Study of the Tafsir of QS. al-Isra’ 32 on Adultery in the Concept of Nafs Ammarah and the Perspective of Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalysis

Dian Erwanto, Muhammad Zakaria — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research discusses the meaning of Surah Al-Isra' verse 32 using the concept of psychoanalysis developed by Sigmund Freud and the concept of nafs ammarah mentioned in Surah Yusuf verse 53. In the view of some commentators, the prohibition against approaching adultery mentioned in the Quran means to avoid anything that could lead a person into it, as adultery requires a stimulation of the soul to commit it. The soul's stimulation referred to here corresponds to the "nafs ammarah" and to Freud's concept of the Id. Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic approach is considered highly relevant to uncovering the meaning of the "soul's stimulation" discussed by commentators in this verse. This research is a literature review using a modern psychological approach, grounded in a scientific interpretation style and analytical methods. The results of this study indicate that the soul's impulses that can lead someone to fall into adultery are the nafs ammarah, based on the story of al-'Aziz's wife who asked Yusuf to serve her, and the concept of the id by Sigmund Freud, which operates in the subconscious based on the pleasure principle, leading to destructive, impulsive actions without considering the consequences. This research combines modern psychology with interpretations by Quranic scholars to provide a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the legal content of the Quran.

Qurseey: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Qur'anic Studies

Study of the Tafsir of QS. al-Isra’ 32 on Adultery in the Concept of Nafs Ammarah and the Perspective of Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalysis