Politicizing the Sacred: Conflict and Power in Contemporary Qur’anic Interpretation
Keywords:
Qur’anic Hermeneutics, Political Conflict, Political Islam, Critical Discourse Analysis, Ideological ExegesisAbstract
This study examines how political conflicts in the Middle East have shaped contemporary Qur’anic interpretation. Using a qualitative library-based approach, it integrates critical hermeneutics and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to analyze major exegetical works across different ideological traditions. The findings reveal three dominant patterns of interpretation: revolutionary (haraki), pro-regime apologetic, and extremist jihadist exegesis. These interpretations function not only as theological expressions but also as instruments of political legitimacy, reflecting a reciprocal relationship between conflict and religious discourse. The study further demonstrates how power relations, ideological interests, and socio-political contexts influence the production and dissemination of Qur’anic meaning. By combining Qur’anic studies with political Islam and discourse analysis, this research contributes to a more contextual and critical understanding of tafsir. It also highlights the importance of developing inclusive, context-sensitive interpretations as part of broader efforts toward deradicalization and conflict resolution.
Abstrak
Penelitian ini mengkaji bagaimana konflik politik di Timur Tengah membentuk tafsir Al-Qur’an kontemporer. Dengan pendekatan kualitatif berbasis studi kepustakaan, penelitian ini mengintegrasikan hermeneutika kritis dan Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) untuk menganalisis karya-karya tafsir dari berbagai tradisi ideologis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tiga pola utama tafsir, yaitu tafsir revolusioner (haraki), apologetik pro-rezim, dan jihadis ekstrem. Tafsir tersebut tidak hanya berfungsi sebagai ekspresi teologis, tetapi juga sebagai instrumen legitimasi politik, yang mencerminkan hubungan timbal balik antara konflik dan wacana keagamaan. Studi ini juga menunjukkan bahwa relasi kuasa, kepentingan ideologis, dan konteks sosial-politik sangat memengaruhi produksi dan penyebaran makna Al-Qur’an. Dengan pendekatan interdisipliner, penelitian ini berkontribusi pada pengembangan studi tafsir yang lebih kontekstual dan kritis, serta mendukung upaya deradikalisasi melalui interpretasi yang inklusif.
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