Reinterpreting Revelation: A Critical Examination of Muhammad Syahrur’s Naẓariyyāt al-Ḥudūd and Its Impact on Contemporary Islamic Thought
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22452/basirah.vol16no1.6Keywords:
Muhammad Syahrur, Naẓariyyāt al-Ḥudūd, Limitation Theory, Islamic Legal Thought, Qur’anic InterpretationAbstract
The growing need for contextual interpretations of Islamic teachings has encouraged contemporary Muslim scholars to reassess traditional approaches to Qur’anic exegesis and Islamic law. Among these scholars, Muhammad Syahrur introduced Naẓariyyāt al-Ḥudūd (Limitation Theory) as an alternative framework for understanding Qur’anic legal provisions. This study aims to critically analyze the philosophical foundations, interpretive methodology, and contemporary relevance of Syahrur’s Limitation Theory. Employing a qualitative library research approach and critical-analytical method, the study examines Syahrur’s major works and relevant scholarly literature on his thought. The analysis focuses on Syahrur’s reinterpretation of Qur’anic legal texts through the concepts of limitation, rationality, justice, and human freedom. The findings reveal that Syahrur’s theory challenges the rigidity of classical legal interpretations by proposing that the Qur’an establishes normative boundaries within which Muslims may formulate contextually appropriate legal solutions. This approach revitalizes the role of ijtihad and provides a framework for addressing contemporary issues such as gender equality, human rights, and legal reform. However, the study also finds that Syahrur’s methodology has been criticized for its limited engagement with classical jurisprudential traditions and its tendency toward highly subjective interpretations. This study contributes to contemporary Islamic thought by highlighting both the strengths and limitations of Syahrur’s hermeneutical approach and demonstrating its significance in promoting a more dynamic and contextual understanding of Islamic law in the modern era.
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