Paradigm Shift in Qur’anic Studies at Indonesian Islamic Universities (2018-2024)

Authors

  • Danial Institut Agama Islam Negeri Kendari, Indonesia
  • Masyhuri Rifai Institut Agama Islam Negeri Kendari, Indonesia
  • Muhammad Shaleh Assingkily Institut Agama Islam Negeri Kendari, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29240/alquds.v9i3.15173

Keywords:

Paradigm Shift, Qur'anic Studies, Living Qur'an, Indonesian Islamic Universities, Kuhn's Theory

Abstract

This study examines the paradigm shift in tafsir research at State Islamic Universities (PTKIN) across Sulawesi, addressing a significant research gap in understanding regional patterns of epistemological transformation in Qur'anic studies. While previous studies have explored tafsir research trends at individual institutions, none have systematically mapped multi-institutional shifts using scientific paradigm theory. Employing Kuhn's paradigm shift theory as an analytical framework, this qualitative study analyzes 713 student theses from four institutions (UIN Alauddin Makassar, IAIN Kendari, UIN Datokarama Palu, and STAIN Majene) during 2018-2024, supplemented by in-depth interviews and field observations. The findings reveal a significant transformation from textual-normative approaches (tahlili, maudhu'i) to contextual-sociological methodologies (living Qur'an, hermeneutics, ma'na-cum-maghza), accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, supervisor orientations, and curriculum policies. This shift reflects an epistemological reorientation from understanding the Qur'an as static text to dynamic discourse continuously produced through context-text dialogue. The study contributes theoretically by applying Kuhn's framework to Islamic studies and practically by providing strategic recommendations for adaptive curriculum reform and locality-based research development in Qur'anic studies.

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Interviews:

Interview with Yusran, S.Th.I., M.Hum. (Secretary of the Qur'anic Sciences & Tafsir Study Program, UIN Alauddin Makassar), on September 8, 2025.

Interview with Fikri Hamdani, M.Hum. (Head of the Qur'anic Sciences & Tafsir Study Program, UIN Datokarama Palu), on September 12, 2025.

Interview with Prof. Muhsin Mahfudz, M.Th.I. (Professor of Tafsir Science, UIN Alauddin Makassar), on September 9, 2025.

Interview with Dr. Abdul Muiz Amir, Lc., M.Th.I. (Lecturer of Qur'anic Sciences and Tafsir, IAIN Kendari), on September 17, 2025.

Interview with Ni'matuz Zuhrah, Lc., M.Th.I. (Head of the Qur'anic Studies and Tafsir Study Program, IAIN Kendari), on January 29, 2024.

Interview with Alda (IAIN Kendari student), on September 17, 2025.

Interview with Fikran (UIN Datokarama Palu student), on September 15, 2025.

Interview with Dayat (UIN Alauddin Makassar student), on September 8, 2025.

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Danial, Rifai, M., & Assingkily, M. S. (2025). Paradigm Shift in Qur’anic Studies at Indonesian Islamic Universities (2018-2024). AL QUDS : Jurnal Studi Alquran Dan Hadis, 9(3), 551–560. https://doi.org/10.29240/alquds.v9i3.15173

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 3 (2025)

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Danial, Masyhuri Rifai, Muhammad Shaleh Assingkily

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