Analisis Tafsir Ayat Al-Hijr 22: Perspektif Ibnu Kathir dan Al-Qurtubi
The Quran, as the divine revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), holds profound wisdom and guidance for humanity. Its verses, meticulously crafted and imbued with divine meaning, have been subject to extensive scholarly analysis and interpretation throughout history. Among the numerous verses that have attracted the attention of Islamic scholars, Surah Al-Hijr, verse 22, stands out as a particularly intriguing passage. This verse, which speaks of the creation of humankind from clay, has been interpreted in various ways by different scholars, each offering unique insights into its profound message. This article delves into the interpretations of this verse by two prominent Islamic scholars, Ibnu Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, exploring their perspectives and highlighting the nuances of their understanding.
The Significance of Clay in Creation
Ibnu Kathir, in his renowned tafsir (exegesis) of the Quran, emphasizes the significance of clay in the creation of humankind. He explains that Allah (SWT) chose clay as the material for our creation to demonstrate His power and wisdom. Clay, being a humble and readily available substance, serves as a reminder of our humble origins and the transient nature of our existence. It also highlights the fact that our physical bodies are not the essence of our being, but rather a temporary vessel for our souls. Al-Qurtubi, in his own tafsir, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the choice of clay underscores the fact that we are not created from something superior or divine, but from a simple and earthly material. This, he argues, serves as a reminder of our responsibility to remain grounded and humble in our interactions with the world.
The Divine Purpose in Creation
Both Ibnu Kathir and Al-Qurtubi recognize the divine purpose behind the creation of humankind. They emphasize that we were created to worship Allah (SWT) and to fulfill His divine decree. Ibnu Kathir highlights the verse's emphasis on the "shaping" of humankind, suggesting that we are not merely created but also molded and guided by Allah (SWT). This shaping, he argues, is a continuous process, with Allah (SWT) constantly guiding and nurturing us towards our ultimate purpose. Al-Qurtubi, in his interpretation, focuses on the verse's mention of "shaping" and "blowing" into the clay, suggesting that Allah (SWT) breathed life into us and endowed us with the ability to reason and understand. This divine breath, he argues, is the source of our spiritual essence and the foundation of our connection to the divine.
The Importance of Reflection and Gratitude
The interpretations of Ibnu Kathir and Al-Qurtubi on Surah Al-Hijr, verse 22, encourage reflection and gratitude. By understanding our origins and the divine purpose behind our creation, we are better equipped to appreciate the blessings we have been bestowed with. Ibnu Kathir emphasizes the importance of recognizing our dependence on Allah (SWT) and acknowledging His power and mercy. He reminds us that our existence is a gift, and we should strive to live our lives in accordance with His will. Al-Qurtubi, in his interpretation, highlights the need for gratitude for the divine breath that gives us life and the ability to reason and understand. He emphasizes that we should use our intellect and our capacity for understanding to seek knowledge, to serve humanity, and to draw closer to Allah (SWT).
The interpretations of Ibnu Kathir and Al-Qurtubi on Surah Al-Hijr, verse 22, offer valuable insights into the profound meaning of this verse. They remind us of our humble origins, the divine purpose behind our creation, and the importance of reflection and gratitude. By understanding the wisdom embedded in this verse, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the divine plan and strive to live our lives in accordance with the will of Allah (SWT).