The Holy Qur'an, like a peerless gem among divine scriptures, is not merely a religious book but rather a scientific, social, and universal source that, with its comprehensiveness, complexity, and unparalleled eloquence, caters to the intellectual, spiritual, and social needs of all humanity across all eras. This treatise, aiming to reflect the scientific and universal dimensions of the Holy Qur'an, analyses its distinctive characteristics and the status of disbelief in Qur'anic verses. By a profound examination of divine wisdom in interaction with disbelievers and a critique of traditional approaches that have regarded the Qur'an merely as a religious text, this work endeavours to offer a systematic and scholarly framework for advanced research in the fields of exegesis, religious psychology, sociology, and comparative theology. The structure of this treatise, organised into thematic sections and detailed analyses, is designed to be a rich and efficient resource for both academic audiences and scholars of religious sciences.
The Holy Qur'an is a book which, by virtue of its unparalleled comprehensiveness, speaks not only in the domain of religion but also introduces novel and dynamic insights in the human, social, and even natural sciences. Unlike other texts, even sacred scriptures, it possesses such breadth and depth that no human text can be considered its equal. This feature has rendered the Holy Qur'an an incomparable source for knowledge production across various disciplines.
The Holy Qur'an, while exhibiting a clear and comprehensible outward appearance, harbours profound complexities beneath its surface. This duality renders it suitable for all intellectual levels, from the general populace to scholarly elites.
يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ
Translation: "We have made the Qur'an easy for remembrance." (Surah Al-Qamar, Verse 17)
This verse indicates the Qur'ans apparent clarity, yet delving into its profound meanings requires contemplation and research. This feature has made the Qur'an an appropriate text for Qur'anic linguistics and exegesis.
The Holy Qur'an is a book that no human being can be without. Its comprehensiveness answers the intellectual, spiritual, and social needs of all humans, irrespective of their religion or creed.
Perceiving the Holy Qur'an solely as a religious book has, over centuries, hindered the understanding of its scientific, intellectual, and social dimensions. This view, rooted in traditional approaches to religious science, requires revision to reveal the Qur'ans vast potentials in modern sciences.
The Holy Qur'an is a scripture revealed for all humanity, not merely for believers or Muslims.
ذَلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ
Translation: "This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the people." (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 2)
The universality of the Holy Qur'an refers to its global mission. Demonstrating its eternity, as a source that sustains humanity until the Day of Resurrection, is a cognitive and cultural necessity.
Unlike human scientific works, such as the writings of Ibn Sina which become outdated and obsolete after centuries, the Holy Qur'an remains eternal due to its comprehensiveness and dynamism. Were Ibn Sina alive today, he would likely abandon his works, for the limitations of human knowledge are evident in contrast with divine revelation.
The Holy Qur'an, with its scientific, modern, and universal attributes, stands apart from other texts. Its apparent clarity and profound complexity, universal necessity, and the need to revise traditional perceptions are all demonstrated. The universality and eternity of the Qur'an render it an unparalleled source for knowledge production across diverse fields.
The Holy Qur'an, contrary to a hostile stance, treats disbelievers with a realistic and paternal perspective, akin to a fathers compassionate regard for his diverse children. This viewpoint regards disbelievers not as enemies but as part of the creation system, whose existence is essential for the embodiment of faith.
لَا تَذَرْ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ مِنَ الْكَافِرِينَ دَيَّارًا
Translation: "Do not leave upon the earth any disbelievers." (Surah Nuh, Verse 12)
This verse indicates the guaranteed presence of disbelievers in existence so that faith can be understood in contrast to disbelief.
The Holy Qur'an describes disbelievers as children of a father with varying characteristics: some addicted, some athletic, some believers, and some sinners. This diversity points to divine wisdom in creation.
Viewing disbelievers as enemies contradicts the Qur'anic perspective. Such a viewpoint leads to curses and lamentations rather than logical discourse. The believer must, like the Qur'an, emphasise the strengths of the disbeliever and assist in their reform.
The Holy Qur'an both elevates and humbles disbelievers by presenting their strengths and weaknesses. This duality reflects Qur'anic wisdom in describing disbelievers.
وَالْكَافِرُونَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ
Translation: "Indeed, the disbelievers are the wrongdoers." (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 19)
This verse describes disbelievers with respectful language, avoiding insult.
The Holy Qur'an curses disbelief itself, not the disbeliever, since the disbeliever may return to faith.
لَعَنَهُمُ اللَّهُ بِكُفْرِهِمْ
Translation: "Allah has cursed them for their disbelief." (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 89)
This distinction points to divine mercy and the possibility of repentance.
Some disbelievers can embrace faith and even surpass many believers.
فَقَلِيلًا مَا يُؤْمِنُونَ
Translation: "But few of them believe." (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 89)
This verse reflects the Qur'anic hope for the reform of disbelievers.
The Holy Qur'an employs numerous terms for disbelief: Kafirun (36 times), Kafirin (93 times), Kuffar (19 times), Kafira, and Kowafar. This abundance indicates the concepts diversity and significance in the Qur'an.
The term "Kowafar" (female disbelievers) in the Qur'an denotes the autonomy of women in disbelief, contrary to the notion of their subordination to men.
The Qur'anic perspective on disbelief and disbelievers, suffused with divine wisdom and mercy, regards them as an integral part of creation, whose existence is essential for the manifestation of faith. This paternal view, coupled with respectful discourse and the potential for the disbelievers transformation to belief, renders the Qur'an an unparalleled source for religious psychology and Islamic ethics.
To understand disbelievers and elevate the status of the Holy Qur'an worldwide, it is imperative to author up to fifty books concerning the attributes, characteristics, and grandeur of disbelief from the Qur'anic perspective. This project can expand Qur'anic knowledge within academic and global domains.
Educational methods that depict the world as a den of wolves and impurity are un-Qur'anic and ineffective. A positive and wise outlook toward society must be adopted.
Superficial unity between religious seminaries and universities, akin to invitations with luxury food, is unsustainable. Genuine scientific collaboration with joint knowledge production must replace it.
Scientific seminaries should function like clinics treating intellectual patients, including disbelievers, with wisdom and caution.
Writing about disbelief should not rely solely on existing exegeses, as contemporary researchers possess more open and creative minds.
Producing Qur'anic knowledge through writing about disbelief, revising educational methods, and fostering scientific collaborations can elevate the status of the Holy Qur'an globally. Scientific seminaries, by acting as intellectual clinics, can assist in correcting thoughts and promoting Qur'anic wisdom.
The Holy Qur'an, like an endless ocean, with its scientific comprehensiveness, simultaneous clarity and complexity, and unparalleled universality, answers the intellectual and spiritual needs of all humanity. Its paternal view of disbelievers reveals divine wisdom in managing creations diversity. Critiquing traditional perceptions and encouraging scholarly writing on disbelief are ways to modernise the representation of the Qur'an and enhance its status in global discourses. This treatise, by offering a systematic framework, seeks to inspire researchers toward Qur'anic knowledge production and wise engagement with intellectual and social diversity.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
