Benevolence in the Holy Qur'an/)Objective study

This study aims to construct a milestone on the way towards an objective approach to the interpretation of the Holy Qur'an. Titled Benevolence in the Holy Qur'an: an Objective Study, the study brings together and classifies Qur'an verses on benevolence in an orderly manner while extracting subtle expressions, teachings and religious rules out of these verses. To this end, the researcher has followed an analytical and descriptive approach dividing the study into four main chapters: The first chapter shares insight on the concept of benevolence both in terms of language and convention, as well as on the Qur'anic contexts in which benevolence was mentioned. The chapter also tracks all the versions and variants relating to the benevolence concept, in addition to the terms associated with this concept of benevolence. The second chapter discusses the idea of differentiation between the prophets and messengers of Allah and between the prophets themselves. The chapter also provides evidence of the differences among the messengers and prophets and the characteristics of these differences in life and afterlife. The third chapter examines the benevolence of Allah to the believers in life and afterlife, and the benevolence of Allah to the entire world and to the sons of Israel (the Israelites). The chapter differentiates between Allah's benevolence to the nation of prophet Mohammad – peace be upon him – and his Almighty's preference of the sons of Israel over the other nations. The fourth chapter explores ways through which man can seek the benevolence of his Almighty Allah. These ways include constant and firm belief in Allah, obedience to Allah, good work, performing of prayers and Zakat, and spending money for the sake of Allah. The chapter also draws comparisons between the positions of Muslims, Jews and hypocrites as far as the benevolence of Allah is concerned. The study was concluded with a set of findings and recommendations.