Derived from the lecture series of Nokounam, , Session (1897)
Qur'anic anthropology, as a branch of the divine sciences, investigates the existential nature of humanity and its position within the cosmic order. This discipline, relying on the verses of the Holy Quran, analyses human behaviours, actions, and interactions within the realm of nasut, while illuminating pathways towards perfection and felicity. This treatise, through a systematic rewriting of the delivered lectures, provides a scientific and coherent text aimed at researchers and academic audiences. All details and key points of the lectures are comprehensively expounded within a scholarly framework, employing an exalted language commensurate with the academic environment. The structured division, specialised subheadings, and detailed conclusions, alongside refined allegories and metaphors, render this work a rich and engaging scholarly composition.
This section, linked to previous discussions on humanitys position in the system of creation, analyses the characteristics of the possessors of intellect (nuh) and their role in the ownership of the universe from the Qur'anic perspective.
The wise, as the guardians of the universe, observe the cosmic order with profound insight and detachment from material dependencies, holding the true ownership of the world.
Eat and tend your livestock; surely in this there are signs for those endowed with understanding.
(Th: 54)
This verse, by inviting the enjoyment of divine blessings, alludes to the special status of the wise (l al-nuh), who are not confined to eating and herding, but rather, with a transcendent intellect, contemplate the universe under the shadow of divine wisdom. They are the true owners of the worldnot in the sense of material possession, but in the sense of guardianship and profound comprehension of the system of creation. The wise, by distancing themselves from earthly attachments, attain the ultimate station of intellect whereby they perceive the universe through the will of God.
Attachment to material matters acts as a chain binding the intellect, preventing humans from comprehending the truth of the universe. Religious knowledge must guide humanity towards intellectual elevation and detachment from materiality.
The wise, by renouncing material attachments and contemplating the universe under divine wisdom, achieve the true ownership of the world. This section invites humanity to cultivate elevated thought and faith in divine signs.
This section, linked to the discussion on the wise, analyses the station of Be and human aspiration from the Qur'anic standpoint.
Human aspiration, like a mirror of divine will, guides man towards creativity and creation under the proximity to God.
The Originator of the heavens and the earth; and when He decrees a matter, He only says to it, Be, and it is.
(Baqarah: 117)
This verse refers to the power of divine creativity, which creates existence through an immediate will. Man, as the divine vicegerent, can attain the station of aspiration, which is acquired through the shadow of nearness to God, and thus engage in creativity. Aspiration is a mystical power enabling man to effect tangible influences in the universe with pure will. This station, in the future of humanity, will become accessible to ordinary humans through scientific and spiritual advancement.
The noble verse Who is it that will lend to God a goodly loan? (Baqarah: 245), which means lending to the servants of God, is linked to the station of aspiration. Just as lending to God essentially serves creation, human aspiration manifests in serving creation and actualising divine will.
The limitations in human will, which require speech and tools, are negligible compared to the immediate divine will. Religious knowledge should guide humanity towards nearness and attainment of divine aspiration.
The station of aspiration leads man to creativity under the shadow of divine will. This section invites man to draw nearer to God and cultivate a pure will.
This section, linked to the discussion on human aspiration, analyses the performative nature of truth and falsehood from the Qur'anic perspective.
Truth and falsehood, as creations of the human mind, are not matters of mere information but are performative, originating from human will.
Indeed, you worship besides God idols and fabricate falsehood. Indeed, those whom you worship besides God have no power over your provision. So seek provision from God and worship Him and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be returned.
(Ankabt: 17)
This verse, emphasising and you fabricate falsehood, refers to the performative nature of falsehood. Truth and falsehood emanate from human will and creativity, not from inherent or informational matters. Man, through his choice, creates truth or falsehood, and this choice guides him either towards God or misguidance.
Worshipping other than God, like creating a false idol, distances man from the truth. Religious knowledge must guide humanity towards worship of the One God and detachment from falsehood.
Truth and falsehood stem from human will and direct man towards felicity or misguidance. This section urges man to choose truth and avoid falsehood.
This section, linked to the discussion on truth and falsehood, analyses the concept of real victory from the Qur'anic viewpoint.
True victory, like reaching the finish line of a divine contest, depends on entry into Paradise and avoidance of the Fire.
Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.
(l Imrn: 185)
This verse regards real victory as contingent upon a good end and entry into Paradise. Worldly successes such as knowledge, wealth, or fame hold no value without a good end. Until the moment of death, man is subject to change and transformation, and nothing but piety and faith can lead him to final victory.
Reliance on worldly successes, like trusting a deceptive mirage, diverts man from the ultimate goal. Religious knowledge must guide man towards a good end.
True victory depends on a good end and entry into Paradise. This section calls man to shun worldly deception and focus on piety.
This section, linked to the discussion on victory, analyses the criterion for distinguishing truth from falsehood from the Qur'anic perspective.
Truth, like a light accompanied by liberality and broad-mindedness, stands opposed to falsehood, which is characterised by arrogance and authoritarianism.
Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while God promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And God is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
(Baqarah: 268)
This verse clarifies the criterion for distinguishing truth from falsehood by comparing Satan and Gods actions. Satan, with arrogance and authoritarianism, directs man towards poverty and immorality, whereas God, with liberality and wisdom, promises forgiveness and bounty. Truth is accompanied by liberality and justice, whereas falsehood is recognised by
