Human behavioural pattern in the Holy Qur'an : an analysis of its multiple dimensions

Abstract

The Qur'an describes all aspects related to human beings, both concisely and extensively. The Qur'an exposes the psychological aspects of human behaviour through many verses. The way a human being behaves enables one to identify his or her personality and identity. The ultimate abode of all humanity in the hereafter will be determined by their behavioural character in this life. That is why we should promote noble behaviour and prevent evil manners to build a noble and virtuous society. The prime objective of this research is to explore and analyse the general behavioural aspects of human beings and behavioural diversity of different faiths and its impacts on behaviour as portrayed in the Qur'an. Descriptive, analytical, interpretive and comparative methods have been applied throughout this study. The descriptive method is employed in Chapter Two to explore the Qur'anic portrayal of the common behavioural aspects of human beings. Interpretive and analytical methods are used for Chapter Three, Four and Five where the behavioural patterns of believers, disbelievers and hypocrites are presented and analysed accordingly. Chapter Six or the final chapter is devoted to comparative analysis among the behavioural attitudes of the different classes of people and the impacts of creed on shaping behavioural patterns. This research concludes that the Qur'an recognises that the psychological aspects of human behaviour are of two types: the instinctive or fitrah based that Allah (SWT) instilled in them, and the acquired, which humans acquire from surroundings and backgrounds, largely impacting physical and metaphysical dimensions of life. This study also reveals that faith is the prime motivating factor for behaviour. It influences human behaviour regardless of their religio-ideological backgrounds. The believers properly believe in the articles of faith. Disbelievers are devoid of faith. Hypocrites are in between belief and disbelief. Ideological diversity divides them into three different behavioural patterns as per the research findings. As a result, believers are proactive, disbelievers are reactive, and hypocrites are disguised in identity crisis. Conclusively, this research suggests that if human civilization wants to achieve peace and wishes to be psychologically balanced, it needs to behave according to the fitrah or innate nature upon which human beings were created; this will help relieve humanity from tension, social chaos and disturbance; and to achieve peace and happiness in this world and in the hereafter.