"The Human Was Created Out of Haste." On Prophecy and the Problem of Human Nature in the Qur'an

Datos Bibliográficos

ID3480871
AutoresGabriel Said Reynolds (0000-0002-6706-950X, University of Notre Dame, autor de correspondencia)
Año2021
Volumen12
Número8
Páginas589
Fecha de publicación2021-07-31
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaReligions (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
EditorialMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel12080589
OpenAlexW3188323096
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas15

In this article it is argued that the Qur'an's doctrine of divine mercy is best understood in light of its pessimistic anthropology, an aspect of the text that is often underappreciated. The so-called "primordial covenant" verse (Q 7:172) of the Qur'an holds humans responsible for submission to God. The Qur'anic language on "signs" in the natural world suggests that humans should recognize God (and be grateful to Him) by reflection on nature alone. Yet, according to the Qur'an they do not. The Qur'an refers frequently to humans as "ungrateful" and "hasty". It also makes divine punishments a regular element of human history, suggesting that rebellion is endemic to human nature. It is, I argue, precisely the rebelliousness of humans that makes God's initiative in sending prophets merciful. The ministry of prophets in the Qur'an is an unmerited manifestation of divine compassion for a sinful humanity

Art · Christian ministry · Compassion · Covenant · Doctrine · Epistemology · Humanity · Literature · Pessimism · Political science · Theology · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Families in Therapy and Culture · History · Islamic Studies and History · Law · Philosophy