The Syarh: Journal of Quranic Studies aims to facilitate critical and interdisciplinary scholarly dialogue regarding the Quran, its interpretation (tafsir), and its transformative role in society. The journal emphasizes the intersection of text, context, and communication, exploring how the Quran is understood, explained (syarh), and practiced across different eras and geographical landscapes.

While the journal is deeply rooted in the rich tradition of Islamic scholarship in the Malay-Indonesian world (Nusantara), it actively encourages comparative studies and global perspectives to foster a comprehensive understanding of Quranic discourse in the modern world.

The scope of the journal includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:

1. Classical and Contemporary Exegesis (Tafsir Studies)

• Methodological Evolution: Analysis of classical (turath) versus contemporary hermeneutics, including linguistic, thematic (maudu’i), and contextual approaches.
• Comparative Exegesis: Comparative studies between Sunni, Shia, Mu'tazila, and Sufi interpretations, as well as cross-scriptural analysis.
• Translation Studies: Critical reviews of Quran translations in various languages and the challenges of translatability.

2. The Syarh: Quranic Communication and Public Theology

• Rhetoric and Narratology: Analysis of the Quran’s literary structure, storytelling techniques, and rhetorical devices (balaghah).
• Preaching and Da’wah: Academic study of how the Quran is articulated in public spaces, including the phenomenon of Syarhil Quran (public exposition), Friday sermons (khutbah), and religious lectures.
• Visual and Performing Arts: The reception of the Quran in calligraphy, recitation (tilawah), and localized cultural performances.

3. The Living Quran and Social Dynamics

• Anthropology of the Quran: Ethnographic studies on how specific communities interact with the Quran in their daily lives (rituals, healing, legal oaths).
• Quran and Gender: Critical discourse on women’s rights, gender equity, and feminist readings of the Quran.
• Quran and Ecology: Eco-theology and the Quranic perspective on environmental stewardship and sustainability (relevant to current global issues).
• Political Islam: The use of Quranic verses in political discourse, legislation, and statecraft.

4. Digital Quran and Media

• Cyber-Islamic Environments: The shift from traditional mushaf to digital apps, AI-driven interpretations, and the authority of "Google Sheikhs."
• Social Media Discourse: How Quranic verses are framed, debated, and consumed on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

5. Regional Focus: Nusantara and Global Connections

• Indonesian/Malay Quranic Heritage: Studies on manuscripts, local scholars (ulama), and the distinct "Vernacular Islam" of Southeast Asia.
• Global Comparative Studies: Connecting the Southeast Asian Quranic experience with trends in the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western diaspora.