QUORA DAN TAFSIR DALAM KERUMUNAN: MENELAAH CROWDSOURCED INTERPRETATION OF THE QUR’AN

Abstract

The development of digital technology has given rise to a new phenomenon in the world of Qur'anic interpretation, namely the practice of crowdsourcing interpretation the collective interpretation of sacred texts by the general public through online platforms such as Quora. This article analyzes how Quora functions as a space for non-authoritative interpretation, where anyone, regardless of formal academic background, can offer interpretations of Qur’anic verses. Through a descriptive-critical approach and case studies of popular questions on Quora, this article finds that interpretation in the digital space is determined by the logic of engagement and algorithms, not by scientific validity or scholarly authority. This phenomenon marks a shift from traditional interpretive authority toward a horizontal and open digital authority. On the one hand, crowdsourcing interpretation contributes to the democratization of Islamic knowledge and the improvement of public religious literacy. However, on the other hand, it also carries the risk of epistemic distortion, simplification of meaning, and commodification of revelation. Therefore, this article recommends the importance of building a healthy digital interpretation ecology through the integration of digital literacy and a solid scientific methodology of interpretation.