Reinterpretasi Semboyan “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” dalam QS. Al-Hujurat ayat 13 (Pengaplikasian Contextual Interpretation Abdullah Saeed)

Abstract

The Republic of Indonesia has a motto that embodies the identity of this vast nation with its diverse ethnic groups. The motto is “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,” which means “unity in diversity.” This phrase has existed for a long time and was first found in a book by a famous poet of that era, Mpu Tantular, titled “Kakawin Sutasoma”. Initially, this phrase was intended as a form of religious tolerance between Hindus and Buddhists; later, its meaning evolved into tolerance among fellow human beings, a concept conceived by a unifying figure of the Nusantara, Mahapatih Gajah Mada. Looking deeper, Allah SWT has already explained through His verse in QS. Al-Hujurat verse 13 that all humans were created into tribes and nations. This study employs Abdullah Saeed’s contextual exegesis approach. This choice stems from the need to contextualize the verses under examination. Differences in context pose a major challenge in applying the values contained in Quranic verses. This approach encompasses three main areas of discussion. First, examining the general context of Surah Al-Hujurat, including the number of verses, whether the surah was revealed in Mecca or Medina, its relationship to preceding or subsequent surahs, and other general aspects. Second, examining the values implied through interpretations from the Pre-Modern and Modern eras. Third, contextualizing the values derived from previous interpretations while considering the hierarchy of values proposed by this approach.