The Concept of Harmonious Family in the Qur'an: Comparative Study of Interpretation by M. Quraish Shihab and Amina Wadud

Abstract

This study examines the concept of harmonious family in the Qur'an through a comparative study of the interpretation of M. Quraish Shihab and Amina Wadud. The research focuses on the analysis of family verses that are often debated, especially the concepts  of qiwâmah and nusyûz, which in classical interpretation are often seen as gender-biased. Using the library research method  with a thematic interpretation approach (maudhu'i) and comparative analysis (muqârân), this study shows that the classical interpretation of ath-Thabarî and al-Qurthubî displays a pattern of hierarchical relations born from patriarchal contexts. In contrast, contemporary interpretations offer a different alternative: Shihab interprets qiwâmah as a moral mandate by emphasizing the principles  of sakînah, mawaddah, wa rahmah and deliberation, while Wadud deconstructs hierarchical structures and defines nusyûz as a mutual disharmony. The research synthesis formulates four main indicators of a harmonious family: egalitarian reciprocal relations, ethical-participatory leadership, deliberation in decision-making, and transcendental spirituality as the foundation.