The meaning of "balad" in the Quran, based on Schleiermacher's hermeneutical analysis, is examined in light of how nations have significant importance in conducting societal activities ranging from social, cultural, to religious aspects. Nations or states have territorial boundaries inhabited by their population, both de facto and de jure. The term "balad" in the Quran's vocabulary represents various meanings such as nation, country, land, city, and region, and its frequent repetition in the Quran indicates its crucial role in the continuity and well-being of a society?
This qualitative study constitutes a library research focusing on the meaning of the word "balad" in the Quran from Schleiermacher's hermeneutical perspective. Primary sources include AL QURAN KEMENAG Online, alongside Lisan Al-Arab Dictionary by Ibn Manzur al-Ansārī al-Ifrīqī al-Misrī al-Khazrajī. Secondary sources are derived from relevant books such as "The Art of Understanding: Hermeneutics from Schleiermacher to Derrida," by Friedrich Schleiermacher. In exploring the meaning of "balad" in the Quran, one of the applied methods of interpretation is the thematic interpretation method (tafsir maudhu'i). This method addresses issues topically, presenting contemporary thoughts alongside the Quran to seek its perspective on the discussed subjects.
In this research, it is demonstrated that generally, the meaning of al-balad is synonymous with a country or state. The word Balad, from a grammatical approach in the Quran, signifies a concept, system, or territorial boundary of a nation. Within the spectrum of its meaning, Balad connotes neutrality, where the goodness or badness of a nation is not determined by its adopted system or nationality. Instead, the prosperity of a nation hinges on the obedience of its inhabitants, encompassing theological, social, and environmental obedience.