<![CDATA[The study of the Qur’anic verses revealed in a certain historical context (asbāb al-nuzūl) is often trapped in a textual approach that limits the meaning of the verse only to the background of the event. As a result, the potential for transformation of meaning and ethical messages that are relevant to the contemporary socio-religious context is neglected. One of the verses that is frequently interpreted in a narrow sense is QS. al-Tawbah [9]:6, which was revealed in the context of protection against the polytheists, so that they could hear the word of God. This study aims to review the verse through Abdullah Saeed’s contextual interpretation approach, by exploring its linguistic dimensions, socio-historical context, and potential moral and ethical messages in the reality of religious pluralism today. This study found that the verse implies an opportunity for da‘wā in religious plurality. This is based on the meaning of istajāra which not only means protection, but also points to closeness and peaceful coexistence; mushrikīn can be understood as a representation of adherents of other religions; and kalām Allāh includes all Islamic teachings, not limited to the literal Qur’an. This finding confirms that contextual reading allows the actualization of the inclusive values of the Qur’an as an ethical basis in building interfaith relations in a multicultural society.]]>
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