Interpretive and purposive controls in constructing the concept of fitna in the Holy Qur’an: an applied study of Surat Al-Baqarah

This research, titled "Interpretive and Purposive Controls in Constructing the Concept of Fitna in the Holy Qur’an: An Applied Study of Surat Al-Baqarah", presents a comprehensive analysis of the concept of fitna (trial or temptation) from Qur’anic, linguistic, and maqasid (purposive) perspectives. The study begins from the premise that the Holy Qur’an is the primary source of guidance and legislation, and that fitna is among the most significant Qur’anic concepts with multiple meanings — ranging from trial and test, to turmoil, disbelief, and deviation from the path of God. The research aims to analyze this concept through interpretive controls that ensure understanding its contextual meanings in the Qur’an, and maqasid-based controls that reveal its higher legislative objectives.The researcher adopted an inductive, analytical, and purposive methodology, by collecting all occurrences of the term fitna in Surat Al-Baqarah and analyzing them in light of the interpretations of classical and modern exegetes, as well as the objectives of Islamic law. The findings show that fitna in the Qur’an carries an essential meaning related to trial and examination, but extends to include disbelief, coercion in faith, and religious persecution. In Surat Al-Baqarah, the concept of fitna is primarily associated with contexts of fighting and defending faith, where the Qur’an declares that “Fitna is worse than killing”, emphasizing that the violation of religious freedom is more severe than the loss of life.