Application of Quranic Concepts in Philosophical Theories
On the other hand, philosophy is one of the human sciences that tries to provide answers to fundamental questions about life. So, there is a need to find the relations between the two.
The Quran is not after offering philosophical theories, rather, it seeks to provide signs using which, individuals could better understand life, realize that the material world is just part of the universe, and bind themselves to respect ethical principles.
The Quran aims to offer signs that individuals could reflect upon and attain spirituality and ethics. Any philosophical vies attributed to the Quran is a combination of the text of the Quran and the viewpoints of one or several philosophers.
The Holy Quran has not offered philosophical theories, however, philosophers, scholars, and interpreters have formulated philosophical theories in which Quranic verses have been used, introducing some of them as philosophical theories of the Quran.
Such theories can always be developed. However, the point is that one should not attribute them to the Quran because these theories become old but the signs inside the Quran are always new and fresh.
How Quranic descriptions are used in anthropological philosophy
The Quran says: “Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. When evil comes upon him he is impatient but when good comes upon him, he is grudging.” (Surah Al-Maarij, verses 19-21) This is an anthropological description. Another instance is verses 6 and 7 of Surah Alaq reads: “Indeed, surely the human is very insolent that he sees himself sufficed.” We should take note that these descriptions are aimed at spirituality and ethics.
The aim of the Quran in describing humans is that individuals can spot their strengths and weaknesses, set foot on the path of believing in God, pay attention to the unseen world, and revise their beliefs and behaviors. Anthropological descriptions of the Quran can be interpreted in any theory of anthropological philosophy, however, the aim of these descriptions is nothing but to educate and guide mankind.
This article was a summary of remarks made by Ali Mahjour, a professor of philosophy, with IQNA.
