PENAFISIRAN FITNAH DALAM AL-QUR’AN QS. AL-BAQARAH 191DAN 217 : TELA’AH TAFSIR IBNU KATSIR DAN TAFSIR AL-MISHBAH

Abstract

Fitnah is a significant social and spiritual phenomenon that greatly impacts both individuals and society. In the context of the Qur’an—specifically in Surah Al-Baqarah verses 191 and 217—fitnah is viewed as a crime more severe than murder. This study explores the root causes of fitnah, which stem from spiritual and psychological weaknesses such as a receptive heart to evil, uncontrolled desires, envy, and impulsive behavior. Fitnah is also seen as a consequence of failing to guard one's speech and the lack of awareness of its serious theological and societal implications. The consequences of fitnah include spiritual degradation of the perpetrator, disruption of social harmony, the rise of hostility, and the fragmentation of national unity. As a solution, patience (ṣabr) is emphasized as an essential virtue in confronting fitnah—not as passive resignation, but as self-restraint and steadfastness in upholding truth and justice. This research adopts a thematic exegesis (tafsir maudhū’i) approach, examining classical and contemporary Qur’anic commentaries to deepen the understanding of fitnah and highlight the urgency of patience as a noble character in facing life’s trials.