The Influence of the Holy Quran on Human Character Development
The impact of the Holy Quran on the development of human character can be categorized into several aspects, which are outlined as follows:
Cognitive Impact
The Quran encourages individuals to exercise their intellect and reflect upon numerous verses. It advocates for knowledge and the application of that knowledge; through wisdom, individuals elevate themselves and develop logical reasoning that enables them to identify problems and propose solutions. As stated in the Quran: (Say, “He is the One who created you and made for you hearing, sight, and hearts; little are you grateful.”)
Moral Impact
Among the essential moral principles promoted by the Holy Quran are:
- Justice
The Quran states: (O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses in the name of Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is Aware of what you do.)
- Trustworthiness
As mentioned in the Quran: (Indeed, the best one you can hire is the strong and the trustworthy.)
Psycho-Emotional Impact
The Quran encourages individuals to strive for various psychological values, with some of the most notable being:
- Human Dignity
The Quran rejects the notion of human degradation and promotes a balanced existence free from arrogance and humiliation. It states: (And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.) Additionally: (And We have certainly honored the Children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of good things and preferred them over much of those We have created.)
- Tranquility
The Quran regards tranquility as one of the highest achievements of the human spirit, as the serene soul elevates its deeds in both this world and the hereafter. It mentions: (O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing. And enter among My righteous servants and enter My Paradise.)
- Modesty
The Quran emphasizes the significance of modesty and encourages individuals to embody it in various aspects of their lives. This is illustrated in the verses: (O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet unless you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its arrival. But when you are invited, then enter. And when you have eaten, disperse, without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that was harmful to the Prophet, and he is shy of you. And Allah is not shy of the truth.) Another example is: (So one of them came to him walking with shyness. She said, “Indeed, my father invites you that he may reward you for having watered for us.” And when he came to him and related to him the tale, he said, “Fear not; you have escaped from the wrongdoing people.”)
Types of Human Personality in the Quran
The Holy Quran serves as a comprehensive guide for humanity in general and Muslims in particular. From the moment the revelation was sent to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it has focused on the development of both the individual and society. The Quran delineates human personality in a manner that allows us to differentiate among various types, summarized in the following points:
- Faithful Personality
This personality is characterized by its deep-rooted faith and orientation towards Allah, reflecting a movement fully dedicated to worship. It is a confident, tranquil character that relies on its Lord, as encapsulated in the verses: (Say, “Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. He has no partner. And this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims.”) Also: (Those who believe and do not mix their faith with injustice – they are the ones who will have security, and they are the rightly guided.)
- Disbelieving Personality
This type is depicted in the Quran as an adversarial character, exemplified by figures such as Pharaoh, the Israelites, and the people of various prophets. The Quran portrays this personality through various means, indicating that it is one of arrogance, obstinacy, and illogical reasoning in discussions, as highlighted: (And no one believed Moses except for a few from his people due to fear of Pharaoh and their chief’s fear that he would persecute them; indeed, Pharaoh was exalted in the land, and indeed, he was of the transgressors.)
- Hypocritical Personality
This personality represents an unstable individual who lacks control over his own matters. He conceals his true intentions, deceiving others for personal gain in this world while neglecting the afterlife, as expressed in the Quran: (They [think to] deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not.)
- Elite Personality
This category shares similarities with the disbelieving and hypocritical personalities but is often collective. It typically represents those in power who prioritize their interests above all else, spreading fear and rumors among the public while falsely portraying themselves as guardians of people’s well-being. The Quran states: (And the elite of his people who disbelieved and denied the meeting of the Hereafter, and We had made them enjoy themselves in this worldly life, said, “This is not a human being like you; he eats from what you eat and drinks from what you drink. And if you obey a human being like yourselves, indeed, you will then be among the losers.”)