The Application and Multicultural Aspects in the Development of Qur’anic Interpretation Studies (A Perspective from Mafātīḥ al-Ghayb by Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī)

Septiawadi, Septiawadi
Dimas Alan Saputra
M. Lytto Syahrum Arminsa

Al-Dzikra: Jurnal Studi Ilmu al-Quran dan al-Hadits
Vol 20 No 1 (2026)

Abstract The issue of multiculturalism has become increasingly relevant amid the complexity of diverse global societies, while the Qur'an has, from the beginning, contained values of equality, tolerance, and respect for differences. Tafsīr Mafātīḥ al-Ghayb, as one of the major works of rational-philosophical exegesis, is not only rich in linguistic and theological analysis but also demonstrates openness to various intellectual traditions and socio-cultural contexts. This study employed a library research method with a descriptive-interpretative approach and analyzed thematic verses. The findings show that the multicultural aspects in al-Rāzī's perspective include gender equality, ethnic equality, equality of culture and belief, equality in competition, and recognition of personal quality. These aspects can be implemented in tafsīr studies by developing values such as equal rights without gender discrimination, togetherness amid ethnic diversity, recognition of individual freedom and privacy rights, recognition of beliefs as part of multiculturalism, the spirit of competition and sportsmanship, and a logical, scientific culture. The study concludes that Tafsīr Mafātīḥ al-Ghayb offers an inclusive, tolerant, and moderate model of tafsīr studies that is relevant for responding to the dynamics of pluralism in the contemporary era. Keywords: Equality; Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī; Mafātīḥ al-Ghayb; Multiculturalism; Tafsīr Studies.   Abstrak Isu multikulturalisme menjadi semakin relevan di tengah kompleksitas masyarakat global yang beragam, sementara Al-Qur’an sejak awal telah mengandung nilai-nilai kesetaraan, toleransi, dan penghargaan terhadap perbedaan. Tafsir Mafātīḥ al-Ghayb sebagai salah satu mahakarya tafsir bercorak rasional-filosofis tidak hanya kaya akan analisis kebahasaan dan teologi, tetapi juga menunjukkan keterbukaan terhadap berbagai tradisi pemikiran dan konteks sosial budaya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kepustakaan (library research) dengan pendekatan deskriptif interpretative serta menganalisis ayat-ayat tematik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa aspek multikultural dalam perspektif al-Rāzī meliputi: kesetaraan gender, kesetaraan etnis, kesetaraan budaya dan kepercayaan, kesetaraan kompetisi, serta pengakuan kualitas kepribadian. Aspek-aspek tersebut dapat diimplementasikan dalam pengkajian tafsir melalui pengembangan karakter: persamaan hak tanpa diskriminasi gender, kebersamaan dalam keragaman etnis, pengakuan hak privat kemerdekaan diri, pengakuan keyakinan sebagai bagian dari multikultur, semangat kompetisi dan sportivitas, serta budaya ilmiah yang logis. Kesimpulannya, Tafsir Mafātīḥ al-Ghayb menawarkan model pengkajian tafsir yang inklusif, toleran, dan moderat, yang relevan untuk merespons dinamika kemajemukan di era kontemporer. Kata Kunci: Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī; Kesetaraan; Mafātīḥ al-Ghayb; Multikulturalisme; Pengkajian Tafsir.