Semantic Analysis of the Implications of Quranic Concepts in Relation to Altruism as a Social Concept
Document Type : مقاله پژوهشی
Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 Graduate, Master of Arts, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22084/qss.2025.31156.1145
Abstract
Altruism, as one of the most prominent human values, has been fundamentally emphasized in Islamic texts. This research employs a descriptive-analytical method based on library studies and seeks to outline the conceptual network of altruism in the Quran, with an emphasis on its semantic coherence and social impacts. The present study demonstrates that concepts such as self-sacrifice (Ithār), charity (Infāq), cooperation (Taʽāwun), benevolence (Iḥsān), almsgiving (Ṣadaqah), and feeding the needy (Iṭʽām) are deeply interconnected with altruism and have been systematically introduced in the Quranic verses. Among these concepts, self-sacrifice (Ithār) is recognized as the highest level of altruism, emphasizing the preference of others' needs over one’s own. The Quran highlights two key components of altruism: prioritizing the well-being of others and expecting no material reward. The Quran does not regard altruism merely as a social behavior but, by emphasizing sincere intention and divine pleasure, presents it as a divine approach and a religious duty, elevating it from an individual level to a social system. It offers a comprehensive model for human relations that leads to both personal
transcendence and societal progress. By linking altruism to concepts such as “in the way of God” (fi sabil Allah) and “for the sake of God’s pleasure” (li-wajh Allah), the Quran raises it from the level of purely human-centric behaviors to a divine realm. Moreover, altruism in the Quran is not only an individual virtue but also a foundation for achieving social justice and the cohesion of the Islamic community (ʼummah).
transcendence and societal progress. By linking altruism to concepts such as “in the way of God” (fi sabil Allah) and “for the sake of God’s pleasure” (li-wajh Allah), the Quran raises it from the level of purely human-centric behaviors to a divine realm. Moreover, altruism in the Quran is not only an individual virtue but also a foundation for achieving social justice and the cohesion of the Islamic community (ʼummah).
Keywords
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Volume 4, Issue 1
September 2025Pages 312-346
- Receive Date: 22 June 2025
- Revise Date: 11 September 2025
- Accept Date: 19 September 2025