KONSEP TAUBAT DALAM AL- QURAN; STUDI KOMPERATIF DALAM TAFSIR AL-JAILANI DAN TAFSIR IBNU KATSIR

Abstract

This study examines the concept of repentance (tawbah) in the Qur’an through a comparative analysis of ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jailani’s Tafsir al-Jailani and Ibn Kathir’s Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim. The study departs from a conceptual tension in the understanding of repentance: although repentance is frequently presented as a religious response to sin, its Qur’anic meaning involves a more complex process of inner change, cessation of wrongdoing, restoration of moral conduct, and renewed orientation toward God. Previous studies have generally examined repentance either from a normative perspective or within a particular exegetical tradition, leaving insufficient comparative analysis of how normative and spiritual dimensions of repentance are constructed across different exegetical approaches. This study focuses on QS. al-Tahrim [66]: 8, QS. al-Zumar [39]: 53–54, and QS. al-Furqan [25]: 69–70. Using library research with a qualitative-descriptive and comparative approach, the study analyzes the interpretive construction of repentance in both exegetical works. The findings indicate that both al-Jailani and Ibn Kathir understand repentance as a genuine return to God characterized by regret, abandonment of sin, and a firm commitment to moral reform. Nevertheless, they articulate its theological and transformative dimensions differently. Ibn Kathir emphasizes transmitted reports, normative requirements, and the concrete consequences of repentance, while al-Jailani foregrounds inner purification, sincerity, and spiritual proximity to God. Both connect repentance with faith and righteous deeds, particularly in QS. al-Furqan [25]: 70, although Ibn Kathir provides a broader discussion of scholarly interpretations concerning the transformation of evil deeds into good deeds. The comparison demonstrates that Qur’anic repentance cannot be reduced to verbal confession or the removal of sin; rather, it constitutes an integrated process of moral and spiritual transformation.