EPISTEMOLOGY OF SUFISM IN SUFI INTERPRETATION (ANALYSIS OF THE PATTERNS OF THEORETICAL (NAZHARI) AND PRACTICAL ('AMALI) SUFI EXEGESIS)

Sufi tafsir is a form of interpretation of verses from the Qur'an carried out by Sufis, with a focus on the dimensions of Sufism both in the practice of 'amalî and aspects of nazharî. This research reveals the history of Sufi interpretation and the essential differences between two styles of Sufi interpretation, namely nazharî and 'amalî Sufi interpretation by exploring the epistemology of Sufism in the interpretation process because the author highlights the inaccuracy of general understanding in detailing the fundamental differences between these two styles of Sufi interpretation. The aim of the research is to contribute to a deeper understanding of Sufi interpretation styles and help to detail fundamental differences in the context of Sufism epistemology. By using library research methods and a qualitative approach, the research results show that based on Sufism epistemology, the explanation of levels of meaning in Sufi interpretation is based on extracting meaning (the context of discovery) and explaining meaning (the context of justification). The distinction between the Sufi nazharî and 'amalî interpretation styles lies in the context of justification and the presence of esoteric and exoteric meanings. As for the context of discovery, both are based on mukâsyafah/sufi spiritual experience.