Maghza Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd's Interpretation Concept As a Counter of Polygamy Pragmatism

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to reveal the deep meaning of polygamous verses by using the theoretical approach of Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd's text study. As a critical Islamic thinker, Nasr produced many controversial views with classical thinkers, including interpreting the quranic polygamy verse. Nasr views the meaning of polygamy in quranic verse in its historical context as a limitation of the human relationship between men and women in the tradition of pre-Islamic Arabia. This initial meaning of that verse has a historical character and is only a starting point for understanding that verse. It is not the main message of the Qur'an. Nasr views the meaning of the quranic polygamy verse in the whole context of the Qur'an. The text's comprehensive context produces the original and significant meanings (magza). Then it also reveals the hidden dimension of meaning (al maskut 'anhu), namely the monogamy principle. By revealing this hidden meaning, it can counteract the pragmatic polygamists' statements, which are currently conducted on the pretext of religion.