Karakteristik Metodologis Tafsir Mafātih al-Ghaib: Pendekatan Rasional, Teologis, dan Saintifik dalam Penafsiran Al-Qur’an

Abstract

Fakhruddin al-Rāzī’s Tafsir Mafātih al-Ghaib stands as one of the most influential works in the field of Qur’anic exegesis, drawing the attention of scholars from various disciplines. This work incorporates multiple interpretative approaches, most notably the rational, theological, and scientific, which form the core focus of this study. Al-Rāzī frequently engages in comparative analysis of scholarly opinions, especially on theological matters. His tafsir is also distinguished by its scientific orientation, particularly in interpreting āyāt kauniyyah (verses related to the natural phenomena of the universe). These approaches are closely intertwined with his rational methodology, which is consistently emphasized throughout the work. This study aims to explore the distinctive characteristics of al-Rāzī’s exegetical methodology in Mafātih al-Ghaib, focusing on his use of rational, theological, and scientific perspectives. The research adopts a library-based qualitative method using content analysis as the primary analytical tool. The findings reveal that al-Rāzī made a significant contribution to the development of Qur’anic hermeneutics by integrating rationalism, theology, and scientific inquiry into his interpretive framework.