It must be constantly remembered that the Qu r’ān is not…
““It must be constantly remembered that the Qu r’ān is not just descriptive but is primarily prescriptive. Both the content of its message and the power of the form in which it is conveyed are designed not so much to "inform" men in any ordinary sense of the word as to change their character. The psychological impact and the moral import of its statements, therefore, have a primary role. Phrases like "God has sealed their hearts, blinded their eyes, deafened them to truth” in the Qur’ān do have a descriptive meaning in terms of the psychological processes described earlier; but even more primarily in such contexts, they have a definite psychological intention: to change the ways of men in the right direction.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The Qur’an aims to transform character, not merely inform; its language is intended to guide moral behavior.
In simple terms: Qur’an seeks to change hearts, not just give facts.
Key Takeaway
Focus on internal moral development.
Themes
faith
morality
transformation
scripture
psychology
Mood
contemplative
educational
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- educational curricula
- interfaith dialogue
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
Prescriptive religious language
character formation
Questions to Reflect On
- What practices best internalize scriptural teachings?
- How does language shape moral change?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations may vary across cultures.