Tipologi Penafsiran Al-Qur'an dalam Tradisi Keilmuan Islam: Kajian atas Tafsir bi al-Ma'tsur, bi al-Ra'yi, dan bi al-Isyari

Abstract

The Qur’an, as the primary source of Islamic teachings, requires interpretation to ensure that its messages can be understood and applied in accordance with the needs of Muslim communities across different times and contexts. The diversity of methods and approaches that have developed within the Islamic intellectual tradition has given rise to various typologies of Qur’anic interpretation, including tafsir bi al-ma’tsur, tafsir bi al-ra’yi, and tafsir bi al-isyari. This study aims to analyze the characteristics, epistemological foundations, as well as the similarities and differences among these three interpretative typologies within the Islamic scholarly tradition. This research employs a library research method with a qualitative descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected from relevant primary and secondary sources on Qur’anic exegesis and analyzed using content analysis and comparative analysis techniques. The findings reveal that tafsir bi al-ma’tsur is grounded in transmitted sources, namely the Qur’an, Hadith, the Companions, and the Tabi‘in; tafsir bi al-ra’yi emphasizes reasoned interpretation and intellectual effort while adhering to established scholarly principles; whereas tafsir bi al-isyari focuses on the spiritual and esoteric dimensions of Qur’anic verses without neglecting their apparent meanings. Although these three typologies possess distinct characteristics, they complement one another in achieving a more comprehensive understanding of the Qur’an. This study contributes to the development of Qur’anic hermeneutics by highlighting the importance of integrating transmitted knowledge, rational inquiry, and spiritual insight in contemporary Qur’anic studies.