Bi-Quarterly Journal of Quranic Interpretive and Semantic Studies

Bi-Quarterly Journal of Quranic Interpretive and Semantic Studies

Comparative Analysis of the Social Consequences of Monotheistic and Humanistic Anthropology from the Perspective of the Quran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Exegesis, Research Center for Quranic Culture and Teachings, Research Institute of Islamic Sciences and Culture, Qom, Iran
2 Fourth-level researcher, field of Comparative Exegesis, Masoumiyeh Higher Education Institute for Women Seminary, Qom, Iran
3 Professor and Faculty Member, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran
10.22034/meftah.2027.950
Abstract
Anthropology is one of the most fundamental foundational disciplines of the humanities, and its two main approaches, namely monotheistic anthropology and humanistic anthropology, have completely different social consequences. Despite extensive studies in the field of anthropology, an independent examination of the social consequences of these two perspectives from the viewpoint of the Quran has been undertaken less frequently. This research, using a descriptive-comparative method with an emphasis on Quranic verses, conducts a comparative analysis of the two mentioned approaches. According to the research findings, monotheistic anthropology, which is based on the oneness of God (tawhid) and revelational sources, introduces man as a spiritual being, purposeful, and possessing inherent dignity (karamah). At the social level, it leads to the promotion of rationality and efficiency of social systems, strengthening empathy and responsibility, preserving human dignity, the sovereignty of the divine nature (fitrah), and the realization of true freedom in light of divine limits and obligations. In contrast, humanistic anthropology, which is centered on man and the primacy of material pleasures, has led to the spread of selfishness, violence, psychological and moral crises, a materialistic and sinful lifestyle, a decrease in social security, and the emergence of class and political discriminations in Western societies. The result of the research shows that only the monotheistic perspective, relying on revelatory foundations, can provide the grounds for a healthy and spiritual life and social felicity.
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