Quran, Culture And Civilization

Quran, Culture And Civilization

Civilization-Building Strategies of the Holy Quran with Emphasis on Surah Yusuf (Joseph)

Document Type : Promotional

Authors
1 PhD in the History of Islamic Civilization, Faculty of History, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran.
2 Associate Professor of History, Faculty of History, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran.
3 Professor of History, Faculty of History, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran.
Abstract
Human beings are social creatures, and their social life necessitates civil laws, which are partly derived from human reason and partly from divine revelation. The stories in the Quran, aimed at imparting lessons and playing a role in civilization-building, fulfill the second part of this necessity. This research, organized using a descriptive-analytical method, seeks to extract the civilization-building strategies of the Quran based on the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph). According to the findings of this study, the civilizational strategies in Surah Yusuf can be identified in three main areas: strategies for self and family education, and political management of society. These three areas include the following: 1. Self and Family Education Strategies   - Depicting the role of life   - Concealing secrets   - Resorting to and trusting in God   - Trustworthiness   - Patience and piety 2. Family Strategies   - Love and affection among family members   - Patience with children's adversities   - Not considering physical ability as a criterion for superiority   - Forgiveness and leniency. 3. Political Management Strategies   - Meritocracy   - Social justice   - Foreign relations with an economic focus   - Selection system of officials   - Centrality of law. Accordingly, the components of a civilized society include self-made citizens possessing moral and human virtues, patience in family and social interactions, deep compassion and connection, free from prejudices, and conducive to a civilized, devout city based on monotheism and its centrality. Additionally, the ruler of such a society is the outcome of the votes of these citizens, and the officials of that government are specialists, committed, and trustworthy individuals selected based on meritocracy. The governance is based on divine laws, and traitors are punished with justice and fairness.

Graphical Abstract

Civilization-Building Strategies of the Holy Quran with Emphasis on Surah Yusuf (Joseph)
Keywords

Subjects


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Volume 5, Issue 2 - Serial Number 16
Spring 2024
Pages 104-131

  • Receive Date 03 July 2023
  • Revise Date 12 April 2024
  • Accept Date 22 April 2024
  • Publish Date 21 May 2024