Ketab-E-Qayyem

Ketab-E-Qayyem

The Qur’anic Mechanism for Institutionalizing the Belief in Monotheism: A Tanzili –Thematic study

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
narges ghasemi firooz abadi 1
seyyedeh vahjdeh rahimi 2
1 Assistant professor, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran. Email: n.ghasemi@meybod.ac.ir
2 Assistant professor, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Qom University, Qom, Iran. Email: svrahimi@yahoo.com
10.30512/kq.2025.22855.4005
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to explain the mechanism of the Holy Qur’an in institutionalizing the belief in monotheism within the minds and hearts of the polytheist Arabs of the era of revelation. This objective is pursued through analyzing the Qur’an’s methodological framework and examining the verses related to theology in order to unveil the gradual process of forming monotheistic beliefs.
The study was conducted using the tanzili-thematic exegesis approach and an analytical-descriptive method. The verses related to monotheism were extracted based on their chronological order of revelation, and the key propositions concerning Qur’anic methods and instruments were analyzed to reveal the gradual stages of the Qur’an’s influence in establishing and deepening monotheistic faith.
The results indicate that the Qur’an employed a three stage strategy for institutionalizing monotheism. There is a meaningful consistency between the methods and instruments used in each stage and the thematic content of the revealed verses. In the first stage, through the early Meccan chapters, the Qur’an used motivational tools to encourage the general public toward monotheism. In the second stage, with the formation of the first faith community and the increasing resistance of the polytheists against it, rational methods, proofs, and arguments were applied as cognitive instruments to affirm monotheism. In the third stage, coinciding with the Medinan period and the establishment of the Islamic state, the Qur’an utilized behavioral instruments; through the legislation of regulations and behavior forming factors, it tried to operationalize and institutionalize the belief in monotheism.
The present study reveals that the institutionalization of monotheistic faith in the Qur’an is a gradual and purposeful process that begins with emotional motivation, continues through reasoning and cognitive deepening, and ultimately becomes actualized in behavioral and legislative structures. This multi stage mechanism reflects the comprehensiveness of the Qur’anic educational method, which harmoniously integrates motivation, cognition, and action to achieve spiritual and intellectual transformation within the society.
Keywords
Holy Qur&rsquo
an, Belief in monotheism, Institutionalization, Motivational instruments, Cognitive instruments, Behavioral instruments
Subjects
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Ketab-E-Qayyem
Volume 16, Issue 2 - Serial Number 35
October 2026
Pages 181-204

  • Receive Date 03 March 2025
  • Revise Date 28 April 2025
  • Accept Date 26 June 2025