Takwil: Journal of Quran and Hadith Studies

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

Ahmad Fawaid, Ahmad Maulidin — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Social Media as a Site of The Qur’anic Reception A Case Study of the Podcast Login Episode “Dicky Difie "Apapun demi Nyokap, Jadi M1skin Gua Siap!!!”

Farhan Suhada, Deden Juansa Putra, Ikhsan Rifki Naswa — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines the reception of the Qur'an on social media through an analysis of a podcast episode titled ‘Dicky Difie: Anything for my mum, so I'm willing to be m1skin!!’. The primary focus is on Qur’anic values, particularly those related to filial piety, sacrifice, and ethical commitment, which are reinterpreted and recontextualised within social media narratives. This study aims to explore the reception of the Qur'an on social media: a case study of the podcast Login episode: “Dicky Difie: anything for nyokap, so m1skin I'm willing!!!”. Using Ahmad Rafiq's living qur'an theory approach which emphasizes the reader's response to the Qur'an. The reception initiated by Ahmad Rafiq consists of three forms and two of them can be found in this Login podcast, namely exegesis reception in the form of understanding the Qur'an in accordance with existing translations or interpretations, aesthetic reception, namely interpreting the Qur'an based on its beauty either musically or in the form of calligraphy art. Using the content-analysis method, which analyzes the form of reception displayed in the content, then criticizes the transformation in it. This article concludes that QS. Luqman: 12-14 in this podcast has different interpretations from the scholars of tafsir who interpret this verse as a form of honouring the role of parents, especially mothers who have sacrificed for their children, whereas in this podcast, the understanding of QS. Luqman: 12-14 is interpreted as a child's negligence in giving attention to the role of the mother, who serves as the gateway to guidance for a child. Additionally, reciting the Qur'an with proper pronunciation (tartil) is highly appreciated as a testament to the miraculous nature of the Qur'an, which possesses a high artistic value within it.

The Dialectics of Hadith Authenticity: An Epistemological Dispute between Juynboll and Mustafa al-ʿAzami

Indina Ulin, Athaya Salsabila Elua, Abiyyu Padma Widya Cakti — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzes the thoughts of G.H.A. Juynboll and Mustafa al-ʿAami regarding hadith authenticity, focusing on Juynboll’s Common Link theory and al-ʿAzami’s critique. Juynboll asserts that many hadiths in Islamic literature are products of isnad fabrication, centered on a key transmitter (common link), suggesting that such hadiths may not genuinely originate from the Prophet Muhammad. Conversely, al-’Azami argues that the isnad system has existed since the Prophet’s time and was meticulously preserved by hadith scholars. This research employs a qualitative-descriptive library study method. Primary data were obtained from the original works of both scholars and relevant secondary sources. The findings reveal that while the Common Link theory is helpful in mapping transmission chains, it is insufficient to question hadith authenticity without robust historical evidence. Al-’Azami’s critique highlights the importance of the narrators’ credibility and the continuity of the isnad as fundamental principles in hadith science. The study concludes that although Juynboll’s theory offers methodological value, its application must be approached cautiously to avoid contradicting the well-established principles of hadith authentication.

Uncovering the Complexity of Human Personality in the Qur'an: A Theological and Psychological Approach

Hasan Ismail, Nurusshobah, Muhammad Taufiq, Khaerurrazikin — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study of human personality as presented in the Qur’an is of notable importance, given its rich intersection between theological concepts and psychological insights in shaping personal character. In today’s world, where moral degradation, increased psychological distress, and spiritual emptiness are increasingly prevalent, there exists a visible dissonance between the ideal human nature (fitrah) and the behavioral patterns observable in modern society. This research seeks to delve into how the Qur’an defines the essential qualities and innate potential of human beings, to identify foundational values that support the development of character, and to analyze their relevance in addressing ethical and psychological concerns in the contemporary context. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study is based on library research and thematic analysis of selected Qur’anic verses that highlight notions of human character, devotion, and leadership. The results reveal that the Qur’an characterizes humans as beings naturally equipped with reason, free will, and a moral compass, capable of fulfilling their dual function as devoted servants of God (‘abd) and responsible stewards of the earth (khalifah). Core Qur’anic values such as perseverance, truthfulness, reliance on God (tawakkul), justice, gratitude, and sincerity are shown to be more than ethical principles—they also support psychological strength and mental stability. The harmony between theological doctrines and psychological wisdom in the Qur’an contributes to a holistic model of human personality, fostering spiritual-mental balance and resilience in facing the complexities of contemporary life.

The Orientalist Paradigm and Its Implications for Interreligious Dialogue in the Era of Globalization

Budi Ichwayudi, Syabrowi, Fira Septiana, Fristika Maulida Aminatuz Zuhria — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Orientalist studies on Islam have played a significant role in shaping Western perceptions and understanding of the religion. Throughout the history of interaction between Islam and the Western world, Orientalist studies have served both as a bridge of knowledge and a field of controversy. As times have evolved, the challenges of pluralism and diversity demand an inclusive and equal platform of communication among religious adherents. This article explores in depth the implications of Orientalist studies on the dynamics of interreligious dialogue in the era of globalization, particularly between Islam and other major world religions. The focus of this article is to analyze both the positive contributions and negative impacts of Orientalist studies, as well as the integration of a moderate approach in responding to the legacy of Orientalism. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method with a literature review approach. The findings reveal that Muslim responses to Orientalist studies are divided into two: some reject them due to perceived hidden agendas, while others accept them with critical reservations as a means of internal reflection and correction. In this context, interreligious dialogue becomes a strategic space to correct misunderstandings and strengthen the values of justice, tolerance, and peace. Orientalist studies have both positive and negative effects on interreligious dialogue. On one hand, biases and misperceptions introduced by Orientalist studies may hinder dialogue and exacerbate prejudice. On the other hand, objective Orientalist studies in the globalized era can enrich interfaith knowledge and open up opportunities for deeper understanding among religious communities.

