Auditorium of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta, SPs NEWS - The Graduate School (SPs) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held the 2812th Thesis Exam at the Auditorium Room of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 with candidate Neni Irmayani.

Neni is a student of the Master of Islamic Studies program with a Concentration in Tafsir. His thesis is entitled "The Dimension of Sufism in Tafsir Turjumān al-Mustafīd Karya 'Abd al-Ra'ūf al-Singkīlī  ".

Neni conducted a search for the monumental works of the great scholars from Aceh who lived in the 17th century. This research seeks to answer historical challenges related to the pattern of thought contained in one of the oldest works of interpretation in the archipelago.

Neni uses a qualitative approach through the library research method to dissect the depth of the meaning of al-Singkīlī's work. Primary data obtained directly from the manuscript of interpretation are combined with various relevant secondary literature to provide a comprehensive and accurate analysis.

Neni uses the Mawḍū'ī or thematic method, especially in verses with the theme of 'ubūdiyyah and Sufism. This methodology allows researchers to group the spiritual messages scattered in Tafsīr Turjumān al-Mustafīd in a systematic and structured manner.

In order to maintain objectivity, Neni uses the concept of the validity of Sufistic interpretation initiated by al-Dhahabī. In this framework, the interpretation is ensured that it does not contradict the meaning of zahir verses, does not violate the postulates of sharia' or common sense, and has a strong argument without contradictory evidence.

In addition, he emphasized that the meaning presented should not claim to be the only single interpretation that marginalizes the meaning of zahir. On the contrary, this approach must first acknowledge the truth of the meaning of zahir before stepping into the exploration of its isharī or inner meaning.

This study notes that the spirit of intellectualism in the 17th century flourished through the intensification of global networks, theological doctrines, and social authority. This condition then triggered the birth of various works of interpretation with very diverse approaches among Nusantara scholars.

Neni highlights a unique phenomenon, where the framework of Sufism, which is often perceived as a heterodox school, rarely appears explicitly in many works of interpretation. However, he managed to prove that the Nusantara scholars at that time were able to present a fairly thick dimension of Sufism.

The results show that although theoretical-philosophical thought was very influential at the time, it did not necessarily change the basic orientation of Tafsīr Turjumān al-Mustafīd. The interpretation remains firmly held to the principle of harmony between the exoteric (sharia) and esoteric (ḥaqīqah) dimensions.

These findings provide a new perspective that challenges the views of previous academics, such as Salman Harun (1998) and Arivaie Rahman (2018), who argue that this work does not contain elements of Sufism. Neni actually found strong evidence that Tafsīr Turjumān al-Mustafīd is a saheeh tafsir with the style of akhlāqī Sufism.

In closing, he emphasized that the dimension of Sufism in the tafsir is indeed not present evenly in all parts of the Qur'an, but is limited to certain verses. The main focus of this tafsir lies in the development of morals and the purification of the soul, making it one of the works that is rich in spiritual value for the reader of his time to this day.

Neni successfully defended her thesis under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Yusuf Rahman, MA, and was tested in front of a board of examiners consisting of Prof. Dr. Yusuf Rahman, MA; Dr. Eva Nugraha, M.Ag; Dr. Siti Histori, M.Ag.

After paying attention to the thesis writing, the comments of the examiner team and the candidate's answers, the examiner team determined that Neni graduated with the title of Very Satisfactory. Neni Irmayani is the 2812th Master in the field of Islamic Studies, in the Master's program of the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. (JA)