State-Sponsored Quranic Exegesis: A Comparative Analysis of Turkiye's and Indonesia's Official Tafsir

Abstract

Abstract This research aims to analyze the official Tafsir in Turkiye and Indonesia within their respective socio-political contexts. Official Tafsir, such as “Kurʾan Yolu” in Turkiye and “Al-Qurʾan dan Tafsirnya” ( QDT ) in Indonesia, reflects state intervention in shaping religious discourse, differing from traditional Tafsir. This study identifies three main features of official Tafsir: exclusivity, collectivity, and responsiveness. The exclusivity in the official exegesis in both countries is influenced by the dominant madhhab (Hanafi in Turkiye and Shafiʾi in Indonesia), reflecting government efforts to standardize religious understanding in line with state interests. The research employs a comparative methodological approach, using primary data from official exegesis texts and secondary literature on political and cultural history in both countries. The findings indicate that official exegesis in Turkiye and Indonesia not only serves as a tool to maintain religious orthodoxy but also as an instrument for the state to address emerging social and legal issues. This study provides insights into the complex interplay between politics, culture, and religious interpretation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining inclusivity in religious discourse to meet the diverse needs of society.

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