​YOGYAKARTA – The Study Program of Al-Qur'an and Exegesis (IAT) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga has further strengthened its position in the international academic arena through a specialist discussion titled "The Israelites and the Cow". This exclusive discussion featured Prof. Holger Zellentin from the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany, to dissect the sacred text through the lens of Late Antique literature. ​The event, which took place on Tuesday (Feb 24) in the Meeting Room on the 2nd Floor of the FUPI Building, was led directly by IAT lecturer, Dr. Phil. Muammar Zayn Qadafy. Serving as both moderator and an expert in the field, Dr. Qadafy emphasized the importance of methodological openness in contemporary Quranic studies. ​"Prof. Zellentin's presence provides a crucial perspective on how the Quran dialogues with previous religious traditions. This is not merely a historical study, but an effort to understand the unique position of the Quran amidst the diversity of past narratives," stated Dr. Phil. Muammar Zayn Qadafy on the sidelines of the discussion.

Representation of IAT Students and International Classes

Participation in this discussion was highly selective, with dominant involvement from IAT students, particularly the delegation from the International Class. A total of 15 selected active students and alumni representatives attended to deepen their understanding of this technical and profound material. The participation of international class students serves as clear evidence of the successful internationalization of the curriculum within the faculty.​Starting at 2:00 PM WIB, students were not merely passive listeners but were also actively involved in presenting papers before the expert. "This is a rare opportunity for those of us in the international class to test the methodologies we learn in the classroom directly with a global figure," said one of the IAT student representatives.

Panel Discussion Highlights
The academic session was divided into two intensive panels, featuring a blend of alumni, current students, and guest lecturers who presented diverse perspectives on Quranic studies and Late Antiquity.

The first session focused on situating the Quranic text within its historical and discursive environment:

• Eusia Aisyah, S.Ag. (Alumni of FUPI UIN Yogya) opened the session with her research titled "Qur’an 2:222 in the Late Antique Discourse on Niddah," exploring the intersections of purity laws.
• Rikza Muktafah (BA Student, FUPI UIN Jogja) followed with an analysis of the "Late Antique Reading of Verses About the Socio-Economic Conditions of Mecca," specifically examining Q.S. 14:37, 16:112, 43:31, and 106:1-4.

The second session shifted toward comparative theology and the dynamics of translation strategies:

• Ahmad Shalahuddin (Christian University of Duta Wacana) presented "The Laws of Moses in The Qur’an: From the Decalogue to the Seven Commandments and the Dynamics of Qur’anic Exegesis."
• Hibbi Farihin, M.S.I. (Lecturer at UIN Tulungagung) provided a focused study on the portrayal of "Israel in the Qur’an."
• Mufti Rasyid, M.Pd. (Lecturer at UIN Tulungagung) concluded the presentations by comparing linguistic approaches in his paper, "Holy War in Hebrew Qur’anic Translations: Comparing Muslim and Jewish Translations’ Strategies."

​Synergy Between Alumni and Active Students
​A notable aspect of this event was the preservation of the academic ecosystem between the campus and its graduates. Within the limited quota provided, there was a significant presence of alumni mingling with active students. Notably, two participants specifically represented the dynamic collaboration between the field perspectives of alumni and the intellectual spirit of active students.

​Approaching the Quran Dialogically

The Dean of FUPI conveyed that the discussion regarding the narrative of "The Cow" (Al-Baqarah) is part of the faculty's commitment to presenting Quranic studies that are dialogical and open to various global scientific approaches. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how the Quran responds to previous traditions in an authoritative yet unique manner.The intellectual activity concluded warmly with an Iftar session (breaking of the fast) at 6:00 PM WIB. During this moment, students, alumni, and the speaker appeared immersed in a relaxed yet meaningful conversation, strengthening intellectual networks across generations and nations.

-Findah Ariyani