UNDERSTANDING QURANIC WORD OF KHIFTUM: A COMPARATIVE PERCEPTION ON POLYGAMY AMONG INDONESIAN AND MALAYSIAN SOCIETY

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare Indonesian and Malaysian Muslims in understanding the term of polygamy in Qur’an according to surah Annisa: 3 through their perspectives and perceptions of the word of khiftum. Methodology: This is a qualitative study which employs library material analysis with enrichment from questionnaire field observation and interview. Several material objects used such as Alwafi dictionary and Diwan dictionary. The difference in its meaning was analyzed by lexical decomposition. Field research was conducted in Indonesia and Malaysia. The impact of distinguishing between the words of khiftum meaning with polygamy’s theme in both countries compared and examined by descriptive statistics analysis. Main Findings: It was found that perception, the culture of context on polygamy and social views as well as legal policies of government on polygamy were influential in the translation of the word of khiftum in Qur’an. Applications: The significance of this research is to understand the correlation of different cultural backgrounds with people's insight into the related verses and people's responses to the practice of the verses. Novelty/Originality of this study: The current research contributes to the literature by providing in-depth knowledge about polygamy in two different cultures in light of the Quran and Islam. it will reveal the different meanings of the word of khafa, and describe the Malaysian and Indonesian Muslim points of view on the issue of polygamy as stipulated in Qur’an. The significance of this research is to understand the correlation of different cultural backgrounds with people's insight into the related verses and people's responses to the practice of the verses.