Takabbur and Fakhr in the Qur'an: A Thematic Interpretation of Tafsir Al-Maraghi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54437/urwatulwutsqo.v15i3.3755Keywords:
Takabbur, Fakhr, Tafsir Al-Maraghi, Thematic Interpretation, Social Media Flexing.Abstract
The rapid development of digital communication has transformed social media into a space for self-representation, giving rise to the phenomenon of flexing, which refers to excessive displays of wealth, achievements, or social status to gain recognition and validation. While this phenomenon has been widely discussed from the perspectives of communication and psychology, studies examining it through the lens of Qur'anic interpretation remain limited. This study aims to analyze the concepts of takabbur and fakhr in the Qur'an based on Tafsir Al-Maraghi and to examine their relevance to the phenomenon of social media flexing. This research employed a qualitative library research approach using the thematic (maudhu'i) method of Qur'anic interpretation. Primary data were obtained from the Qur'an and Tafsir Al-Maraghi, while secondary data were collected from scholarly books and journal articles related to Qur'anic studies, Islamic ethics, digital communication, and social media. The findings indicate that, based on the interpretation of Tafsir Al-Maraghi, takabbur is associated with an attitude of arrogance and a sense of superiority, while fakhr is reflected in the tendency to excessively express pride and self-glorification. This distinction represents an interpretive synthesis developed in this study to contextualize the Qur'anic concepts of takabbur and fakhr within the phenomenon of social media flexing. These two concepts provide an ethical framework for understanding the moral dimensions of flexing and distinguishing between self-expression based on gratitude and self-presentation driven by arrogance and excessive pride. This study proposes a Qur'anic Ethical Framework that distinguishes between legitimate self-expression based on gratitude (tahadduth bi al-ni'mah) and unethical self-presentation driven by arrogance and ostentation. The findings contribute to the development of contemporary Qur'anic interpretation and Islamic digital ethics in responding to emerging social phenomena
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