Journal of Interdisciplinary Qur'anic Studies (مطالعات بین رشته ای قرآن)

Prophetology is certainly a very relevant topic in the Qur’an. Therefore, after having expounded this topic in general terms, the main purpose of this article is to examine the direct speeches of the prophets. In particular, the focus is on two words, namely Rabb and Allāh , as expressed by the so-called pre-Islamic Arab prophets: Hūd, Ṣāliḥ and Shuʿayb. Hence, the emphasis is on the type of discourse and the subjects involved in the dialogic context.  In the specific case of these three messengers, both Rabb and Allāh in their discourses are used primarily when speaking to their people. This highlights the antagonism between the “Lord of good” (God) and the “lord of evil” (the unbelieving people), reinforcing the idea of God as “Lord” ( Rabb ) and “the God” ( Allāh ).

The concept of myth within the Qur’an has been a subject of extensive scholarly inquiry among Orientalists, offering diverse perspectives and methodologies. Angelika Neuwirth, a prominent Qur’anic scholar, has made significant contributions to this field by examining the Qur’anic historical narratives and proposing a connection between these narratives and the concept of myth. In her view, myths function as narratives that employ archetypes to illuminate and interpret the world. To substantiate her claims, Neuwirth adopts a contextual approach, drawing upon the methodologies of biblical criticism. Emphasizing microstructures and contextual details of Qur’anic verses, this approach aims to uncover the origins of the stories and historical narratives in the Qur’an, attributing them to the social and theological milieu of early Muslims. It posits that these narratives are deeply rooted in the socio-theological milieu of early Muslims. Aligning with this approach, Neuwirth characterizes numerous Qur’anic stories and events as myths that have been shaped by archetypes embedded in the collective unconscious of the Qur’an’s audience. This paper employs a descriptive-analytical methodology, coupled with a comprehensive review of relevant literature, to critically evaluate the methodological underpinnings and presuppositions of the contextual approach to Qur’anic myth. Neuwirth's perspective is examined as a representative of this scholarly trend. The findings of this study reveal that, beyond methodological shortcomings, Neuwirth's approach is subject to several criticisms. These include an overemphasis on context as the sole determinant of Qur’anic knowledge, a neglect of the fundamental distinctions between the Qur’an and the Bible concerning the concept of revelation, and an overlooking of the distinct processes of compilation and canonization that shaped these two texts.

This study examines the use of speech acts in Qur’anic verses addressing the concept of iftirā’ (slander), emphasizing the contextual and thematic distinctions between the Meccan and Medinan periods. Employing a descriptive-analytical method and drawing on Searle’s classification of speech acts, the analysis identifies expressive acts as the most prevalent, followed by assertive, directive, commissive, and declarative acts. The study contextualizes these speech acts within the socio-religious frameworks of Mecca and Medina, demonstrating how the Qur’an’s rhetorical strategies evolved to meet the distinct needs and challenges of each period. The findings categorize the sources of iftirā’ into three primary groups, with the highest incidence attributed to disbelievers, followed by Jews, and then hypocrites. The themes of iftirā’ in the analyzed verses include slanders about divine unity, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), divine signs, the truth of prophethood, the Qur’an, the miracles of the prophets, the reality of resurrection, and human relationships. This research underscores the Qur’an’s dynamic communicative approach, illustrating how its discourse effectively engaged diverse audiences while addressing theological, and social dimensions of slander. The study offers valuable insights into Qur’anic rhetoric and its broader application in contemporary discourse analysis. 

The Qur’an encompasses a multitude of valuable teachings that serve as essential guidance for Muslims. To fully derive benefits from this divine source, a comprehensive and continuous engagement is imperative. The present study aimed to develop and standardize the "Familiarity with the Qur’an Questionnaire" (FwQQ) and to investigate its factorial structure. Utilizing the insights of Qur’an teachers, experts, and lecturers of Qur'anic studies with seminary degrees from Saqqez County, the characteristics of individuals familiar with the Qur’an were identified. Based on these characteristics, a 22-item questionnaire was developed. A total of 434 primary and secondary school teachers as well as Qur’anic studies instructors from Saqqez, selected through multi-stage cluster sampling, participated in the study and completed the questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and LISREL software through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (including principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (using fit indices). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test indicated that the data were suitable for factor  analysis. Additionally,  PCA with varimax  rotation revealed that the FwQQ comprises two factors: "Learning and Teaching the Qur’an," and "Tendency towards the Qur’an and Contemplation on It." These results were also supported by CFA, demonstrating a good fit between the data and the two-factor model. The reliability of the questionnaire, calculated using Cronbach's alpha, was found to be 0.97 for the overall scale, 0.93 for the first factor, and 0.96 for the second factor. This validated instrument holds promise for future research exploring the role of Familiarity with the Qur’an in various psychological and social contexts.

