Al-Mustafa International University The Quran: Contemporary Studies 2981-0566 4 11 2025 04 21 An Analytical Study of Louis Fry’s Spiritual Leadership Model from the Perspective of Quranic Teachings An Analytical Study of Louis Fry’s Spiritual Leadership Model from the Perspective of Quranic Teachings 6 42 10328 10.22034/qns.2025.20346.1108 EN Mostafa Kayedian Professor of Qum Seminary, Qum, Iran Abulfazl Gaeini Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Research Institute of Hawzah and University, Qom, Iran 0000-0002-8648-7854 Journal Article 2025 01 21 This study explores Louis Fry’s model of Spiritual Leadership and evaluates it through the lens of the teachings of the Holy Quran. The findings indicate that Fry’s model—with its emphasis on concepts such as vision, altruistic love, faith and hope, meaning and purpose, membership, and organizational commitment—can contribute to enhanced productivity, job satisfaction, and organizational cohesion. However, the analysis reveals that, in comparison to the comprehensive Quranic approach, Fry’s model does not fully encompass the divine and spiritual dimensions. The principles of spiritual leadership in the Holy Quran are rooted in monotheism (tawḥīd), human dignity, justice, and moral values, aiming ultimately at spiritual elevation and divine approval. Aligning Fry’s model with Quranic teachings demonstrates that, although it attends to employees’ spiritual needs, it requires revision and integration with Quranic principles to serve as a holistic and value-aligned managerial framework, particularly within Islamic organizations. This study employs the thematic exegetical method (istinṭāqī) developed by Martyr Ṣadr to examine the model’s compatibility with Quranic teachings. The study recommends revisiting contemporary leadership models, including Fry’s, in order to offer a God-centered vision, reinforce ethical and spiritual values, and deepen the ethos of service and justice—ultimately constructing a culturally grounded and more effective framework for organizational leadership. Based on the teachings of the Holy Quran, concepts such as divine vision, divine love and mercy, faith and trust in God, purposeful divine orientation, spiritual responsibility and membership, and divine commitment can be regarded as foundational elements of a conceptual model for spiritual leadership. This study explores Louis Fry’s model of Spiritual Leadership and evaluates it through the lens of the teachings of the Holy Quran. The findings indicate that Fry’s model—with its emphasis on concepts such as vision, altruistic love, faith and hope, meaning and purpose, membership, and organizational commitment—can contribute to enhanced productivity, job satisfaction, and organizational cohesion. However, the analysis reveals that, in comparison to the comprehensive Quranic approach, Fry’s model does not fully encompass the divine and spiritual dimensions. The principles of spiritual leadership in the Holy Quran are rooted in monotheism (tawḥīd), human dignity, justice, and moral values, aiming ultimately at spiritual elevation and divine approval. Aligning Fry’s model with Quranic teachings demonstrates that, although it attends to employees’ spiritual needs, it requires revision and integration with Quranic principles to serve as a holistic and value-aligned managerial framework, particularly within Islamic organizations. This study employs the thematic exegetical method (istinṭāqī) developed by Martyr Ṣadr to examine the model’s compatibility with Quranic teachings. The study recommends revisiting contemporary leadership models, including Fry’s, in order to offer a God-centered vision, reinforce ethical and spiritual values, and deepen the ethos of service and justice—ultimately constructing a culturally grounded and more effective framework for organizational leadership. Based on the teachings of the Holy Quran, concepts such as divine vision, divine love and mercy, faith and trust in God, purposeful divine orientation, spiritual responsibility and membership, and divine commitment can be regarded as foundational elements of a conceptual model for spiritual leadership.

