Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 PhD Student in Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Theology, Al-Zahra University
2 مدیر گروه علوم قرآن و حدیث دانشگاه الزهرا
Abstract
Achieving any goal requires understanding three elements: the traveler, the path, and the destination. Reaching the ultimate truth of existence is no exception, as the traveler or seeker of the path of truth must have a comprehensive understanding of themselves. Since the seeker's true essence lies in their soul, progression along the path of servitude is impossible without knowledge of the soul. One method of understanding the soul is by referring to the Quran and examining the semantic implications of the term "soul" in its verses. This term appears in various contexts in the Quran, including "the soul breathed into all humans", "the soul of faith", "the soul revealed to prophets", and "the soul descended on the Night of Decree". Since the soul breathed into all humans is more commonly recognized, commentators have often resorted to allegorical interpretations for the other types of souls. However, Allamah Tabatabai views the soul as a singular, objective entity that manifests in diverse forms depending on varying capacities. Using a descriptive-analytical method, this article examines the soul attributed to the Divine Command in the Quranic verses, validates Allamah Tabatabai's perspective, and explains the implications of this attribution. It concludes that interpreting the soul merely as a life-giving force or similar meanings is incorrect. Rather, the soul possesses an objective, hierarchical existence in the Quranic context. The Absolute Soul, which descends on the Night of Decree, represents the highest level of all souls, from which other levels emanate and branch out. Furthermore, an analysis of the connection between the soul and the Divine Command in the Quranic verses, alongside the Quran's definition of the Divine Command, reveals attributes of immateriality, stability, actuality, and simplicity for the soul.
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