Telaah Kritis terhadap Gagasan Kebebasan Manusia dalam Tafsir Surah al-Kahf Ayat 29 Perspektif al-Nasafī

Abstract

This article aims to examine the concept of human freedom in Islamic theology through the interpretation of Surah al-Kahf verse 29, which declares, “Let him who wills believe, and let him who wills disbelieve.” This verse is frequently interpreted by scholars as an affirmation of human free will, yet its theological implications remain the subject of debate. The study focuses on the interpretation of this verse by Abū Ḥafṣ Najm al-Dīn al-Nasafī in his renowned tafsir, Madārik al-Tanzīl wa Ḥaqā’iq al-Ta’wīl, a concise but influential commentary that reflects the Māturīdī theological perspective within Sunni Islam. By employing a descriptive-analytical approach grounded in library research, the article explores al-Nasafī’s nuanced engagement with the tension between divine will and human agency. The findings indicate that, while al-Nasafī presents his views implicitly, his commentary subtly critiques the notion of absolute human freedom and reaffirms the primacy of divine will—without entirely negating human moral responsibility. His balanced theological stance mirrors the mainstream Sunni position that upholds human accountability within the bounds of divine omniscience and will. This study contributes to the field of thematic tafsir by demonstrating how classical exegetical works engage complex theological debates with subtlety and depth, offering enduring insights for contemporary discussions on human freedom in Islam.