Muslim Feminism's Epistemological Critique Of Classical Interpretation

Abstract

This research aims to dissect the epistemological structure underlying classical interpretations of gender verses and how Muslim feminism criticizes and deconstructs these traditions. The main problem raised is the entrenched gender bias in the intellectual treasures of Islam, which is often considered a divine doctrine when it is the result of human construction influenced by patriarchal culture. The importance of this writing lies in efforts to revitalize the Qur'an's message of equality so that it remains relevant in answering the challenge of gender justice in the contemporary era. The methodology used is library research with a critical hermeneutic approach and content analysis of the works of key figures such as Amina Wadud, Asma Barlas, and Fatima Mernissi. The results of the study show that gender bias in classical interpretation stems from the atomistic pattern of bayani epistemology, the influence of the Israiliyat narrative, and the dominance of male mufasir in religious authority. Muslim feminism offers reconstruction through a tawhid paradigm and a holistic-contextual approach to realizing an inclusive and equitable understanding of Islam. Overall, this paper emphasizes that tafsir is a product of ijtihad that is tentative and must continue to be in dialogue with social reality to achieve universal benefits..