Book Review: The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari

The Human Being in The Qur'an

Book Review: The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari

Before Buying, Better to Read the Book Review: The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari by Legaproblema.com - Have you ever wondered how human nature is portrayed through the lens of Islamic scripture? What does the Book The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari reveal about the intricate relationship between Quranic psychology and spiritual development? This profound work delves deeply into the islamic concept of humanity, offering a comprehensive exploration of human nature as depicted in the Qur'an. Mutahhari’s analysis is not only philosophical but also spiritual, bridging the gap between theology and psychology within Islamic anthropology.

Through a meticulous compilation of Qur'anic verses, the author illustrates the dual potential of humans to ascend to angelic heights or descend below beasts and demons, emphasizing free will's pivotal role. This dynamic portrayal challenges readers to reconsider human nature beyond simplistic binaries, inviting a nuanced understanding of spiritual development grounded in Islamic teachings.¹

The The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari stands as a vital resource for anyone interested in Islamic anthropology and Quranic psychology, offering clarity and depth on how the Qur'an frames human existence and potential.²

Book Details

Author

Ayatullah Morteza Mutahhari

Original Language

Persian

Translation

English translation by Hossein Vahid Dastjerdi, edited by Somayyeh Hossainmardi

Publisher

Islamic Seminary Publications, Tehran

ISBN

Not specified in available sources

Length

Approximately 200 pages (varies by edition)

Genre

Islamic Philosophy, Religious Studies, Spirituality, Anthropology

Structure and Contents

What structural elements make this book a cornerstone in the study of human nature within Islamic thought? The Book Review: The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari is organized to systematically explore the multifaceted nature of humanity as presented in the Qur'an. The contents include:

• An introduction to the concept of human nature from an Islamic perspective
• Detailed analysis of Quranic verses related to human characteristics and potential
• Exploration of free will and moral responsibility in shaping human destiny
• Discussions on the spiritual development of humans and their capacity for both good and evil
• Comparative insights into human beings, angels, beasts, and demons as metaphors for spiritual states
• Philosophical reflections on the soul, intellect, and body integration

The book’s structure facilitates a progressive understanding, moving from foundational concepts to complex philosophical and spiritual themes.¹

Strong Points of the Book

Why does this book stand out in the field of Islamic anthropology and Quranic psychology? The Book Review: The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari excels in several areas:

• Clarity and Accessibility: Despite dealing with complex theological and philosophical issues, the language remains clear and accessible, making it suitable for both scholars and general readers.²
• Comprehensive Quranic Analysis: The book compiles and interprets a wide range of Qur'anic verses, offering a holistic view of human nature.
• Integration of Spiritual and Psychological Insights: It uniquely blends Quranic psychology with spiritual development concepts, enriching the reader’s understanding of human potential.
• Emphasis on Free Will: Highlighting human agency, the book stresses that spiritual elevation or degradation is a result of personal choices.
• Philosophical Depth: Mutahhari’s background as a philosopher enriches the text with profound reflections on existence, essence, and morality.

Impact and Legacy

How has this work influenced contemporary Islamic thought and the study of human nature? The Book Review: The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari has left a significant legacy in Islamic scholarship. It has:

• Provided a foundational text for Islamic anthropology, influencing scholars and students worldwide.³
• Enhanced understanding of Quranic psychology, contributing to modern Islamic spiritual and psychological discourse.
• Supported interfaith and philosophical dialogues by presenting Islamic views on humanity in a clear, reasoned manner.
• Inspired further research into the intersection of spirituality and psychology within Islamic contexts.

Its continued use in academic and religious institutions attests to its enduring relevance and authority.³ 

Morteza Mutahhari

Criticism of the Book

What critiques have been raised regarding this influential work? While the Book Review: The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari is widely respected, some critiques include:

• Limited Engagement with Contemporary Psychology: Critics note that the book focuses primarily on classical Quranic interpretations, with less integration of modern psychological theories.
• Philosophical Density: Some readers find certain sections philosophically dense, requiring prior knowledge for full comprehension.
• Cultural Context: The book’s interpretations are deeply rooted in Shi'a Islamic thought, which may limit accessibility or acceptance in broader Muslim contexts.

