Konstruksi Wacana Moderasi dalam Tafsir Nusantara: Studi CDA atas Penafsiran QS. Al-Baqarah: 143 dalam Tafsir Inspirasi

Abstract

This article examines the discourse of ummatan wasathan in Tafsir Inspirasi by Zainal Arifin Zakaria using Norman Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework, which encompasses three dimensions: textual analysis, discursive practice, and social practice. This qualitative study employs a critical discourse analysis approach focused on the interpretation of QS. Al-Baqarah: 143. The findings reveal that at the textual level, Zainal Arifin constructs the meaning of ummatan wasathan through the analogy of a "referee," an interpretive innovation that transforms the concept of moderation from a passive middle position into an active role as a guardian of social justice. At the level of discursive practice, the production of the tafsir is shaped by the author's academic background at Al-Azhar and APIUM, the tradition of Tafsir Sya'rawi, and his institutional positions within MUI, Al-Washliyyah, and UINSU; its distribution operates through RRI 94.3 FM Medan broadcasts spanning nearly two decades with almost 5,100 episodes, Islamic study circles, and the published volume. At the level of social practice, this moderation discourse responds to Sumatera Utara's ethnic and religious plurality, formulates a social theology positioning Islam as a guardian of justice, and naturalizes moderation as the most authentic expression of faith through the ideology of Islam rahmatan lil 'alamin. The article concludes that Tafsir Inspirasi is not merely an academic exegetical work, but a deliberate social intervention that strategically consolidates a moderate Islamic identity in Sumatera Utara.