Religious anthropology, as a branch of theological sciences, undertakes the exploration of the existential nature of human beings and their behaviours within the realm of the mundane. This science, relying on the verses of the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them), analyses the motives, actions, and orientations of humans in their encounter with blessings, calamities, good and evil. This treatise, through a systematic and scholarly rewriting of the presented lectures, offers a coherent and profound text for researchers in religious and psychological fields. All details and pivotal points of the lectures are incorporated herein with comprehensive elucidation and in a lofty language befitting the academic milieu. The structure of this book, organised into scientific sections, specialised subtitles, and detailed conclusions, is designed to preserve semantic connections among topics and, by employing refined metaphors and allegories, enhance the literary richness of the text.
This section, connected to preceding discussions on mundane rules, analyses the expansion of worldly possessions and its torturous consequences from the perspective of the Holy Quran.
Certain worldly blessings, akin to poisoned gifts, bring about torment and affliction rather than good. These provisions are sometimes bestowed upon humans as a divine test.
And We show them no sign but that it is greater than its sister, and We seized them with punishment that perhaps they might return.
(Az-Zukhruf: 48)
This verse regards the expansion of worldly possessions for certain sinners as a prelude to punishment. Wealth, knowledge, or status may, instead of goodness, provide a foundation for downfall and hostility.
Divine gradual enticement (istidraj), like a hidden gateway, converts possessions into instruments of punishment. This process invites humans to contemplate their intentions and deeds.
Do they think that We extend to them wealth and children and hasten for them good things? Nay, they perceive not.
(Al-Muminun: 55-56)
The perception of good in worldly possessions distracts humans from the reality of gradual enticement. Awareness of this truth guides one towards reforming intentions and actions.
The expansion of worldly possessions sometimes brings torment and affliction instead of goodness. This section invites humans to reflect on their intentions and behaviours in relation to blessings.
This section, linked to the topic of worldly possessions, analyses the relationship between worldly health and eternal salvation from the viewpoint of the Holy Quran.
The notion of poverty as a prerequisite for eternal salvation, resembling a colonial myth, is incompatible with the Quranic culture. Worldly health is the foundation of eternal salvation.
And We granted him good in this world, and indeed, he is among the righteous in the Hereafter.
(An-Nahl: 122)
This verse identifies the righteous of the Hereafter as those who enjoy health and honour in this world. Prophets and saints, with majesty and grandeur, exemplify this health.
Worldly health is accompanied by honour, beauty, and grandeur. Believers possessing these traits are free from poverty and backwardness.
The idea of poverty as a source of pride is incompatible with Quranic culture. The believer must proceed towards perfection with dignity and grace.
Worldly health is the foundation of eternal salvation. This section calls upon humans to acquire dignity and composure in this world to attain eternal perfection.
This section, connected to the topic of worldly health, analyses financial incapacity as a disease from the viewpoint of the Holy Quran.
Financial incapacity, like a disease, deprives humans of honour and perfection and contradicts Quranic culture.
There is no blame upon the weak, nor upon the ill, nor upon those who do not find what to spend, if they are sincere to Allah and His Messenger. No path of blame is upon the doers of good. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
(At-Tawbah: 91)
This verse places financial incapacity alongside illness and physical disability and regards it as a type of deficiency.
Financial incapacity prevents humans from managing life and participating in good deeds. Sincerity towards Allah and His Messenger is the path to liberation from this deficiency.
The concept of proud poverty is refuted by placing financial incapacity alongside illness. The believer must strive towards honour and capability.
Financial incapacity is an economic disease that deprives humans of honour. This section invites humans to sincerity and endeavour towards capability.
This section, linked to the topic of financial incapacity, analyses materialism and hardness of heart from the perspective of the Holy Quran.
Materialism, like a deceptive mask, leads the heart to hardness and deprives the human of purity and tranquillity.
Why did they not supplicate when Our punishment came to them? But their hearts became hardened, and Satan made attractive to them what they were doing.
(Al-Anam: 43)
This verse regards materialism as a stratagem of Satan that hardens the heart and prevents supplication and return to God.
Materialism leads humans to preserve reputation and avoid inner truth. This behaviour deprives humans of tranquillity and
