Distortion of Quranic Interpretation on Social Media: An Analysis of the Spread of Misleading Meanings

Dasrizal Dasrizal; Khairul Fadli Rambe; Ceria Dewi Sihombing; Essalihy Khalid; Dinda Ardiyani Safitri

Authors

Dasrizal Dasrizal King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia Author
Khairul Fadli Rambe Universitas Islam Negeri Imam Bonjol Padang, Indonesia Author
Ceria Dewi Sihombing Institut Agama Islam Negeri Langsa, Indonesia Author
Essalihy Khalid Chang’an University, China Author
Dinda Ardiyani Safitri Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Lampung, Indonesia Author

Keywords:

Deviant interpretation, social media, scholarly authority, tafsir literacy

Abstract

The development of social media as a digital public space has had a major impact on the way Muslims access, understand and disseminate Qur'anic interpretations. However, this phenomenon has also created new problems in the form of distortion of the meaning of Qur'anic interpretations that are disseminated without adequate scientific basis. This article aims to critically analyze the widespread dissemination of misleading Qur'anic interpretations on social media, as well as identify the patterns of deviations that occur, the actors who spread them, and their impact on public understanding. The research method used is a qualitative approach based on literature study, observation of social media content (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter/X), and critical discourse analysis. The results show that distortions of interpretations often appear in the form of verse fragments quoted without context, excessive symbolic interpretations, and obscuring the original meaning for certain ideological or political interests. The actors include non-authoritative figures who have great digital influence, such as influencers, motivators, and instant preachers who do not have a background in tafsir. The impact is quite serious, namely the emergence of misunderstanding of Islamic teachings, increasing polarization in society, and weakening the scientific authority of scholars and official tafsir institutions. This study recommends the importance of tafsir literacy among social media users and strengthening the role of Islamic institutions in educating the ummah so as not to be trapped in misleading religious narratives.

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