Thesis
Published
THE RHETORICAL QUR’ĀN ON ANGELIKA NEUWIRTH’S LATE ANTIQUITY REVISITED: INTERPRETING “AḤAD” IN SURAH AL-IKHLĀṢ
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Name: Adlina Salsabila Munawwaroh
NIM : 422021283011
This research examines various specific emphases on the perspective of Angelika
Neuwirth and explores important aspects of the interpretation of the meaning of "Aḥad" in
the Qur’ān. The study comprehensively investigates how Orientalists understand the word
"Aḥad" when they read the Qur’ān and how this impacts the understanding of "Aḥad" within
the Islamic community.
The aim of this research is to gain insight into the rhetorical interpretation approach
that Angelika Neuwirth employs in her understanding of the Qur’ān, particularly in regard
to how she views the Divine aspects of the Qur’ān's epistemology. Additionally, this research
investigates how classical and contemporary interpreters have interpreted the Qur’ān as part
of their understanding of God's creation.
This research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive analysis approach,
encompassing an analysis of Angelika Neuwirth's works as well as the examination of
Qur'anic readings by various individuals and communities. Through this method, our aim
is to gain an in-depth understanding of how Angelika Neuwirth's interpretation of the term
"Aḥad" in the Qur'an influences its context, history, and rhetoric. The researcher then
conducts a comprehensive examination.
The research findings indicate that Angelika Neuwirth's interpretation of the term
"Aḥad" refers to the idea put forth by linguists that ungrammaticality signifies a discomfort
within a textual moment that symbiotically alludes to the Jewish Creed, which provides a
key for its decoding. This aspect is part of the Qur’ān's negotiation strategy that attempts to
adopt the Jewish Creed. However, different principles are employed. "Lam yalid wa-lam
yūlad," states Verse 3. This interpretation contradicts the Nicene belief. It rejects the clear
assertion regarding Jesus as the "begotten, not made" and "gennethena, or poiethenta," which
are also firmly rejected. This negative theology is encapsulated in Verse 4, " Wa-lam yakun
lahu kufuwan Aḥadun," meaning "and there is nothing comparable to Him." Besides reversing
the Nicene formula concerning these verses, this statement also overturns the Nicene
formulation of Christ's existence as one substance with God, "homoousios to patri," therefore,
these verses oppose the significant declarations contained within the Nicene Creed. The
author also critiques Angelika Neuwirth's interpretation for overly applying sociolinguistic
and historical approaches. The author argues that Neuwirth only understands the word
"Aḥad" as a numeral or nominal term, whereas its meaning provides evidence of God's
Oneness. Furthermore, the spiritual aspects within the text could be overlooked by
Neuwirth's approach, which prioritizes grammatical analysis. This focus on
ungrammaticality as a cause of discomfort does not reflect the complex meanings of the
Qur’ānic verses. Additionally, it fails to consider the historical and theological context,
particularly regarding the Nicene Creed, which must be noted, as it can lead to
misunderstandings among Muslims regarding the Oneness of God. Moreover, the method is
inconsistent and inappropriate for interpreting the Qur’ān. Angelika Neuwirth's
interpretations raise questions about the legitimacy of interpretations within Islamic society,
while differing views on Orientalism add complexity to the interpretation of the Qur’ān
concerning the meaning of "Aḥad."
The recommendations emphasize the importance of broadening perspectives on
Qur’ānic interpretation and its impact on the Muslim community, as well as the need for
further research to reduce misunderstandings regarding the Transcendence of God's
Oneness based on religious beliefs.
Keywords: Al-Qur’ān, Angelika Neuwirth, Interpretation, Rhetoric, Aḥad
Publication Details
InstitutionUNIVERSITAS DARUSSALAM GONTOR
DepartmentILMU AL-QUR'AN DAN TAFSIR
Subjects23rd Dewey Decimal Classification > 2X1 - Al-Qur'an dan Ilmu yang Berkaitan > 2X1 - Al-Qur'an dan Ilmu yang Berkaitan
23rd Dewey Decimal Classification > 2X2 - Al-Hadits (Al Hadits, Hadits, Hadis) dan yang Berkaitan > 2X2 - Al-Hadits (Al Hadits, Hadits, Hadis) dan yang Berkaitan
23rd Dewey Decimal Classification > 2X7 - Filsafat, Dakwah, Pendidikan Agama, Sekolah, Pembaharuan Pemikiran, Pers dan Media Massa Islam > 2X7.100 Filsafat Islam
23rd Dewey Decimal Classification > 2X2 - Al-Hadits (Al Hadits, Hadits, Hadis) dan yang Berkaitan > 2X2 - Al-Hadits (Al Hadits, Hadits, Hadis) dan yang Berkaitan
23rd Dewey Decimal Classification > 2X7 - Filsafat, Dakwah, Pendidikan Agama, Sekolah, Pembaharuan Pemikiran, Pers dan Media Massa Islam > 2X7.100 Filsafat Islam
KeywordsKeywords: Al-Qur’ān, Angelika Neuwirth, Interpretation, Rhetoric, Aḥad.
Item ID4944
Deposited01 Jan 2025 07:02