The concept of the embodiment of deeds is discussed within the framework of Islamic eschatology, specifically concerning the afterlife, the recompense of actions, and divine justice. This study investigates the embodiment of deeds as reflected in Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) and examines its alignment with Islamic eschatological principles. Drawing on Qur’anic verses, Hadiths, and the philosophical insights of Allameh Tabataba'i, the research emphasizes the intrinsic connection between actions, the soul, and their eternal forms. Employing a descriptive-analytical method, over one hundred NDE accounts from Iranian Shi'a Muslims were analyzed. The findings reveal various forms of embodiment, including the manifestation of significant physical actions, spiritual qualities, and the perception of life events and their consequences. The study concludes that the ontological nature of NDEs corresponds closely to the initial stages of the intermediary realm (Barzakh), based on Tabataba'i perspective. By bridging empirical observations with Islamic teachings on divine justice and the system of reward and punishment, the research offers new insights into the interconnectedness of human actions and their spiritual realities. This multidisciplinary approach enriches contemporary discourse on the afterlife, highlighting the transformative potential of NDEs in fostering moral and spiritual awareness. The research further demonstrates that the embodiment of deeds, as reported in NDEs, is substantiated by both reason and revelation, with Qur’anic-philosophical interpretations from Allameh Tabataba'i providing a robust explanatory framework.

The Holy Qur’an provides extensive descriptions of paradise as created by God for humanity. These descriptions not only emphasize material rewards but also highlight spiritual blessings that fulfill human emotional and psychological needs. This study investigates the realization of Qur’anic conceptual and spatial indicators of gardens in the design of Persian gardens, addressing the following questions: What are the conceptual and spatial indicators of gardens in Qur’anic verses? To what extent have these indicators been realized in Persian gardens? Using a descriptive-analytical methodology with a comparative approach, the Qur’anic verses and their interpretations were analyzed to identify key indicators of paradise gardens. These indicators were categorized into two groups: mental and intrinsic perceptions, such as feelings of security, health, eternity, spiritual tranquility, spiritual wealth, reflection on divine  blessings, and  recreation; and visual and spatial perceptions, including expansiveness, the attractiveness of greenery, scenic beauty, and decorative aspects of the garden. The study assessed these indicators through a survey of 200 visitors to eleven historical Persian gardens, utilizing an 11-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The findings reveal a significant alignment between the Qur’anic descriptions of paradise and the perceptions of visitors to Persian gardens. Mental and intrinsic components were found to have a greater impact than visual and spatial components in reflecting the spirituality and Qur’anic teachings embedded in Persian gardens. Among the mental and intrinsic elements, the sense of security emerged as the most influential factor, while scenic beauty ranked as the most impactful visual and spatial feature.

Research findings have shown that acquiring proficiency in reading is highly dependent on morphology. Also, it has been proved that morphology is a stronger determiner and predictor for reading in Semitic languages such as Arabic. Due to the fact that Qur’anic reading is an important skill for the Muslim community and the gap in the literature on Qur’anic reading, the current research is an attempt to study the effect of morphological awareness on Qur’anic reading fluency and accuracy. To this aim, an intact group entailing 29 native English-speaking adults (aged 19-43) enrolled in a lower-intermediate Qur’anic course was selected through purposive sampling in which outliers were removed (N=27). The remaining participants underwent three sessions of morphological instruction on some of the challenging and frequent Qur’anic roots and morphemes and then took part in three different reading tests on a standard Arabic text, a pseudo-word text, and a Qur’anic text. The results of an analysis through ANOVA (F (2, 72) = 67.483, p = .000) showed that the group performed differently in the three tests, i.e., the morphology instruction enhanced their performance in reading the Qur’anic text as well as the standard Arabic text while leaving the performance on the pseudo-word text almost unaffected. The post-hoc test showed that this effect was strongest in the Qur’anic test, revealing that Qur’anic reading  is significantly affected by morphological awareness-raising. This indicates that raising awareness of morphology through instruction promotes the reading of difficult languages such as the Holy Qur’an and standard Arabic. These findings have implications for Qur’anic teachers, learners, and Arabic language practitioners. 

The concept of translation encompasses a broad spectrum, including various forms of textual adaptation and adjustment that occur across languages and cultures. Within this spectrum, adaptation and imitation are also considered as part of the translation family. This study, conducted using a comparative, descriptive-analytical method, seeks to explore the issue of adapting a contemporary religious drama from Qur’anic narratives, employing Gérard Genette’s theory of hypertextuality. It examines the structural and thematic aspects of the hypertext in question—the television series Sahebdelan ( The Spiritualists ), directed by Mohammad Hossein Latifi (2006)—and its relation to its hypotext, the narratives of the Qur’an. The aim is to determine the extent and manner of the Qur’an’s influence on the adapted hypertext and to analyze the types of transformations that have occurred. The findings reveal that, based on Genette’s categorization of transtextual relationships, this form of translation from hypotext to hypertext constitutes a recreation of parts of the lives of certain prophets in the Qur’an in the format of a television drama. This recreation—shaped by filmmaking motives, media constraints, target audience, and the purpose of the series—has involved substantial changes to narrative elements such as characters, events, time and space of narration, and intertextual connections. These transformations have enabled the transmission of Qur’anic themes and messages in a contemporary and accessible language for today’s viewers. The impact of Qur’anic narratives in shaping the content and themes of this dramatic work has been significant, making it a prominent example of religious adaptation.

