An Analysis of Quranic Strategies for Human Engagement with Favorable Life Events Based on the Types of Verses on Mercy and Affliction

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 isfshsn university

2 isfahan university

10.22081/jqss.2025.69819.1325

Abstract

In life, humans encounter favorable events whose inner dimensions may remain unknown to them. Sometimes, the inner reality of the event is truly favorable, while at other times it may be a hidden affliction. Since the manner of facing such events affects the degree to which one benefits from divine mercy and attains correct insight—and as the Quran is the primary reference in this regard—research into this subject is deemed necessary. This study, using a descriptive-analytical method, examines Quranic verses related to mercy (rahmah) and affliction (niqmah), and presents a Quranic model by which humans, within their realm of agency, can acquire, preserve, and stabilize divine mercy in favorable events, and employ strategies to transform hidden affliction into inner mercy. According to the findings, the Quranic mechanisms for acquiring, preserving, and stabilizing divine mercy in events that are outwardly and inwardly merciful include: faith and piety, strengthening a sense of gratitude, making use of supplication, showing appreciation and courtesy, being among the doers of good (muhsinin), regularly paying alms (zakat) and giving charity (infaq) with divine intention. Meanwhile, the strategies for transforming hidden affliction into inner mercy in events that are outwardly favorable include: not turning away from God in times of prosperity, avoiding arrogance mixed with the illusion of being honored, avoiding heedlessness and ingratitude when receiving blessings, increasing one’s inner capacity and avoiding transgression when blessed, steering clear of hostility and greed, refraining from despotism and the desire for dominance, and avoiding disbelief in order not to fall into divine reprieve (imhal).

Keywords

References

* The Holy Quran
** Nahj al-Balagha
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History

  • Receive Date: 02 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 05 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 15 May 2025
  • Publish Date: 28 May 2025

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