Jakarta, FU Online News – The Qur’anic Studies Program (Ilmu Al-Qur’an dan Tafsir/IAT), Faculty of Ushuluddin, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta, organized a Community Service Program (PKM) titled “Workshop on Contemporary Tafsir Approaches and the Digitalization of Thematic Exegesis” on Wednesday–Thursday, October 15–16, 2025, at the Pendopo of Pondok Pesantren Ayatirrochman, Parung, Bogor.

The workshop featured two keynote speakers: Dr. Syahrullah, M.A., who presented Contemporary Tafsir Approaches, and Dr. Ali Mursyid, M.Ag., who delivered a lecture on The Digitalization of Thematic Tafsir. The event was enthusiastically attended by the students (santri) of Pondok Pesantren Ayatirrochman.

In his presentation, Dr. Syahrullah emphasized the importance of interpreting the Qur’an through approaches relevant to contemporary contexts. “Contemporary tafsir invites us to read the Qur’an while taking into account modern social realities, without neglecting the scholarly traditions of classical exegesis,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ali Mursyid highlighted the urgency of transforming Qur’anic interpretation in the digital era. He explained that the digitalization of thematic tafsir is not merely a transition from print to digital media, but an effort to expand access, encourage learning innovation, and foster scholarly collaboration. He also introduced various forms of digital tafsir projects such as interactive websites, AI-based tafsir applications, and visual or podcast-based tafsir dissemination.

In addition to theoretical sessions, the workshop also featured a creative digital tafsir practice, facilitated by the Ushuluddin Kreatif Group (UKG). Participants were introduced to the basics of graphic design, photography, videography, and video editing as tools to convey Qur’anic messages in a more engaging and communicative manner.

The workshop served as a meaningful collaboration between academia and Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in developing innovative Qur’anic learning models. Through a digital-based approach, the students learned to interpret Qur’anic verses thematically and present them using modern visual media. This approach encourages a deeper understanding of the Qur’an while enabling its values to be shared widely in today’s digital public sphere.

The Head of the Qur’anic Studies Program, Dr. Syahrullah, M.A., stated that this activity reflects the program’s commitment to advancing a Qur’anic literacy that is both rooted in tradition and responsive to modern developments. “Through this PKM initiative, we aim to equip students with not only a strong grasp of Qur’anic interpretation but also the ability to utilize digital technology as a means of da’wah and education. It is our academic responsibility to bridge classical tafsir traditions with the challenges of the digital age,” he said.

Through programs like this, it is hoped that a new generation of students will emerge — those who understand the Qur’an deeply and can creatively and responsibly convey its values through digital media.

(Writer/Editor: Saadatul Jannah/Ishmatun Nisa | Photo: Prodi IAT)