Exploring Qur’anic keywords through an educational lens presents a fruitful approach for uncovering the foundational principles of Islamic pedagogy. Among these, the term al-adhā (harassment)—frequently occurring and semantically rich—holds particular significance for moral education. By examining the contexts in which al-adhā appears and analyzing the associated discursive patterns, one can gain insight into Qur’anic conceptions of harassment and their ethical implications. This study seeks to engage the word al-adhā from a pedagogical perspective to extract actionable principles for moral education. Due to the multidimensional scope of the inquiry, a hybrid research methodology was employed: a descriptive-phenomenological reading of relevant verses, followed by grounded theory coding (open, axial, and selective) using MAXQDA software, and culminating in an inductive qualitative content analysis of the educational implications. The findings demonstrate that the Qur’anic conceptual model of al-adhā can be organized into five thematic categories: types of harassment, responses to harassment, consequences of harassment, the interplay between harm and facilitation, and the notion of constructive suffering ( al-adhā in a positive sense). From this conceptual structure, five core principles and approaches for moral education are derived: the approach of recognizing the importance of language as a moral force in ethical education; a motivational approach toward hardship; adopting the perspective of others; a focus on the layered outcomes of behavior; a facilitative approach in moral education, especially in contexts where harm might hinder spiritual growth.

This article introduces Ichwani tafsīr method, an integrative approach to Qur’anic interpretation that combines various traditional and contemporary methods. The main issue raised is the need for a more comprehensive approach to interpretation, which includes not only classical interpretation but also takes into account modern contexts and socio-historical dynamics. The purpose of this method is to provide a more relevant interpretation while maintaining the authenticity of the message of the Qur’an. The Ichwani method consists of nine steps, starting with language analysis (tafsīr lughawī), classical tafsīr analysis (bil-maʾthūr), and contemporary tafsīr (bil-raʾy), followed by understanding the background of the verse (asbāb al-nuzūl) and socio-historical analysis. These steps culminate in thematic interpretation (tafsīr mawḍūʿī), assessment based on maqasid al-shariah, as well as renewal (tajdīd) and reform (iṣlāḥ). The findings of this article show that Ichwani method can produce a holistic and contextual interpretation, answering modern challenges without abandoning its traditional roots. The author recommends this method as a new approach that can enrich the study of Qur’anic interpretation and encourage dialogue between various disciplines to understand the sacred text more deeply and in a more relevant manner.

Conceptual Metaphor Theory, a modern approach within cognitive linguistics introduced by Lakoff and Johnson in Metaphors We Live By (1980), posits that concepts are constituted not solely by inherent attributes but primarily by interactional characteristics. From this perspective, entities in the world do not possess fixed, intrinsic properties; rather, their meaning emerges only in relation to human action. Consequently, metaphors can assume the status of truth. Within the Qur’an, numerous injunctions and relational concepts can be interpreted through this theoretical framework as being grounded in interactional characteristics rather than in purely essentialist definitions. Adopting a descriptive–analytical method, this study examines several Qur’anic relationships, demonstrating how their meanings can be more adequately apprehended through the lens of Conceptual Metaphor Theory. The findings suggest that even human relationships in the Qur’an are not conceived as immutable or purely intrinsic. Instead, the Qur’an redefines relational concepts—such as mother, spouse, brother, and child—according to their roles, functions, and interactional qualities. Thus, notions such as the motherhood of the Prophet’s wives for the Muslim community and the brotherhood of believers represent, in Qur’anic discourse, new conceptual realities that transcend mere metaphorical usage.

Today, the world faces environmental crises that have led to the loss of biodiversity. Biodiversity, which is essential for the processes supporting all life on Earth, refers to the variety of life at all levels—ranging from genes to ecosystems—and is classified into three levels: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. This research, employing a descriptive-analytical approach and based on careful interpretations, examines the scientific concepts related to the three levels of biodiversity as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, to highlight the importance of biodiversity for the continuity of life, which is addressed in various forms within the Qur’anic verses. The results show that at the genetic diversity level, there are verses expressing genetic variation within the human species and other organisms. At the species diversity level, numerous verses reflect the diversity among plants and animals from different perspectives. At the ecosystem diversity level, some verses refer to the variety of ecosystems present on Earth, including forests, grasslands, gardens, agricultural lands, pastures, rivers, mountains, valleys, deserts, marine environments, and others. Overall, the research results indicate that many Qur’anic verses emphasize the diversity of life and its components.