The Principles of Farid Esack’s Liberation Hermeneutics and Their Implications for the Interpretation of Qur`anic Verses on Male Leadership

Abstract

This research is driven by the polemics over the interpretation of the Qur`anic verses on male leadership that are often used as a basis for legitimizing patriarchy, especially QS. al-Baqarah [2]:228 and QS. an-Nisa [4]:34. The focus of this research is to analyze the two verses through Farid Esack’s liberation hermeneutics approach to see their relevance to the issue of gender justice In the digital age, patriarchal narratives are increasingly easy and quick to spread in the digital space, thus requiring the presence of strong and transformative theological counter narratives. The method used is a qualitative approach based on literature study with tafsir maudhu’i, which collects relevant verses, traces the historical context, and interprets their meaning based on Farid Esack’s hermeneutical principles, which he calls the six keys to hermeneutics: taqwa, tawhid , al-nās, al-mustad’afīn, qist wa ‘adl, and jihad. Finding indicate that darajah is more accurately understood as a legal and social burden rather than an ontological superiority, while qawwām refers to the mandate of financial and ethical responsibility in the domestic sphere, rather than inherent male authority in the public domain. This finding rejects patriarchal interpretations that perpetuate toxic masculinity and opens space for women’s leadership in the social sphere. Thus, the application of liberation hermeneutics within the framework of maudhu’i tafsir results in an egalitarian reinterpretation of the text, which has implications for strengthening gender justice, equality, and the protection of vulnerable groups in Muslim society