http://qns.journals.miu.ac.ir/article_10328_4d49c789acdd9b18736b07ab1b06fc35.pdf

Al-Mustafa International University The Quran: Contemporary Studies 2981-0566 4 11 2025 04 21 A Comparative Study of the Social Effects of Death Awareness in the Quran and the Ṣaḥīfah Sajjādiyyah A Comparative Study of the Social Effects of Death Awareness in the Quran and the Ṣaḥīfah Sajjādiyyah 43 70 10329 10.22034/qns.2025.20844.1115 EN Babak Mashhadi Ph.D. (Level 4) Student of the International Institute for Islamic Studies (IIIS), Qum, Iran Muhammad Rassafi Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Philosophy, Usul al-Din College, Qum, Iran Journal Article 2025 03 17 Death awareness is an important spiritual asset for the faithful, profoundly influencing their spirituality and behavior. This research is a comparative attempt to explore some of the social effects of death awareness as articulated in the Quran and the Ṣaḥīfah Sajjādiyyah. The social effects of death awareness include liberation from self-centeredness and attention to others, helping fellow human beings, caring for family and parents, and active social participation. Both texts advocate for liberation from self-centeredness, emphasizing active community engagement as an essential manifestation of true faith. The obligations of caring for neighbors and paying zakāt are underscored, with zakāt serving as a purifying force that fosters social awareness and ethical financial practices. A strong emphasis on family and parental respect in both texts promotes moral character and compassionate relationships, contributing to societal unity. The religious duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil is examined as a means for believers to participate actively in societal well-being and justice. Ultimately, this research posits that death awareness, channeled through faith, not only facilitates individual spiritual growth but also nurtures a more just and harmonious community. By reflecting on mortality and the divine presence, believers are encouraged to appreciate life, pursue self-development, and contribute to societal improvement. Death awareness is an important spiritual asset for the faithful, profoundly influencing their spirituality and behavior. This research is a comparative attempt to explore some of the social effects of death awareness as articulated in the Quran and the Ṣaḥīfah Sajjādiyyah. The social effects of death awareness include liberation from self-centeredness and attention to others, helping fellow human beings, caring for family and parents, and active social participation. Both texts advocate for liberation from self-centeredness, emphasizing active community engagement as an essential manifestation of true faith. The obligations of caring for neighbors and paying zakāt are underscored, with zakāt serving as a purifying force that fosters social awareness and ethical financial practices. A strong emphasis on family and parental respect in both texts promotes moral character and compassionate relationships, contributing to societal unity. The religious duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil is examined as a means for believers to participate actively in societal well-being and justice. Ultimately, this research posits that death awareness, channeled through faith, not only facilitates individual spiritual growth but also nurtures a more just and harmonious community. By reflecting on mortality and the divine presence, believers are encouraged to appreciate life, pursue self-development, and contribute to societal improvement.

http://qns.journals.miu.ac.ir/article_10329_8c7fb7e7ca990f91c5223bfaa32450f6.pdf

Al-Mustafa International University The Quran: Contemporary Studies 2981-0566 4 11 2025 04 21 The Educational and Guiding Dimensions of Qur’anic Storytelling: An Analytical Study of Its Objectives and Contemporary Relevance The Educational and Guiding Dimensions of Qur’anic Storytelling: An Analytical Study of Its Objectives and Contemporary Relevance 71 94 10330 10.22034/qns.2025.20999.1121 EN AbdulQadir Muhammad-Bello PhD Candidate of Qur’an and Orientalists, Faculty of Qur’an and Hadith, Al-Mustafa International University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria Mohammad Javad Eskandarlou Professor, Faculty of Quran and Hadith, al-Mustafa International University, Qum, Iran Muhammad Baqir Qayyoumi Faculty member, Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Wisdom and Religious Studies, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom. Iran Journal Article 2025 04 20 Storytelling in the Qur’an serves as a powerful educational tool and a means of moral and spiritual guidance. Without any doubt, there remains a lack of comprehensive analysis on how Qur’anic stories are intentionally structured to educate, guide, and cultivate moral and spiritual values, particularly in ways that remain relevant to the challenges of modern societies This study therefore investigates the educational and guiding dimensions of storytelling in the Qur’an, focusing on the underlying objectives of its narrative structure. The paper adopts a qualitative textual analysis of selected Qur’anic narratives, supported by classical and modern Tafsir literature and contemporary interpretive frameworks, aiming to identify their key educational and guiding themes. The findings show that Qur’anic stories are deliberately structured to reinforce faith in God, instill ethical values, and address both individual and societal challenges across time. The study concludes that these stories retain significant relevance in addressing modern-day issues such as identity crises, moral disintegration, and spiritual alienation. This highlights the enduring pedagogical wisdom of the Qur’anic narrative tradition. Storytelling in the Qur’an serves as a powerful educational tool and a means of moral and spiritual guidance. Without any doubt, there remains a lack of comprehensive analysis on how Qur’anic stories are intentionally structured to educate, guide, and cultivate moral and spiritual values, particularly in ways that remain relevant to the challenges of modern societies This study therefore investigates the educational and guiding dimensions of storytelling in the Qur’an, focusing on the underlying objectives of its narrative structure. The paper adopts a qualitative textual analysis of selected Qur’anic narratives, supported by classical and modern Tafsir literature and contemporary interpretive frameworks, aiming to identify their key educational and guiding themes. The findings show that Qur’anic stories are deliberately structured to reinforce faith in God, instill ethical values, and address both individual and societal challenges across time. The study concludes that these stories retain significant relevance in addressing modern-day issues such as identity crises, moral disintegration, and spiritual alienation. This highlights the enduring pedagogical wisdom of the Qur’anic narrative tradition.

