The Concept of the Ideal Husband and Wife in the Perspective of the Quran: A Comparative Review of the Tafsir of the Quran Al-Azhim and Tafsir Al-Mishbah

Abstract

This study examines the concept of the ideal husband and wife in the Quranic perspective through a comparative approach to two major exegetical works, namely Tafsir Al-Quran Al-Azhim by Ibn Kathir and Tafsir Al-Mishbah by Muhammad Quraish Shihab. The study employs a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical-comparative approach and library research. The primary data sources are the two tafsir texts, while secondary sources include relevant scientific literature. The findings reveal that the Quranic concept of the ideal married couple is built upon three main dimensions. First, the moral-spiritual aspect, which encompasses marital commitment based on mithaqan ghalizhan, guarding one's gaze, and upholding honesty and justice. Second, the relational-psychological aspect, which includes the principle of mutual complementarity based on the libas metaphor, kind treatment through muasharah bil maruf, and the prohibition of demeaning one's partner. Third, the partnership and family governance aspect, encompassing leadership responsibility based on the qawwam concept, equality of dignity, deliberation (shura), and mutual cooperation. Both exegetes converge in their orientation toward building a harmonious family, while their differences lie in methodological approach, with Ibn Kathir tending toward normative-textual interpretation and Quraish Shihab toward contextual-humanistic interpretation. These findings suggest that the integration of both interpretive approaches can serve as a comprehensive solution to the family challenges facing Muslim communities in the contemporary era.