Muhammad Iqbal’s Hermeneutics of Hadith: A Theoretical Inquiry and Its Contemporary Implications

Abstract

This study explores Muhammad Iqbal’s philosophical contribution to Hadith hermeneutics through his synthesis of tradition and modernity. Iqbal views the Hadith as a living tradition that engages with human reason and social transformation rather than a static legal text. His thought emphasizes the unity of sanad and matn, the dynamic principle of ijtihad, and the balance between spiritual authenticity and contextual relevance. Drawing on "The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam", this research proposes an Iqbal-inspired hermeneutical model comprising four stages: normative–dynamic reading, historical–sociological contextualization, sanad–matn synthesis, and contextual ijtihad application. The framework reorients Hadith studies toward a dialogical and transformative approach that integrates fidelity to revelation with responsiveness to modern intellectual challenges, positioning Iqbal’s hermeneutics as both a theoretical paradigm and a practical guide for revitalizing prophetic teachings in contemporary Muslim life.Penelitian ini mengkaji kontribusi filosofis Muhammad Iqbal terhadap hermeneutika hadis melalui sintesis antara tradisi dan modernitas. Iqbal memandang hadis sebagai tradisi yang hidup, bukan teks hukum yang statis, melainkan wahana dialog antara akal manusia dan dinamika sosial. Pemikirannya menekankan kesatuan sanad dan matan, prinsip dinamis ijtihad, serta keseimbangan antara keaslian spiritual dan relevansi kontekstual. Berdasarkan gagasan dalam "The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam", penelitian ini merumuskan model hermeneutika berinspirasi Iqbal yang mencakup empat tahap: pembacaan normatif-dinamis, kontekstualisasi historis-sosiologis, sintesis sanad-matan, dan penerapan ijtihad kontekstual. Kerangka ini mengarahkan studi hadis menuju pendekatan dialogis dan transformatif yang memadukan kesetiaan terhadap wahyu dengan respons terhadap tantangan intelektual modern. Hermeneutika Iqbal dengan demikian berfungsi tidak hanya sebagai paradigma teoretis, tetapi juga sebagai orientasi praktis bagi revitalisasi ajaran kenabian dalam kehidupan Muslim kontemporer.