Comparative Perspectives of Tafsir Nurul Bajan and Tafsir Ayat Suci Lenyepaneun on Sundanese Mysticism: Reading Q.S. Al-Baqarah 2: 102
Fani Rahma Sari, Ida Kurnia Shofa, Khoirun Nidhom
Al-Fahmu: Jurnal Ilmu Al-Qur'an dan Tafsir May 8, 2026 DOI: 10.58363/alfahmu.v5i1.1056 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Key findings | Argues that the two Sundanese tafsir texts respond differently to mystical practices: "Tafsir Nurul Bajan" prohibits magic and occult sciences as deviations from core faith, while "Tafsir Ayat Suci Lenyepaneun" uses Sundanese culture as a medium for da'wah while upholding monotheism. Concludes that vernacular exegesis serves as an instrument for negotiating between normative Islamic teachings and local cultural realities. |
Abstract
This research is motivated by the persistent influence of mysticism in the religious life of the Sundanese community, including beliefs in amulets, magic, and syncretic spiritual practices. It aims to analyze the perspectives of two local Qur’anic exegeses (tafsir), namely “Tafsir Nurul Bajan” and “Tafsir Ayat Suci Lenyepaneun”, on these mystical practices through their interpretation of Q.S. Al-Baqarah verse 102. Employing a qualitative approach with library research and descriptive-interpretive analysis of the tafsir texts, the study reveals distinct interpretive approaches. “Tafsir Nurul Bajan” represents a normative-dogmatic style, strictly prohibiting magic and occult sciences as deviations from core faith. In contrast, “Tafsir Ayat Suci Lenyepaneun” offers a cultural-contextual approach, using Sundanese culture as a medium for da’wah while upholding the principle of monotheism. These differing approaches illustrate the dynamics of local tafsir in responding to mystical practices. The study concludes that vernacular exegesis serves not only as a tool for understanding the Qur’an but also as a vital instrument for negotiating between normative Islamic teachings and local cultural realities. It recommends further exploration of how such local interpretations can bridge the gap between orthodox doctrine and living traditions to foster a more contextual and harmonious Islamic practice.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on mysticism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualitative and Quantitative Features of Music Reported to Support Peak Mystical Experiences during Psychedelic Therapy Sessions Individuals with extensive experience administering psilocybin or psilocybin-containing... | 2017 | Survey and qualitative/quantitative analysis | n = 10 |
| Common Core Thesis and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Mysticism in Chinese Buddhist Monks and Nuns Chinese Pure Land and Chan Buddhist monks and nuns | 2011 | Mixed-methods study | n = 139 |
| Do Drugs Have Religious Import? A 40-Year Retrospective | 2004 | Interview | |
| Narratives of the mystical among users of psychedelics Psychedelic drug users | 2021 | Qualitative study | n = 50 |
| Auras in mysticism and synaesthesia: a comparison. Synaesthetes who experience colors in response to human faces and figures | 2012 | Qualitative study | n = 4 |