Seraje Monir

Abstract As an essential subject in anthropology and thus ontology, fitrah (nature) has been fervently addressed in the Holy Qur’an. Therefore, the study of fitrah and its personal and social aspects and roles from the Qur’an’s viewpoint is essential to the Islamization of knowledge and human life. The present paper analyzes the content and connotations of Āye-e Fitrah (Verse of Nature) in order to find a solution for the crisis, concerns, and problems presently plaguing the international community.

Abstract As the last divine religion, Islam is free from radicalism. Even its attitude towards revenge and punishment brims with life. It urges the believers to stand against the enemies and be kind to the oppressed and underprivileged. According to the Holy Qur’an, “Thus, have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves” (2:143). The Holy Prophet of Islam (SAW) also states, “Verily, Allah has sent me as a blessing for all the nations of the world.” Not only is Islam the religion of mercy, but also the Holy Prophet of Islam (SAW) is a blessing for mankind. This article is an attempt to unveil the luminous face of Islam through La Osr va Haraj Rule (Denegation of Hardship Rule).

Abstract The Qur’anic stories possess characteristics which are unique to the holy book of Islam. Only parts of the story which serve the guiding purpose of the Qur’an are narrated, and details are sometimes left out. The fact that it refrains from using shallow imaginative stories does not suggest that the Holy Qur’an does not use literary forms in its narration of stories. It uses allegory and simile; therefore, different generations would understand the facts beyond mankind’s limited understanding. As stated by Allah the Almighty, “Such are the similitudes which We propound to men, that they may reflect” (59:21). Some interpreters describe the Qur’anic stories as symbolic and reject their truth. On the other side, some believe in their veracity. This article studies the interpreters’ attitudes towards the Qur’anic stories, including the story of Adam and his children.

Abstract Verse 33 of Sūrah al-Ahzāb of the Holy Qur’an is referred to as the Āye-e Tathīr (Verse of Purity). In this verse, Allah the Almighty announces His intention to purify Ahl al-Bayt (Prophet Muhammad’s Infallible Household (AS)) from uncleanliness and sin. The question remains as to who are the referents of Ahl al-Bayt. All Shiite and some Sunni scholars believe it to refer to Ahl al-Kesā (People of the Cloak), and some claim that it refers to prophet’s wives. This article seeks to address this important question.

Abstract As a positive human trait, optimism plays an important role in his growth and development and constitutes the foundation of his social relations. It is defined as “the tendency to feel positive towards God, world, others, and oneself.” As hope, vivacity, peace, and consequently the health of religion are dependent on optimism, this article addresses this trait from the viewpoint of the Holy Qur’an as the holy book of Islam and Imam Ali (AS) as an infallible religious leader. It is an attempt to shed some light on optimism, its difference with naivety, its consequences, characteristics of the optimists, and methods to improve optimism on the basis of psychology.

Abstract Belief in God’s existence is the most fundamental ideological issue and a matter for constant debate between the materialists and secularists and the believers in God. Therefore, the seekers of truth should first address the question as to whether God exists or not. There are different ways which would help find the answer; however, the most important ones are divided into five categories, including those proposed by the mystics, those proposed by the philosophers of religion, those proposed by the scholars of ilm al-kalām, those proposed by the natural scientists, and finally those proposed by the Holy Qur’an and sunnah. The above categories are further divided into a number of subcategories which are briefly discussed in this paper to facilitate further research and study. It is worth underlining that this paper mainly studies and compares the techniques proposed by the philosophers of religion and scholars of ilm al-kalām which are based on the Holy Qur’an and Shia hadīth collections.