Batas Kebebasan Beragama dalam Al-Qur’an: Pembacaan Quraish Shihab atas Surah al-Baqarah [2]:256 dan al-Kāfirūn [109]:6

Rahmat Aidil Lubis; Sukiman Sukiman; Idris Siregar

doi:10.64691/7z9rzs16

Authors

Rahmat Aidil Lubis Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Indonesia Author
Sukiman Sukiman Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Indonesia Author
Idris Siregar Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Indonesia Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2989-7653

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64691/7z9rzs16

Keywords:

Religious Freedom, Quraish Shihab, Tafsir al-Mishbah, al-Baqarah, al-Kāfirun

Abstract

Religious freedom in the Qur’an is often interpreted in absolute terms, whereas other approaches reduce it to mere tolerance or the separation of religious identities; thus, a precise reading of the normative limits of freedom in interfaith relations is required. This study aims to analyze the concept of religious freedom according to Quraish Shihab, determine the boundaries of interfaith relations, and explain the argumentative relationship between Surah al-Baqarah [2]:256 and al-Kāfirūn [109]:6. A qualitative, library-based approach was employed, utilizing Tafsir al-Mishbah as the primary source and the two verses as units of analysis. A limited thematic exegesis method was applied, involving text identification, the context of interpretation, Quraish Shihab’s arguments, the mapping of the concept of freedom and its limits, and an analysis of the relationship between the two verses. The study reveals that al-Baqarah [2]:256 establishes the rejection of coercion as the foundation for human freedom in determining one’s faith, without relativizing Islam’s claim to truth. Al-Kāfirūn [109]:6 extends this principle to the relational realm by respecting the faith choices of others, without conflating creeds or interfering with differing beliefs. Together, the two verses form complementary dimensions: the freedom to choose one’s faith and respect for the choices of others. Consequently, freedom ceases to be absolute when it devolves into coercion, interference, the conflation of beliefs, or theological relativism. These normative boundaries serve to safeguard freedom while maintaining the integrity of theological identity and fostering interfaith respect. These findings enrich contemporary exegetical studies by offering a framework for religious freedom that avoids both coercion and theological relativism.

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