Larangan Putus Asa dalam Surah Al-Zumar/39:53

• Torkis Rangkuti

  STAIN Mandailing Natal

  Author

• Syaripah Aini

  Author

• Nugraha Andri Afriza

  Author

This study aims to analyze the interpretations of Surah Al-Zumar (39:53) by two scholars and to determine the relevance of their interpretations to the lives of contemporary Muslims. The research focuses on the meanings of specific terms, the contexts of interpretation, and the intellectual approaches of each exegete. A qualitative approach utilizing library research methods was employed. The primary data sources are *Tafsīr al-Qur’ān al-‘Aẓīm* by Ibn Kathir and *Fī Ẓilāl al-Qur’ān* by Sayyid Qutb, with data analyzed using a descriptive-comparative method. The findings indicate that Ibn Kathir interprets Surah Al-Zumar (39:53) by emphasizing mercy, forgiveness, and the encouragement of repentance for all servants, regardless of the magnitude of their sins. Meanwhile, Sayyid Qutb highlights the psychological and spiritual dimensions of the verse, framing it as a call to awaken hope, optimism, and an awareness of Allah’s compassion in human life. A shared point between them is the assertion that despair is a reprehensible attitude, whereas their differences lie in their interpretive styles: Ibn Kathir employs the *bi al-ma’thūr* (tradition-based) approach, while Sayyid Qutb utilizes the *adabi-ijtima’i* (literary-social) approach. The study concludes that the prohibition against despair in Surah Al-Zumar (39:53) conveys a profound theological and moral message: the importance of maintaining hope in Allah’s mercy under all circumstances.

Copyright (c) 2026 Torkis Rangkuti, Syaripah Aini, Nugraha Andri Afriza (Author)

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