Public Lecture of Master of Qur'anic Sciences Discusses Challenges and Inspirations of Current Qur'anic Studies

Faculty of Ushuluddin, UIN News Online - The Master's Program in Qur'anic Sciences and Exegesis at the Faculty of Usuluddin held a public lecture on Contemporary Qur'anic Studies. The theme "Challenges and Inspirational Stories of Contemporary Qur'anic Studies in America and Indonesia" was discussed on Monday (24/6/2024).

Present at the event, Associate Professor from the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, Mun'im Sirry M.A., Ph.D., and Professor of Qur'anic Sciences and Exegesis, Prof. Kusmana M.A., Ph.D. The event commenced with an opening address by the Dean of the Faculty of Usuluddin, Prof. Ismatu Ropi, M.A., Ph.D.

In his presentation, Mun'im presented a paper titled "New Developments in the Academic Study of the Qur'an". Among the topics discussed were the unique aspects of the Qur'an that have attracted the attention of scholars.

These unique aspects include its historical, literary, theological, and the biographical aspects of Prophet Muhammad. These aspects could serve as innovations for further Qur'anic research.

Historically, Mun'im explained, the Qur'an is the first Arabic-language book on Earth. He also pointed out that the non-linear coherence of the Qur'anic text challenges researchers to explore its intended meaning.

"Previously, understanding the study of the Qur'an was challenging. For instance, at the beginning of the Qur'an, instead of the first surah, we find Al-Baqarah, which discusses various topics, thus requiring scholars to expend considerable energy to explore the coherence of the Qur'an," Mun'im explained.

Furthermore, Mun'im clarified misconceptions about the Qur'an extensively addressing Arab pagan religions. He corrected this by emphasizing that the Qur'an predominantly discusses Judaism and Christianity.

"In fact, there are many criticisms of Jews and Christians, almost on every page of the Qur'an. The claim that the Qur'an criticizes paganism is now being questioned," Mun'im stated.

Following Mun'im's presentation, Prof. Kusmana elaborated on the role of Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing that he cannot be likened to a mere conduit delivering Allah's words. Instead, Prophet Muhammad actively managed these revelations to ensure they were easily understood.

"Prophet Muhammad played a progressive role and was not passive. However, this remains an endless topic of debate," said Kusmana.

He also touched upon the enduring nature of the revelations received by Prophet Muhammad. Kusmana asserted that the meanings of these revelations are fragile unless their preservation is diligently maintained.

"The Sunni and Shia schools endure not because they are superior, but because they have custodians who create dynamics," Kusmana pointed out.

Kusmana concluded by affirming that both the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad are pivotal in Islamic teachings today. Therefore, he emphasized the necessity for academia to continually generate new thoughts about Islam that evolve with contemporary life.

"In schools of thought, there are strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, we must accept these differences in perspective and be open to cold-eyed views without disregarding any of them," Kusmana concluded.

(Febria Adha Larasati/Fauziah Muslimah/Noeni Indah Sulistiyani/ Photo: Indra Aldiansyah)