The Paradigm of Reconstructing Fazlur Rahman's Ethical-Legal Contextual Interpretation of the Qur'an

Putra Pandu Dinata Nurdiansyah — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Qur’an contains not only spiritual and theological values but also ethical and legal principles aimed at building a just and civilized society. However, traditional approaches to interpreting legal verses of the Qur’an tend to be literalist, atomistic, and insufficiently responsive to complex social transformations. This condition highlights the urgent need for methodological renewal in interpreting the Qur’an’s ethical-legal messages to ensure their continued relevance in contemporary contexts. This study aims to examine in depth the ethical-legal interpretive paradigm of the Qur’an in the thought of Fazlur Rahman, a prominent modernist Muslim thinker who offers a moral-conceptual approach through his Double Movement Theory. The research focuses on three main aspects: (1) Fazlur Rahman’s paradigm of ethical-legal Qur’anic interpretation, (2) his critique of traditional Islamic exegesis, and (3) the implications of his ideas for the development of contemporary Islamic legal thought. This study employs a qualitative library research method using content analysis of Fazlur Rahman’s primary works and relevant secondary literature. The distinction of this study lies in its emphasis on the ethical-legal dimension of Qur’anic interpretation, a topic that has rarely been systematically explored. Its novelty lies in the integration of the Double Movement Theory within the framework of ethical-legal interpretation that is responsive to social justice values and the dynamics of modern life. The findings demonstrate that Rahman’s approach enables a reconstruction of Islamic legal hermeneutics to become more contextual, humanistic, and rooted in the Qur’an’s universal moral values. This study affirms the importance of a dynamic ethical-legal interpretive paradigm as a foundational basis for developing Islamic legal thought that remains adaptive and relevant to the challenges of the modern era.

Bridging Artificial Intelligence and Revelation: Semantic Analysis on Chapter Al-‘Alaq in the Qur’an through the Artificial Neural Networks Perspective

Fahmi Alhubilah, Mohamad Zaka Al Farisi, Rinaldi Supriadi — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article aims to elaborate the relationship between the principles of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the scientific values contained in Surah Al-Alaq verses 1-5. The main focus of the research is the question: to what extent can the principles of learning and cognition in JST be semantically analyzed through the Qur'anic perspective, and whether the ethical values contained in the first revelation can provide conceptual guidance for the development of responsible AI. The method used is semantic analysis using Toshihiko Izutzu's approach, which examines the lexical and relational meanings of key words in Surat Al-Alaq. The results showed conceptual similarities between JST learning processes - such as data input, classification, and layered processing - and the command “Iqra'”, the concept of “Qalam”, and the Qur'anic emphasis on reason and knowledge. These findings indicate that the working principles of JSTs have philosophical counterparts in Islamic sacred texts, which emphasize progressive learning, truth-seeking, and sincere intentions in acquiring knowledge. Consequently, this study offers an ethical-conceptual framework for the development of value-based AI, particularly in the realms of Islamic education and humanistic technology. These results contribute to the discourse on the integration of Islamic science and modern science in an applicable manner and open opportunities for the development of a more transcendental AI ethic.

The Epistemology of Sunnah as a Pillar of Transformative Curriculum in Islamic Education: A Thematic Study of Scientific Hadith

Roychan Abdul Aziz Altsaury, Ana Rahmawati — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: Islamic education plays a central role in shaping individual character and societal civilization, with the virtues of learning and teaching upheld as core values. These virtues are profoundly reflected in numerous hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, which encapsulate not only intellectual dimensions but also spiritual and ethical foundations. However, in contemporary educational practice, there exists a significant gap between the ideal values embodied in hadith and the implementation of curricula that tend to prioritize cognitive and instrumental outcomes. Moreover, academic studies that specifically explore educational hadiths through a thematic approach to address the demands of 21st-century education remain notably scarce. This condition underscores the urgency of systematically reexamining the prophetic traditions on the virtues of learning and teaching, in order to formulate a value-based framework that can be integrated into a transformative Islamic educational curriculum. This study aims to identify, classify, and analyze hadiths related to the virtues of seeking and imparting knowledge, and to explore their relevance in designing contemporary Islamic education curricula. The main focus is on integrating the spiritual, moral, and intellectual values found in hadith into both formal and non-formal education systems, especially in the context of digital-era challenges. Employing a qualitative approach with thematic (maudhu’i) analysis, this research draws upon authoritative hadith collections and is supported by contextual academic literature. The findings reveal that these prophetic traditions not only convey spiritual merit but also offer transformative educational philosophy. Their integration can serve as a foundation for curriculum development that simultaneously addresses cognitive, affective, and spiritual dimensions. This study provides practical implications for strengthening the role of hadith as a source of ethical guidance and visionary pedagogy in the advancement of Islamic education.