Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika
The Faculty of Islamic Studies at Ƶ (Ƶ) hosted a public lecture on February 24, 2025, featuring Prof. Dr. Phil. Sahiron Syamsuddin, MA, Director of Islamic Higher Education at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The event, held as part of the faculty’s biannual tradition to mark the beginning of a new semester, focused on the reinterpretation of the Qur’an in the 21st century.
Prof. Yanwar Pribadi, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at Ƶ, emphasized the significance of this academic gathering in strengthening intellectual discourse within the faculty. He highlighted that such events provide a platform for engaging discussions that enrich research at both the Master’s and PhD levels.
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim, emphasized the significance of the lecture, highlighting its uniqueness in featuring not only a high-ranking government official but also a distinguished scholar in the field. “To my knowledge, this is the first time we have had an official of this stature delivering a lecture here. Until now, we haven’t had such an opportunity,” he remarked. He expressed optimism that this engagement would spark fresh research ideas, further enriching and advancing the study of Islam.
Prof. Sahiron’s lecture introduced the&Բ;Ѳ‘n-ܳ-Ѳ approach, a contemporary exegetical method that integrates classical Qur’anic studies with modern knowledge and societal needs. He outlined the necessity of improving Qur’anic interpretation due to advancements in science and humanities, the evolving dynamics of societies, and the changing landscape of human thought.
In his lecture, Prof. Sahiron explained that the Ѳ‘n-ܳ-Ѳ approach seeks to achieve three key objectives, namely understanding the original historical meaning (al-ma‘nā al-tārīkhī) as perceived by the first audience; analyzing the historical significance (al-maghzā al-tārīkhī); and extracting contemporary significance for today’s context (al-maghzā al-mutaḥarrik al-mu‘āṣir).
Prof. Sahiron emphasized that the Qur’an, as a divine revelation, serves as a universal message for all humanity and requires continuous interpretation and contextualization. He argued against the concept of abrogation (naskh), advocating instead for contextualized understanding where every verse retains relevance within its historical and contemporary framework.
The lecture detailed various strategies employed in this interpretative model which include linguistic analysis, intratextuality, intertextuality, historical context, significance analysis, and appropriation for contemporary needs.
Prof. Sahiron concluded by stressing the dynamic nature of interpretation, asserting that exegetical truths are relative and must evolve in response to contemporary realities. He reiterated that Qur’anic interpretation should always aim for the greater good (maṣāliḥ al-nās wa al-‘ālam), avoiding misinterpretations that could lead to discord (fitna).
This inaugural lecture by a Ministry of Religious Affairs official marks a significant milestone for Ƶ’s Faculty of Islamic Studies. It sets a precedent for future collaborations between academic institutions and governmental institutions in fostering scholarly discussions on Islam and its relevance in modern society.