Metodologi Riwayat Bil Ma’nā dan Implikasinya Terhadap Penerimaan Israiliyat dalam Tafsir

Abstract

Riwayat bil maʿnā is a method of transmission that allows flexibility in conveying meaning without strict adherence to the original wording, and it has been widely employed in the tradition of Qur’anic exegesis, particularly in the interpretation of narrative verses. However, this methodological flexibility carries significant implications for the entry and acceptance of Israiliyat reports, which are not derived from revelation and possess weak epistemological authority. This article aims to analyze the concept and characteristics of riwayat bil maʿnā in Qur’anic interpretation, examine its relationship with the acceptance of Israiliyat, and explore its methodological implications for the authority of Qur’anic exegesis. This study employs a qualitative approach through library research, using a descriptive-analytical method to examine classical and modern tafsir literature as well as relevant works on tafsir and hadith methodology. The findings indicate that the use of riwayat bil maʿnā contributes to the widespread acceptance of Israiliyat in tafsir, while simultaneously opening space for exegetical subjectivity and potential distortion of meaning, particularly when it is not accompanied by a critical stance and adequate methodological control. The differing attitudes of exegetes, ranging from permissive to critical-selective approaches, demonstrate that the impact of riwayat bil maʿnā is largely determined by the epistemological framework employed. The implications of this study underscore the importance of methodological caution in the use of riwayat bil maʿnā so that Israiliyat remain positioned as secondary, informative sources and do not obscure the authority of revelation in Qur’anic interpretation.