Contemporary Quran
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Contemporary Quran

Narrative Analysis and the Transformation of Exegetical Methodology: A Systematic Literature Review of Methodological Approaches and Interpretive Frameworks (2000-2025)

Mohammad Rindu Fajar Islamy (Indonesia University of Education)
Asep Abdul Muhyi (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung)
Achmad Faqihuddin (Indonesia University of Education)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Jun 2026

Abstract

The application of narrative analysis to Quranic interpretation (tafsir) has emerged as a significant methodological approach in contemporary Islamic scholarship, bridging classical exegetical traditions with modern literary theory. This systematic literature review examines the development of narrative analysis methodology as a formal analytical framework for interpreting the Qur’an between 2000 and 2025. In this study, tafsir is no longer treated as the primary methodological framework; rather, it is positioned as historical and textual data that can be analyzed using modern narratological tools. The analysis reveals three dominant approaches in treating tafsir texts as material objects: structural analysis, intertextual analysis, and contextual analysis. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across multiple academic databases, identifying 191 relevant studies. The review identifies significant methodological innovations, including the integration of digital humanities tools, comparative narrative approaches, and cross-cultural interpretive frameworks. Key findings indicate that narrative analysis in tafsir has evolved from descriptive storytelling approaches to sophisticated hermeneutical methodologies that engage with both classical Islamic exegetical traditions and contemporary literary theory. The study reveals gaps in comparative cross-cultural narrative analysis and limited integration of cognitive narrative theory. This review contributes to the understanding of contemporary tafsir methodology and provides a foundation for future research in narrative-based Quranic interpretation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

AJQH

Publisher

Subject

Religion Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

The Contemporary Quran is a twice-a-year, trilingual, peer-reviewed journal that aims to encourage and promote contemporary Quranic studies from a wide range of scholarly perspectives, reflecting the diversity of approaches characteristic of this field of scholarship. The Contemporary Quran ...