Makna Imperatif dalam Al-Qur’an: Studi Pergeseran Interpretasi QS An- Nisā’ [4]: 3

Abstract

In contemporary reality, particularly in society, every command (amr) in the Qur’an tends to be understood as an obligation that must be fulfilled unconditionally. However, in Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir) and Islamic jurisprudence (uṣūl al-fiqh), imperative expressions do not always indicate obligation. Depending on the context of the verse and their usage, they may also convey recommendation, permissibility, warning, or other functions. This diversity of meanings highlights the importance of examining the dynamics of imperative expressions in the Qur’an. The differing approaches between classical exegesis, which tends to adhere closely to the textual meaning, and contemporary exegesis, which places greater emphasis on situational and contextual factors, constitute an important subject for comparative study. This study employs a qualitative method through library research, using descriptive analysis of Qur’anic verses containing imperative expressions and examining shifts in their interpretation by classical and contemporary exegetes. The findings indicate that the meaning of imperative expressions is not fixed but varies according to context (siyāq), contextual indicators (qarīnah), and the exegetes’ social backgrounds. For example, in QS. al-Nisā’ (4:3), the imperative fankihū is understood not merely as establishing the permissibility of polygamy but also as a response to specific social circumstances subject to certain limitations. The implications of this study highlight the importance of integrating linguistic analysis, rhetorical beauty (balāghah), and social context in interpreting the Qur’an. This integrated approach can produce interpretations that are more responsive to contemporary developments without disregarding the fundamental meanings of the text.