al-Afkar, Journal For Islamic Studies
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026)

Thematic Unity Theory in the Qur'an: Comparative Analysis between Tafsir Al-Farahi and Tafsir Sa'id Hawwa

Zihan Amalia Shabrina (Unknown)
Andri Nirwana. AN (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
11 May 2026

Abstract

This study analyzes the concept of thematic unity (al-wahdah al-mawdhu‘iyyah or nazm) in Qur’anic exegesis as developed by two important figures in modern exegesis, Hamiduddin Al-Farahi (1863–1930) and Sa‘id Hawwa (1935–1989) (Khanan et al., 2025). Both represent two distinct but complementary methodological styles: Al-Farahi with a structural-linguistic approach that emphasizes the internal coherence of the text through the concepts of ‘umud (the central theme of the surah) and nazm (verse coherence), while Sa‘id Hawwa developed a thematic-conceptual exegesis (tafsir mawdhu‘i) that highlights the inter-verse relationships (munasabah) and the moral and social relevance of revelation. Using qualitative-comparative methods and a hermeneutical approach to interpretation, this study explores the epistemological similarities and methodological differences between the two, and assesses their implications for modern exegesis studies. The results demonstrate that the thematic unity theory offers a new paradigm for understanding the Quran integratively rejecting atomistic readings and emphasizing that each chapter possesses an interconnected architecture of meaning. The synergy between the nazm (Farahi) and the thematic-applicative (Hawwa) approaches enriches exegesis studies with a balance between scientific rigor and contextual relevance (Basir et al., 2022). These findings are expected to contribute to the development of a modern exegesis methodology that is not only academic and linguistic, but also reflective of the social realities of contemporary Muslims.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Afkar_Journal

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

al-Afkar, Journal for Islamic Studies is published by Association of Secondment Lecturers (Asosiasi Dosen DPK) UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung Indonesia. Focus of al-Afkar, Journal for Islamic Studies is on publishing original empirical research articles and theoretical reviews of Islamic Studies, ...