QURANIC EXEGETICAL ACTIVITIES IN THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO

A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

Abstract

The study seeks to highlight Quranic exegetical activities in the Malay Archipelago from the earliest period of Islam in the region until the dawn of Dutch colonialism, focusing specifically on Indonesian and Malaysian exegetical works. The study examines the main features of Quranic exegetical activities in the Archipelago by highlighting some concerns on the issue of sources and availability of records. Exegetical works throughout the centuries are briefly presented with an emphasis on prominent works that had contributed greatly to the popular Malay understanding of the Quran. Employing qualitative analysis, the study surveys in particular Malay works of exegesis from the seventeenth century until the early twentieth century which marks the emergence of the modern exegetical approach. Viewed as a whole, the study exposes a collection of exegetical works which had impacted the Malay Islamic World throughout its history, covering both the traditional and modern reformist approaches to Quranic understanding.