Sufi Isyari Exegesis and Its Implications for Contemporary Qur’anic Interpretation

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the methodology Islamic interpretation in the Sufi tradition with a focus on the dimensions of symbolism, inner meaning, and its relevance in contemporary interpretation of the Qur'an. Isyari Qur’anic Exegesis was an interpretive approach that emphasizes the esoteric and spiritual aspects of the text of the Qur'an through hidden symbols and meanings (inner), as developed by classical Sufis such as al-Qusyairi, al-Ghazali, and Ibn 'Arabi. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a library research approach, through analysis of Sufi interpretation works and Islamic hermeneutic studies. The results of the discussion show that Islamic interpretation has a unique methodological construction, namely interpretation based on spiritual intuition (dzauq), inner enlightenment (kasyf), and textual symbolism that does not contradict the apparent meaning of the Qur'an. However, in a modern academic context, this method faces epistemological challenges in the form of demands for objectivity, rational verification, and criticism of the subjectivity of meaning. Nevertheless,Islamic interpretation continues to make a significant contribution to the enrichment of interpretation studies by opening up a space for dialogue between the spiritual and rational dimensions in understanding the message of the Qur'an holistically.