Tolerance and Loyalty from the Qur’anic Perspective: A Case Study of Social Relations in Lombok Using Tafsir Maudhu’i of QS. Al-Mumtaḥanah [60]: 7–9

Abstract

Empirical understanding remains limited regarding how Qur’anic principles of tolerance are negotiated alongside religious loyalty in everyday interreligious relations, particularly within Muslim communities in Lombok, Indonesia. This study aims to examine how Muslims understand tolerance and religious loyalty through tafsir maudhu’i of QS. Al-Mumtaḥanah [60]:7–9, how these principles are manifested in social relations, and which contextual factors shape their negotiation. A qualitative case study was conducted in Lombok from 14 July to 5 September 2026 involving 28 purposively selected participants, including Muslim and non-Muslim community members, religious and community leaders, youth activists, and representatives of local institutions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and documentation and analyzed using thematic analysis integrated with tafsir maudhu’i. The findings indicate that participants understood tolerance and religious loyalty as complementary rather than contradictory principles. Religious loyalty was maintained through adherence to Islamic beliefs, worship, and religious boundaries, whereas tolerance was enacted through respect, justice, communication, mutual assistance, gotong royong, and peaceful cooperation. The negotiation between these principles was further shaped by family upbringing, religious education, local traditions, direct social interaction, communication, youth experiences, social media, community leadership, and institutional support. The study concludes that Qur’anic tolerance operates as a bounded yet relational social practice in which religious identity and commitment are preserved while constructive interreligious engagement remains possible. The study contributes to contextual Qur’anic studies and scholarship on interreligious relations by proposing a contextual model that connects Qur’anic guidance, religious identity boundaries, and relational social practices. These findings highlight the importance of contextual interpretation, community interaction, and institutional support in sustaining peaceful interreligious relations while maintaining religious commitments and provide a basis for comparative and longitudinal research across diverse Indonesian communities.