These critiques, however, do not diminish the book’s overall scholarly value but suggest areas for supplementary study.

Comparison with Other Similar Books

How does Mutahhari’s work compare with other notable texts on Islamic anthropology and spirituality? Below is a brief comparison:

Aspect	The Human Being in The Qur'an (Mutahhari)	Fundamentals of Islamic Thought (Mutahhari)	Islamic Anthropology (Various Authors)
Focus	Human nature via Qur'anic verses	Broader Islamic philosophy including God and universe	Anthropological and sociological perspectives
Philosophical Depth	High, with Quranic basis	Very high, philosophical and theological	Moderate, more empirical
Accessibility	Moderate to high	Philosophically dense	Varies, generally accessible
Spiritual Development	Central theme	Included but broader scope	Sometimes addressed

Human Nature

What defines human nature from an Islamic perspective, and how does this book illuminate it? The Book Review: The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari presents human nature as a complex interplay of physical, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions. It highlights the unique capacity for self-awareness, moral choice, and spiritual ascent, distinguishing humans from other creatures. This view aligns with Islamic anthropology that sees humans as vicegerents on earth, endowed with reason and free will, tasked with spiritual development and ethical responsibility.¹

Islamic Anthropology

How does Islamic anthropology shape our understanding of humanity’s place in the cosmos? Mutahhari’s work is a seminal contribution to islamic anthropology, offering a Quranic framework that integrates metaphysical, ethical, and existential dimensions of human life. It challenges reductionist views by emphasizing the soul’s primacy and the moral consequences of human actions, thus enriching the discourse on what it means to be human in Islam.²

Quranic Psychology

Can the Qur'an offer insights comparable to modern psychology? The Book Review: The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari explores quranic psychology by interpreting the human psyche through scriptural narratives and ethical teachings. It addresses the inner conflicts, desires, and spiritual faculties that shape human behavior, suggesting that true psychological health is inseparable from spiritual well-being and alignment with divine guidance.³

Spiritual Development

What role does spiritual development play in the Islamic concept of humanity? Central to Mutahhari’s analysis is the idea that humans are not static beings but dynamic entities capable of spiritual growth or decline. The book elucidates how spiritual development, guided by faith and ethical conduct, elevates humans to sublime states, reinforcing the Islamic emphasis on self-purification, knowledge, and closeness to God.²

Islamic Concept of Humanity

How does the Islamic concept of humanity differ from secular or other religious views? The Book Review: The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari articulates an islamic concept of humanity that is holistic, integrating body, soul, intellect, and spirit. It portrays humans as created with dignity and purpose, endowed with free will to choose their path, accountable to God, and capable of achieving divine proximity through righteous living and spiritual discipline.¹

Final Ruling

In sum, the Book The Human Being in The Qur'an Morteza Mutahhari is an indispensable work for those seeking a profound understanding of human nature through the prism of the Qur'an. It offers a rich synthesis of Islamic anthropology, Quranic psychology, and spiritual development, framed within a clear philosophical discourse. While some may find its depth challenging, its insights are invaluable for appreciating the multifaceted Islamic concept of humanity and the transformative potential embedded within human existence.²

After reading this book, usually people also search as following: Adam and Eve in Quran verse, Quran Ayat about beauty of human, What was man created from in Islam, Human nature in Islam, Quran verses about creation of earth, What does the Qur'an say about human life, Status of man in Islam, Discuss the creation of man in Islam PDF.

Then some of them also have some following questions:

1. What is a human being according to the Quran?
2. What does the Quran say about human life?
3. What does the Quran say about the human body?
4. How does the Quran describe a man?
5. What does Islam say about being human?
6. Why did Allah create humans in Quran?
7. What makes a human a human in Islam?
8. Who does Allah refer to as we?
9. How does Allah view humanity?
10. What is human life in Islam?