The Construction of Gender Thought in Qur’anic Exegesis: A Comparative Study of the Interpretations of M. Quraish Shihab and ‘Abdurrauf As-Singkily

Abstract

The discourse on gender in Qur’anic interpretation is one of the significant issues in the development of Islamic thought, particularly concerning the construction of relationships between men and women, equality, justice, and their respective social roles. This study aims to analyze the construction of gender thought in the Qur’anic interpretations of M. Quraish Shihab and ‘Abdurrauf as-Singkily and to identify the similarities and differences in their approaches to understanding verses related to gender. This research employs a qualitative method using a library research approach and a comparative method (muqaran). The primary data are derived from the exegetical works of both scholars, while the secondary data are obtained from relevant academic literature on gender studies and Qur’anic exegesis. The analysis is conducted by identifying gender-related themes, examining interpretive arguments, and comparing the intellectual backgrounds and socio-historical contexts of each exegete. This study seeks to demonstrate that the construction of gender thought in Qur’anic exegesis cannot be separated from interpretive methodologies, scholarly traditions, and the social contexts in which they are situated. The comparison of these two exegetes is expected to reveal the dynamics of gender relations within the Nusantara exegetical tradition, while providing a more comprehensive perspective on the relationship between Qur’anic texts, historical contexts, and social realities. This study is expected to contribute to the development of comparative Qur’anic exegesis and gender discourse in contemporary Islamic thought.