From Pesantren to the Public Stage: Divergence of Approaches to Quranic Interpretation between Kiai and Celebrity Preachers

2025-06-19T06:52:59+00:00

The divergence in Qur'anic interpretive approaches between traditional Islamic boarding school clerics (kiai) and celebrity preachers is increasingly evident on social media, where diverse styles and methods of da'wah converge. This study conducts a comparative analysis of interpretive approaches, focusing specifically on Surah al-Insyirah, as presented by two prominent figures: Gus Baha’, representing the traditional pesantren scholar, and Ustadz Adi Hidayat, as a representative of the celebrity preacher. Employing a qualitative descriptive method with a comparative study approach, data were collected through unobtrusive observation of texts, manuscripts, videos, and recorded tafsir sessions shared on social media platforms. The data were analyzed using Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm shift framework. The findings indicate that in addition to linguistic elements, the distinguishing features of Adi Hidayat’s approach include psychological and sociological dimensions, which lead to notable divergences in the duration, method, stages, and delivery attributes of the tafsir. These results affirm that the interpretive divergences between Gus Baha’ and Adi Hidayat are not to be viewed in opposition, but rather as complementary responses tailored to varying audience needs and levels of understanding.

The Inflection of Meaning on the Word Nur in Q.S. An-Nur: 35 with Roland Barthes Semiotics approach

2025-06-14T00:30:22+00:00

This article reconstructs the meaning of the word nur, which should not be limited only to light in the physical sense, but should also be drawn to the articulation of words in a particular text or discourse. Therefore, an approach is needed that does not only focus on its literal meaning, but can reach the symbolic and theological meanings contained in the text. This study aims to reveal the meaning of nur in Q.S. An-Nur [24]: 35 through Roland Barthes' semiotic approach. This research uses a qualitative method with the type of library research. The results of this study indicate that the meaning of nur in Q.S. An-Nur [24]: 35 does not stop at the meaning of light in physical form only, but experiences inflection of meaning through the process of denotation and connotation. In the linguistic system, the word nur denotatively means light, ray, illumination or lantern. While in the mythological system, a connotation meaning is obtained, namely a symbol of God who is a shiner, illuminator and guide for all nature. Through this connotation, the meaning of nur in the myth is born, namely His power through His guidance and revelation that illuminates every creature and the universe. So that all movements, be it the sun, earth, stars to the growth of plants can be understood as His destiny. So, to understand this must be with the eyes of a clean heart and not bound by materialism, worldly pleasures and lust.

Takwil: Journal of Quran and Hadith Studies

From Pesantren to the Public Stage: Divergence of Approaches to Quranic Interpretation between Kiai and Celebrity Preachers

The Inflection of Meaning on the Word Nur in Q.S. An-Nur: 35 with Roland Barthes Semiotics approach