Tracing the Roots of Human Suffering Based on the Qur'anic Dichotomy of

Firoozi, Nematollah; Abbasi, Zahra

doi:10.22054/rjqk.2025.87540.3174

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Nematollah Firoozi ¹
Zahra Abbasi ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Theology and Islamic Studies, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran.

² MA Student of Theology and Islamic Studies, Majoring in Qur'anic and Hadith Sciences, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22054/rjqk.2025.87540.3174

Abstract

The Qur'an is a divine book of guidance that addresses the factors of human felicity, as well as the roots of challenges, suffering, and hardship. This article traces the origins of human suffering in this world and its continuation into the intermediary and hereafter realms, examining the dichotomy between "Ḍank" and "Kabad" from the perspective of Qur'anic commentaries. The primary research question is: ‘Based on semantic analysis, what is the relationship between inherent and acquired human suffering, and how these concepts can be utilized to present a cognitive model of suffering in human life?’ The research method is analytical, conducted by examining the context of the verses, lexicons, and the views of both early and late exegetes. The findings indicate that "Kabad" denotes inherent and creational suffering that encompasses all human beings from birth to death, regardless of faith or disbelief, and serves as part of the path of spiritual development and growth. In contrast, "Ḍank" represents an acquired suffering resulting from turning away from the remembrance of God and distancing oneself from divine guidance; it has consequences both in worldly life and in the hereafter. The results of this study suggest that understanding the distinction between these two concepts can lead to the proposal of Qur'anic strategies for managing life's sufferings. Ultimately, this differentiation has led to the presentation of a dual strategic outlook for an active and meaning-making confrontation with the phenomenon of suffering in human existence. The innovation of this research, compared to previous studies, lies in offering a semantic, systematic, and educational reading of this Qur'anic dichotomy and the approach to its management.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Quran and Quranic teachings ,Quranic studies, comparative interpretation, Quranic doubts and Quranic language

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Quranic Knowledge Research

Tracing the Roots of Human Suffering Based on the Qur'anic Dichotomy of "Ḍank" and "Kabad"

References

References

Volume 16, Issue 62
September 2025
Pages 117-137

Tracing the Roots of Human Suffering Based on the Qur'anic Dichotomy of "Ḍank" and "Kabad"

References

References

Volume 16, Issue 62September 2025Pages 117-137

Volume 16, Issue 62
September 2025
Pages 117-137