Analisa: Journal of Social Science and Religion
Vol 10, No 2 (2025): Analisa Journal of Social Science and Religion

Polemical Exegesis and Hermeneutical Analysis in Misbah Mustofa’s Tafsir Al-Iklīl

Pratama, Aunillah Reza (Unknown)
Baidowi, Ahmad (Unknown)
Isnaini, Subi Nur (Unknown)
Sayhbana, Moch Nur Syahruz (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2025

Abstract

This article analyzes the polemical character of KH. Misbah Mustofa’s Qur’anic interpretation in Tafsir Al-Iklīl, emphasizing his critique of socio-religious authority. The study investigates how a pesantren-based scholar could produce confrontational interpretations and how this attitude is shaped by his pre-understanding of taqlid. Employing a qualitative textual analysis informed by Hans-Georg Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics, this research demonstrates that Misbah conceptualizes taqlid not as blind imitation but as adherence to established opinions of qualified mujtahid imams. This pre-understanding becomes a hermeneutical horizon that leads him to reject non-mujtahid authorities whose fatwas dominate public practice. As a result, his tafsir articulates polemical critiques toward religious leaders, institutions, and popular practices, including the ritual use of loudspeakers, exaggerated veneration of scholars, and the Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ). Misbah’s interpretation thus reflects a fusion of horizons between the Qur’anic text and the dynamics of Javanese Islamic society, producing a critique rooted in the legitimacy of madhhab authority. Theoretically, this research offers a Gadamerian perspective on taqlid as a productive pre-understanding in Nusantara tafsir studies. Practically, it highlights the role of Qur’anic exegesis as an instrument of socio-religious critique and reform.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

analisa

Publisher

Subject

Religion Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

FOCUS Analisa aims to provide information on social and religious issues through publication of research based articles and critical analysis articles. SCOPE Analisa concerns on the religious studies issues including beliefs, behaviors and institutions, education as well as religious text and ...