http://qns.journals.miu.ac.ir/article_10330_3f6315f496a89524295155a44da055bb.pdf

Al-Mustafa International University The Quran: Contemporary Studies 2981-0566 4 11 2025 04 21 Decision-Making Styles from the Perspective of the Holy Qur’an with Emphasis on Imam Khamenei’s Thought Decision-Making Styles from the Perspective of the Holy Qur’an with Emphasis on Imam Khamenei’s Thought 95 125 10345 10.22034/qns.2025.20235.1103 EN Ruhullah Hamidi Ph.D. student in Quran and Sciences (Management Major), Quran and Hadith Higher Education Complex of Jamiat Al-Mustafa Al-Alamiya, Qum, Iran Ali Aqa Safari Assistant Professor at Al-Mustafa International University, Faculty of Qur’an and Hadith Studies, Qum, Iran 0000-0002-9341-1698 Muhammad Anvar Jafari Ph.D. Candidate in Qur’an and Islamic Sciences (Islamic Management), Al-Mustafa International University, Faculty of Qur’an and Hadith Studies, Qum, Iran Muhammad Zaki Rezaei Ph.D. student in Quran and Sciences (Management Major), Quran and Hadith Higher Education Complex of Jamiat Al-Mustafa Al-Alamiya, Qom, Iran Journal Article 2024 12 28 Decision-making is a multifaceted and complex process that encompasses a variety of styles based on different criteria. These styles include categories such as individual and group decision-making, rational and emotional, as well as strategic and short-term approaches. The selection of an appropriate decision-making style plays a decisive role in enhancing efficiency and achieving optimal outcomes. Therefore, the explanation and study of decision-making styles from a research perspective is both significant and necessary. In the Holy Qur’an, the term “ʿazm” (resolution) is the most explicit term associated with decision-making and points to different decision-making styles. The present study, employing a descriptive-analytical method, aims to identify and analyze decision-making styles from the perspective of the Qur’an, with particular emphasis on the Qur’anic thought of the Supreme Leader, Imam Khamenei. Through examining relevant Qur’anic verses and analyzing the statements of Imam Khamenei on this subject, the study concludes that his perspective on decision-making—deeply rooted in Islamic and Qur’anic teachings—represents a comprehensive and integrated style. This style incorporates elements such as rational-logical decision-making based on intellect and reasoning, consultative decision-making utilizing collective wisdom, wise decision-making with attention to long-term interests, responsible decision-making about consequences and obligations, and Jihād-oriented decision-making characterized by proactivity, effort, and perseverance. This integrated approach highlights the comprehensive nature of Qur’anic principles in the domain of decision-making. Decision-making is a multifaceted and complex process that encompasses a variety of styles based on different criteria. These styles include categories such as individual and group decision-making, rational and emotional, as well as strategic and short-term approaches. The selection of an appropriate decision-making style plays a decisive role in enhancing efficiency and achieving optimal outcomes. Therefore, the explanation and study of decision-making styles from a research perspective is both significant and necessary. In the Holy Qur’an, the term “ʿazm” (resolution) is the most explicit term associated with decision-making and points to different decision-making styles. The present study, employing a descriptive-analytical method, aims to identify and analyze decision-making styles from the perspective of the Qur’an, with particular emphasis on the Qur’anic thought of the Supreme Leader, Imam Khamenei. Through examining relevant Qur’anic verses and analyzing the statements of Imam Khamenei on this subject, the study concludes that his perspective on decision-making—deeply rooted in Islamic and Qur’anic teachings—represents a comprehensive and integrated style. This style incorporates elements such as rational-logical decision-making based on intellect and reasoning, consultative decision-making utilizing collective wisdom, wise decision-making with attention to long-term interests, responsible decision-making about consequences and obligations, and Jihād-oriented decision-making characterized by proactivity, effort, and perseverance. This integrated approach highlights the comprehensive nature of Qur’anic principles in the domain of decision-making.

