The Authority to Interpret the Qur’an in the Digital Era: A Pierre Bourdieu Perspective on Habitus and Symbolic Capital

Abstract

Digital transformation has changed the pattern of production, distribution, and consumption of religious knowledge, including in the practice of interpreting the Qur'an. Interpretive authority that previously tended to rely on mastery of Qur'anic sciences, scientific legitimacy, and institutional recognition is now faced with the emergence of digital actors who gain influence through popularity, visibility, and social media interaction. This study aims to analyze changes in the authority of Qur'an interpretation in the digital space through the perspective of Pierre Bourdieu's theory of practice, especially the concept of habitus, arena, and symbolic capital. The research uses a qualitative method with a literature study approach and critical discourse analysis of the literature on digital religious authority, interpretation practices, and Bourdieu's thought. The analysis is carried out by placing digital media as a contestation arena where the legitimacy of interpretation is produced, negotiated, and exchanged. The results of the study show that digitalization does not necessarily eliminate the authority of scholars, but changes the mechanism of its formation and recognition. Scientific capital and institutional legitimacy interact with symbolic capital in the form of popularity, number of followers, and the ability to build audience engagement. Digital habitus also shapes people's tendency to choose, understand, and validate the interpretation of the Qur'an.