Development model of social exegesis in Indonesia: exegesis teaching studies in central java

Abstract

Tafsīr adabī ijtima'i (social exegesis) has long been developed in Indonesia, especially with the Walisongo's teachings in the daily life of the Indonesian society. For example, the teaching of molimo is a representation of the interpretation of QS. al-Mā'idah: 90, 38-39 and QS. al-Isrā':32. Social exegesis in Indonesia uses short and simple language, and focuses on practical use, rather than conceptual theoretical study. This is so the society does not have to think deeply because it is hands-on knowledge. Therefore, the studies of the interpretation of the Qur'an addressed to the general public are more in the form of translation and delivered with an emphasis on the function of the Qur'an itself as the instructions and guidelines for human life. This paper will discuss the study of social exegesis in Kudus and Semarang and studies a model of the social exegesis development in Indonesia. Teaching studies of exegesis in Central Java, especially in Kudus and Semarang indicated that the methods and contents of social exegesis have some similarities. The differences are the use of various interpretation books in the case of Kudus, whereas in Semarang, they use one kind of book of tafsīr and the book of aqīda as a supplement to tafsir teaching. Wednesday nights are selected to have the Teaching of Qur'an tafsīr in Kudus because that day is rarely used for the implementation of religious ceremonies and local traditions. In Semarang, the same teaching is held on Sunday morning because the majority of the audiences are government servants or are working in private sectors that only have that day off. Moreover, the teaching of Qur'anic exegesis in Kudus does not have board members while in Semarang, there are no recitals. The development of social exegesis can be done through seven aspects, namely preservation of traditions, the use of local languages, living Qur'an, planting the values of nationalism and democracy, strengthening brotherhood, solving various problems of the society and the ability to establish good communication with the public. Seven of these aspects are a great influence to the social exegesis in certain areas. Therefore, if these aspects are more complete, there will be more goals and objectives attached to the exegesis and reached in the society.