The Dynamics of the Development of Qur'an Interpretation from Narration to Understanding and Modern Exegesis

Abstract

The study of Qur’anic exegesis is a discipline that continues to evolve in tandem with social, cultural, and intellectual developments, as well as the needs of the Muslim community throughout the ages. These developments demonstrate that the tradition of Qur’anic exegesis is dynamic and inseparable from its surrounding socio-historical context. This article aims to examine the dynamics of the development of Qur’anic exegesis from the era of the Companions to the modern era, as well as to identify the characteristics of each of these periods. This study employs a library research method with a descriptive-qualitative approach. Data were obtained from various sources of literature related to the history of the development of exegesis, including classical texts, books, and scholarly articles. The results of the study indicate that exegesis during the era of the Companions and the Tabi’in was dominated by the riwayah approach, which drew upon the Qur’an, hadith, atsar, and the statements of the Companions. During the classical period, the tradition of exegesis evolved through a process of codification and the emergence of the dirayah approach, which employed ijtihad and rational analysis. Meanwhile, exegesis in the modern era has evolved to become more contextual, multidisciplinary, and responsive to a variety of ever-evolving issues. Thus, the development of exegesis demonstrates methodological dynamics that reflect its ability to adapt to the changing times without deviating from the fundamental principles of Islamic law.