluralist rigidity and unrestricted relativism.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdullah Hemmet Abdullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0