Dialektika makna simbolik gelap-terang dalam Al-Qur’an: telaah term al-Ẓulumāt - al-Nūr perspektif liberty theory Isaiah Berlin

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Qohi, Abdullah (2025) Dialektika makna simbolik gelap-terang dalam Al-Qur’an: telaah term al-Ẓulumāt - al-Nūr perspektif liberty theory Isaiah Berlin. Masters thesis, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya.

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Abstract

This study investigates current societal issues like democratic decline, digital control by governments, social division, and the abuse of moral influence which all reveal a core contradiction in how we understand freedom today. Modernity’s claim to individual liberation is paradoxical, often generating subtle restrictions masked by freedom’s language. The study utilizes the Qur’anic binary of ẓulumāt (darkness) and nūr (light) as an ethical framework. This symbolism signifies humanity's transition from misguidance and subjugation to moral and spiritual liberation. Accordingly, this study focuses on two main questions: (1) How do classical and contemporary exegetes interpret the symbolic meaning of ẓulumāt and nūr? (2) How does this Qur’anic symbol relate to Isaiah Berlin’s theory of negative and positive liberty, and what implications does it hold for modern social issues of freedom? The descriptive-analytical nature of this study is executed using a library-based research method. Data are collected from authoritative classical and modern tafsīr literature, analyzed using content analysis supported by thematic tafsīr (tafsīr mawḍū‘ī), semantic–semiotic approaches, and interdisciplinary hermeneutics. Primary sources include major works of Qur’anic exegesis and Isaiah Berlin’s Two Concepts of Liberty, complemented by secondary sources in political philosophy, Qur’anic studies, and contemporary theories of freedom. The study concludes that the Qur’an presents ẓulumāt and nūr as a multidimensional symbolic structure encompassing theological, epistemological, ethical, and social dimensions. Classical exegetes generally understand darknesses as unbelief and deviation, and light as faith and guidance, while contemporary exegetes expand its significance to include social justice, moral consciousness, and human liberation from oppressive systems. Furthermore, linking this symbol to Isaiah Berlin’s theory of freedom reveals a Qur’anic critique of the paradoxes of modern liberty: nūr represents a form of freedom that preserves human dignity, whereas ẓulumāt reflects the distortions of freedom that lead to new forms of political, moral, and digital authoritarianism. Thus, the dialectic of darkness and light provides not only a theological concept but also an ethical framework for understanding and critiquing contemporary social problems related to freedom.

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Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Creators:	Creators Email NIM Qohi, Abdullah qohiabdullah@gmail.com 02040524004
Contributors:	Contribution Name Email NIDN Thesis advisor Kholid, Abd. a.kholid@uinsby.ac.id 2002026501 Thesis advisor Yardlo, Moh. myardho@gmail.com 2110068501
Subjects:	Bahan Pustaka Kebijakan Publik Al Qur'an
Keywords:	Ẓulumāt–Nūr (Gelap-Terang); liberty theory; kebebasan sosial
Divisions:	Fakultas Ushuluddin dan Filsafat > Ilmu Alquran dan Tafsir
Depositing User:	Abdullah Qohi
Date Deposited:	09 Jan 2026 07:04
Last Modified:	09 Jan 2026 07:04
URI:	http://digilib.uinsa.ac.id/id/eprint/86107

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