Mendekatkan Al-Qur’an Kepada Umat: Strategi Bahasa dan Metode Tafsir dalam Tafsir An-Nur

Abstract

This study aims to explore the strategy of interpreting the Qur’an in the Indonesian language by analyzing Tafsir An-Nur, a major exegetical work by Teungku Muhammad Hasbi Ash-Shiddieqy, a prominent Indonesian Qur’anic scholar of the 20th century. The background of this research lies in the growing need among Indonesian Muslims for a Qur’anic commentary written in their national language -one that is not merely a translation- but offers accessible and contextual interpretations. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method through literature review and content analysis of all five volumes of Tafsir An-Nur. The findings reveal that Hasbi primarily applied the ijmali (summarized) method of interpretation, characterized by concise yet essential explanations of the Qur'anic verses. The tafsir follows a consistent structure: quoting the verse in Arabic, providing a transliteration in Latin script, translating it into Indonesian, interpreting it based on other related verses, hadith, and the opinions of the Companions and Tabi‘in, and concluding with a brief summary of the key meanings. In terms of sources, Hasbi combines tafsir bi al-ma’tsur (narrative-based) and tafsir bi al-ra’yi (rational-based), making Tafsir An-Nur representative of the athari-nazhori exegetical model. His primary references include classical works such as Tafsir Ibn Kathir, al-Maraghi, and al-Manar. Although Tafsir An-Nur predominantly follows the ijmali method, elements of thematic (maudu‘i), comparative (muqaran), and analytical (tahlili) approaches are also present, especially in legal and ambiguous verses. A unique feature of this tafsir is its use of both Arabic and Latin scripts for the Qur'anic verses, enabling broader accessibility for readers unfamiliar with Arabic. The study concludes that Tafsir An-Nur exemplifies an Indonesian Qur’anic interpretation model that integrates classical Islamic scholarship with the linguistic and contextual needs of a contemporary Muslim society.