The ayahs of the Quran are a cause for perceiving the realities of this universe in general. Allah says, “This [Qur'an] is enlightenment for mankind and guidance and mercy for a people who are certain [in faith].” (Al-Jathiyah: 20) They are also a means to understand the self and to clarify the path of guidance and misguidance in particular. Below, we explore how the Quran addresses the depths of our souls, guiding us with its light to follow its path.

First: The Human Discourse in the Quran

The Quran is unique in that it addresses the human being as an honored creation, surrounded by divine mercy and responsible for his actions and choices. Therefore, the Quranic ayahs engage with human beings in various ways: sometimes addressing their intellect with arguments and proofs, sometimes speaking to their hearts with admonitions and lessons, and at other times speaking to their emotions through vivid imagery that brings concepts to life.

1. Rational Discourse:

This form of discourse appears in several forms, including:

• Stimulating thought and reflection, to know Allah and increase in faith. Allah says, “Do they not contemplate within themselves?” (Ar-Rum: 8) This invitation to reflection is a practical call to search for the truth. He also says, “We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth.” (Fussilat: 53) How many have missed the path to guidance because they neglected to reflect on these signs!
• Presenting arguments and evidence from nature, such as the argument of Prophet Ibrahim with Nimrod: “Have you not considered the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord [merely] because Allah had given him kingship? When Abraham said, 'My Lord is the one who gives life and causes death,' he said, 'I give life and cause death.' Abraham said, 'Indeed, Allah brings up the sun from the east, so bring it up from the west.' So the disbeliever was overwhelmed [by astonishment], and Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” (Al-Baqarah: 258)
• Posing open-ended questions that stimulate the mind to seek answers, like the ayah: “Say, 'Have you considered: if Allah should make for you the night continuous until the Day of Resurrection, what deity other than Allah could bring you light? Then will you not hear?'” (Al-Qasas: 71) This use of questioning places a person face-to-face with himself, so his choice of the path becomes a matter of conscious will and intent.

Uniqueness of the Quranic Discourse

2. Emotional Discourse:

In addition to rational discourse, the Quran touches on human emotions—comforting during weakness, reminding of Allah’s mercy, and opening the doors of hope for forgiveness. It is a message of influence and awakening, preparing hearts to receive knowledge. Among its examples:

• Encouraging patience in times of inevitable hardship, as Allah says, “And do not weaken in pursuit of the enemy. If you should be suffering - so are they suffering as you are suffering, but you expect from Allah that which they expect not. And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.” (An-Nisa: 104) This ayah shows that both Muslims and their enemies experience pain and struggle, but Muslims are superior because of what they hope for from Allah in terms of reward, victory, and Paradise. This fills hearts with tranquility and strengthens resolve.
• Reproach that stirs feelings of shame from sin, pushing a person to avoid standing before Allah with such deeds. For example: “O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Lord, the Generous—Who created you, proportioned you, and balanced you?” (Al-Infitar: 6-7)

3. Emotional Imagery:

The Quran uses vivid imagery to make realities feel as if they are right before the eyes, among which:

• Describing the worldly life and its insignificance compared to the greatness of its Creator, so that the servant recognizes its temporary nature. Allah says, “The example of [this] worldly life is but like rain which We have sent down from the sky that the plants of the earth absorb - [those] from which men and livestock eat - until, when the earth has taken on its adornment and is beautified and its people suppose that they have capability over it, there comes to it Our command by night or by day, and We make it as a harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday. Thus do We explain in detail the signs for a people who give thought.” (Yunus: 24)
• Contrasting the people of righteousness and the people of corruption by depicting them as those who built foundations of different kinds. Allah says, “Then is one who laid the foundation of his building on righteousness [with fear] from Allah and [seeking] His approval better or one who laid the foundation of his building on the edge of a bank about to collapse, so it collapsed with him into the fire of Hell? And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” (At-Tawbah: 109)

Shaping the Soul Through the Quran

Second: Objectives of the Human Discourse in the Quran

The Quran uses the previously mentioned methods to firmly plant its messages in the depths of the soul. While the messages are too many to count, we highlight a few examples:

1. Knowing Allah: The Quran begins with arguments and proofs that affirm the existence of Allah and His Oneness, then moves on to promises and warnings about belief in Him, and criticism of minds that deny Him. Its impact is immense—even penetrating misguided hearts. Al-Mut‘im ibn Jubayr recounts his conversion to Islam, saying: “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) reciting At-Tur (52) in the Maghrib. And when I heard him recite: ‘Were they created by nothing? Or were they themselves the creators?’ up to: ‘Then let their listener produce some manifest proof’,[52:35-38] it was as if my heart were about to take flight.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari: 4854)
   Such was the impact of hearing a reminder of Allah’s actions—His creation, provision, and control of the universe—and the utter impossibility and corruption of the beliefs of disbelievers, leaving no choice but to believe in Allah.
2. Clarifying Existential Concepts: The Quran did not leave human beings in confusion about existential questions—such as the purpose of creation, life, death, and what lies beyond. It addressed these questions with a blend of rational conviction and spiritual address. It clarified what humans are tasked with and the reality of the struggle between truth and falsehood. For example, Allah says, “Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. He has produced you from the earth and settled you in it, so ask forgiveness of Him and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive.” (Hud: 61) In one ayah, He affirms the creation of people from nothing, their succession on earth to worship Him, commands them not to associate anyone with Him, to seek His forgiveness and repent from sin, and affirms that He is close and responsive. A profound, concise, and guiding message that answers deep questions clearly.
3. Purification of the Soul and Heart: Islam places great emphasis on the purification of the soul and cleansing of the heart, as this greatly affects a servant’s life. Upon it depends their success in this world and the next. Allah says, “He has succeeded who purifies it. And he has failed who instills it [with corruption].” (Ash-Shams: 9-10) A person constantly needs refinement and cleansing from spiritual diseases such as hatred, envy, and arrogance, and to replace them with virtues such as sincerity, humility, and love. True faith and righteous deeds are the key means by which Islam ensures the heart's purification from all afflictions.

Lastly, the Quran is a living discourse that interacts with the depths of the human soul in every time and place. It is a message that guides to the path of light, reminds us of the purpose of existence, and helps us overcome life’s obstacles. Thus, reflecting on the Quran and listening to its deep messages is the way to attain tranquility, peace, and closeness to Allah, the Most High.

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