THE HISTORIOGRAPHY OF AṢḤĀBUL KAHFI IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF TAFSĪR AND ASTRONOMY (AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF QS. AL-KAHF VERSES 17 & 25)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the historiography of Aṣḥābul Kahfi through the perspective of Tafsīr and astronomy, focusing on QS. This study integrates classical Tafsīr understanding with modern astronomical knowledge to provide new insights into this story and its contribution to the understanding of history and science in Islam. The research method used is qualitative with a literature study approach. Primary data were obtained from classical and modern Tafsīr books, including Tafsīr Al-Munir by Az-Zuhaili, Fath al-Bayan fi Maqasid al-Qur'an by Siddiq Hasan Khan, and Al-Shamarikh fi 'Ilm al-Tarikh by Al-Suyuti. Secondary data includes modern astronomical literature and related studies. Data analysis was conducted through content analysis techniques and hermeneutic interpretation to integrate the Tafsīr perspective with astronomical understanding. The results show that the differences in interpretation of the position of the cave towards the sun (QS. Al-Kahf: 17) can be explained through astronomical analysis of the movement of the sun at various latitudes. The study also reveals that the difference of 300 shamsiyah years and 309 Qamarīyah years (QS. Al-Kahf: 25) reflects a sophisticated understanding of the dating system at that time. Furthermore, this study found that the use of the Qamarīyah calendar system in Islam has a strong astronomical basis, in addition to the familiar religious reasons. The integration of Tafsīr and astronomical perspectives provides a more comprehensive understanding of the Aṣḥābul Kahfi story, demonstrating the harmony between the Qur'anic narrative and astronomical phenomena. This research contributes to the development of interdisciplinary Tafsīr methodology and paves the way for further studies in understanding religious texts through a scientific approach.