Methodological approach of Mohamed Idris al-Marbawi in Qur’an bergantung makna melayu : an analytical study

Abstract

Shaykh Muhammad Idris al-Marbawi (1893–1989) was a distinguished Muslim scholar and prolific author whose intellectual contributions significantly enriched Islamic scholarship in the Malay Archipelago, particularly in the field of Qur’anic exegesis. His notable works include Tafsir Surah Yasin Bahasa Melayu, Tafsir Qur’an Marbawi Juzu’ Alif Lam Mim, Tafsir Qur’an Marbawi Ringkas, Qur’an Bergantung Makna Melayu, and Tafsir Qur’an Marbawi Surah Yasin. These commentaries reflect his distinctive exegetical style, which varied according to the thematic focus of each text. His scholarly contributions surpass those of his many contemporaries who authored only a single tafsīr. One such manuscript, Qur’an Bergantung Makna Melayu, written in 1956, was rediscovered by his descendants in 2013, prompting renewed academic interest. This study investigates Shaykh al-Marbawi’s interpretive methodology, particularly his treatment of theological (‘aqīdah), jurisprudential (fiqh), and socio-religious themes within the Qur’an. Employing a qualitative approach through content and document analysis, the research reveals that this manuscript embodies a tafsīr taḥlīlī mutawassiṭ (moderate analytical interpretation). His method integrates both tafsīr bi al-ma’thūr (narrative-based interpretation) and tafsīr bi al-ra’y (reason-based interpretation). Moreover, his exegesis demonstrates a strong engagement with local contexts, offering interpretations that are both authentic and relevant to the socio-religious realities of the Malay community. The findings affirm that Qur’an Bergantung Makna Melayu represents a valuable and contextually resonant contribution to Malay Qur’anic scholarship, with continued relevance in contemporary discourse.