Indonesian Journal of Islamic Literature and Muslim Society
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026)

Rethinking Religious Pluralism in Qur'anic Interpretation: A Multicultural Reading of Imam Basyari

Fadhila Sidiq Permana (UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung)
Sahiron Syamsuddin (UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jun 2026

Abstract

Indonesia is a multicultural nation characterized by religious diversity, including Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism. This diversity has long been sustained through the national principle of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Nevertheless, religiously motivated conflicts continue to occur, often resulting from exclusive interpretations of religious teachings and discriminatory attitudes toward other faith communities. This study examines Imam Basyari’s interpretation of Qur’an 2:62 (QS. al-Baqarah [2]: 62) and evaluates its relevance to contemporary issues of religious pluralism and interreligious relations in Indonesia. Employing a library research method and a multicultural philosophy approach, the study critically analyzes Imam Basyari’s exegetical perspective on religious diversity. The findings reveal that although Imam Basyari’s interpretation seeks to affirm Islamic theological principles, several aspects of his interpretation require further reexamination in light of multicultural values and contemporary social realities. The study argues that a more inclusive reading of the verse can contribute to fostering social cohesion, reducing interreligious tensions, and promoting mutual recognition among diverse religious communities. This research contributes to Qur’anic studies by offering a critical reassessment of Imam Basyari’s interpretation through the lens of multicultural philosophy.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

islimus

Publisher

Subject

Religion

Description

Indonesian Journal of Islamic Literature and Muslim Society published by Postgraduate Program of State Islamic University (UIN) Raden Mas Said Surakarta. This journal covers textual and empirical, as well as classical and contemporary research on Islam, primarily focusing on Islam and Muslims study ...