From Iqra’ to Knowledge: Reframing Islamic Educational Epistemology
Keywords:
Iqra’, Islamic Educational Epistemology, Knowledge, Literacy, Qur’anic EducationAbstract
The abundance of information in the digital era has not always been accompanied by the development of critical literacy, knowledge culture, and moral responsibility in the use of knowledge. This study aims to examine the meaning of iqra’ in Q. Al-‘Alaq 96:1–5 and to reconceptualize it as an epistemological foundation of Islamic education. Employing a qualitative library research design, the study applies thematic Qur’anic interpretation and content analysis of classical and contemporary tafsir alongside relevant scholarship on literacy, knowledge, and Islamic education. The findings reveal that iqra’ extends beyond reading to encompass understanding, inquiry, reflection, writing, and knowledge production within the framework of tawḥīd. The concepts of iqra’, bismi rabbika, and qalam collectively establish an educational framework that integrates literacy, knowledge, spirituality, and moral responsibility. This study contributes a conceptual model of Islamic educational epistemology that bridges revelation and reason, offering a holistic foundation for addressing contemporary challenges in literacy, knowledge development, and character formation.
Abstrak
Melimpahnya informasi pada era digital belum selalu diikuti oleh berkembangnya literasi kritis, budaya ilmu, dan tanggung jawab moral dalam penggunaan pengetahuan. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji makna iqra’ dalam Q.S. Al-‘Alaq 96:1–5 serta merekonseptualisasikannya sebagai fondasi epistemologis pendidikan Islam. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif berbasis studi kepustakaan dengan metode tafsir tematik Al-Qur’an dan analisis isi terhadap tafsir klasik, tafsir kontemporer, serta literatur yang relevan tentang literasi, ilmu pengetahuan, dan pendidikan Islam. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa iqra’ tidak hanya bermakna membaca, tetapi juga mencakup memahami, menelaah, merefleksikan, menulis, dan mengembangkan pengetahuan dalam kerangka tawhid. Konsep iqra’, bismi rabbika, dan qalam membentuk kerangka pendidikan yang mengintegrasikan literasi, ilmu pengetahuan, spiritualitas, dan tanggung jawab moral. Penelitian ini menawarkan model konseptual epistemologi pendidikan Islam yang menjembatani wahyu dan akal sebagai fondasi pendidikan yang holistik dalam menghadapi tantangan literasi, pengembangan ilmu, dan pembentukan karakter kontemporer.
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