Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World

Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World

A Multifaceted Analysis of Human Action in the Quran Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Interpretive Approaches

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Roghayeh Ranginkaman 1
Qhasem Darzi 2
1 .M.A. in Qur'anic Sciences-Miracles, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Qur'anic Studies, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Qur'anic Studies, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/iscw.2025.2054026.1147
Abstract
A Multifaceted Analysis of Human Action in the Quran Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Interpretive Approaches

Abstract

One of the fundamental issues in Quranic theology is explaining the relationship between human will and divine volition in human actions. At first glance, Quranic verses present a complex and sometimes multilayered picture of the causes and factors influencing human behavior. However, no systematic research has yet been conducted to extract these factors and measure the degree of the Quran's emphasis on each of them. The main question of this research is: what factors does the Quran consider effective in shaping human actions, and which of these factors have a higher frequency?

To answer this question, relevant verses from parts 1 to 5, 10 to 15, and 25 to 30 of the Quran were extracted and analyzed using a descriptive-analytical method. The analyses showed that the factors influencing human action in the Quran can be categorized into four general groups: 1) Divine volition, 2) Human will and free choice, 3) The simultaneous role of both human and God, and 4) External factors such as Satan, environment, and family traditions. The findings indicate that in 41% of the verses, action is directly attributed to humans, in 32% the interaction between human and God is emphasized, in 16% action is attributed to God, and in 12% external factors are mentioned. These results demonstrate that despite the dominance of divine will and power in existence, the Quran grants a significant role to human will and responsibility in their actions; an issue that can serve as an important theoretical basis for dialogue among Islamic theology, moral philosophy, and behavioral psychology.
Keywords
Keywords: Quran
Human Action
Agent of Action
Internal
External
Subjects
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Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World
Volume 4, Issue 1 - Serial Number 7
August 2025
Pages 137-160

  • Receive Date 24 February 2025
  • Revise Date 17 May 2025
  • Accept Date 20 May 2025
  • First Publish Date 20 May 2025
  • Publish Date 23 August 2025