Digitalizing Tafsir: International Platforms and Their Reflections in Türkiye

Abstract

Digitalization, as an invention of the contemporary era, possesses the capacity to unify the international structure into a singular global society. A positive side of this power is the emergence of digital platforms Digitalization is a defining characteristic of the contemporary era, possessing the capacity to integrate international structures into a unified global society. A significant benefit of this transformation is the emergence of digital platforms specialized in exegesis (tafsir), which facilitate the global dissemination and comprehension of the Quran. However, the impact of digitalized tafsir and the legitimacy achieved by influential global digital actors within the Turkish context remain under-explored. Specifically, academic literature has not sufficiently addressed the topics for which the contemporary generation consults digital tafsir, nor the degree of convergence between trends in Türkiye and the global sphere. This study examines videos f[1]rom three major international digital institutes: Bayyinah, Jannah, and Yaqeen. It analyzes and compares three videos from each platform's founder, selected based on two criteria: the most-watched videos on their original platforms and the most-watched subtitled versions available in Türkiye. By comparing the methodology, content, and treatment of Quranic verses on both international and Turkish scale, the findings suggest a convergence in viewer preferences. While the specific verses featured in the "most-watched" videos often differ, the underlying purpose and methodology of interpretation remain largely consistent. These results underscore the necessity of framing these digital discourses as “Quranic commentary” (interpretation) rather than traditional “Quranic exegesis” (tafsir).