Revisiting the Issue of Religious Freedom in the Interpretation of the Qur'an: Between Opportunities and Threats

Abstract

Religious freedom is a crucial issue in Qur’anic exegesis and social life, particularly in the context of interfaith relations and individual rights. Islam emphasizes this principle in QS. Al-Baqarah (2): 256 (lā ikrāha fī al-dīn), which states that faith must arise from consciousness, as well as in QS. Al-Kāfirūn (109): 6 (lakum dīnukum wa liya dīn), which affirms the existence of religious differences. This study aims to analyze the concept of religious freedom according to classical and contemporary exegetes, and to explore its limitations, opportunities, and challenges within social and legal contexts. A qualitative method is employed using a library research approach. The primary sources include classical and contemporary exegetical works such as Tafsīr al-Rāzī, Tafsīr al-Marāghī, and Tafsīr al-Miṣbāḥ, along with secondary references from academic journals and books. The analysis is conducted through content analysis, by identifying relevant verses, classifying exegetical views, and linking them to social realities. The findings show that Islam guarantees freedom in choosing one’s religion, yet with the limitation that a Muslim must adhere to Islamic rules. In social and legal dimensions, this freedom is bounded by morality, security, and state regulations. Religious freedom has the potential to foster social harmony but also carries the risk of being misused for political interests, sparking interfaith conflict, and fueling extremism. Therefore, religious freedom must be balanced between individual rights and social responsibilities in order to create a harmonious and just society.