The Epistemology Of Integrating Qur'anic And Hadith Studies

Abstract

For a long time, the study of the Qur'an and Hadith in Indonesia has proceeded along separate epistemological tracks: 'Ulum al-Qur'an has built its own methodological apparatus through the discipline of tafsir, while 'Ulum al-Hadith has independently developed the science of isnad and matn criticism. This article examines the epistemological foundations for integrating the study of the Qur'an and Hadith, formulates an integrative-interconnective methodological framework, and tests its relevance to contemporary issues such as religious radicalism, gender equality, and environmental ethics. This study employs a qualitative library research method, drawing on a philosophical-epistemological approach and content analysis of primary and secondary literature. The findings show that the epistemological integration of Qur'anic and Hadith studies can be built upon three pillars: the ontological unity of revelation (nas), the methodological interconnection between the sciences of tafsir and hadith, and an axiological orientation toward maqasid al-shari'ah. The integration-interconnection model proposed by Amin Abdullah, combined with Fazlur Rahman's double-movement approach and contextual hermeneutics, proves relevant for addressing contemporary problems because it allows the Qur'an and Hadith to be read simultaneously rather than in an atomistic and partial manner. This article recommends that Islamic studies curricula at religious higher education institutions integrate the courses of Qur'anic Sciences and Hadith Sciences within a single, coherent epistemological framework.