http://qns.journals.miu.ac.ir/article_10345_c60e7a8f8ee1bb53cd374ff1c9ff6883.pdf

Al-Mustafa International University The Quran: Contemporary Studies 2981-0566 4 11 2025 04 21 Self-Knowledge and Its Role in Cultivating and Strengthening the Sense of Poverty and Need for God from the Perspective of the Holy Quran Self-Knowledge and Its Role in Cultivating and Strengthening the Sense of Poverty and Need for God from the Perspective of the Holy Quran 126 149 10356 10.22034/qns.2025.20888.1117 EN Khadijeh Ziaii Ph.D. Candidate in Comparative Exegesis, Bint al-Huda Higher Education Complex, Qum, Iran Sayyid Mahmoud Husayni Kaviyani Professor of Qum Seminary, Qum, Iran, Tahereh Mahruzadeh Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Ethics and Education, Jāmiʿat al-Zhrā’, Qum, Iran Journal Article 2025 03 26 This research, using a descriptive-analytical method based on library studies and drawing upon verses from the Holy Quran and reliable religious sources, examines the role of self-knowledge in explaining the human sense of poverty and need for God as the Creator and ultimate cause of existence within the framework of Islamic teachings. The findings reveal that self-knowledge exposes human beings’ existential poverty in relation to God and identifies the true self—the divine soul—as immortal and bestowed by God, the source of fulfillment for all needs. Consequently, by granting primacy to the unseen realm, the soul, and one’s innate divine purity, one strengthens his connection with God and nurtures within oneself a profound sense of poverty and need for Him. Furthermore, by cultivating cognitive and spiritual stages of awareness, one reinforces the realization that he possesses nothing of his own and that God alone is his true refuge and source of strength. The results indicate that this sense of poverty and need for God enhances faith and spiritual connection with the Divine, ultimately leading to the attainment of “ḥayāt-i ṭayyibah” (good life). This research, using a descriptive-analytical method based on library studies and drawing upon verses from the Holy Quran and reliable religious sources, examines the role of self-knowledge in explaining the human sense of poverty and need for God as the Creator and ultimate cause of existence within the framework of Islamic teachings. The findings reveal that self-knowledge exposes human beings’ existential poverty in relation to God and identifies the true self—the divine soul—as immortal and bestowed by God, the source of fulfillment for all needs. Consequently, by granting primacy to the unseen realm, the soul, and one’s innate divine purity, one strengthens his connection with God and nurtures within oneself a profound sense of poverty and need for Him. Furthermore, by cultivating cognitive and spiritual stages of awareness, one reinforces the realization that he possesses nothing of his own and that God alone is his true refuge and source of strength. The results indicate that this sense of poverty and need for God enhances faith and spiritual connection with the Divine, ultimately leading to the attainment of “ḥayāt-i ṭayyibah” (good life).

http://qns.journals.miu.ac.ir/article_10356_03f2f3965ca3ee865cbb5c4386babe40.pdf

Al-Mustafa International University The Quran: Contemporary Studies 2981-0566 4 11 2025 04 21 Re-reading Ethical Implications in Punitive Verses with Emphasis on the Qiṣāṣ (Retribution) Verses Re-reading Ethical Implications in Punitive Verses with Emphasis on the Qiṣāṣ (Retribution) Verses 150 165 10331 10.22034/qns.2025.20530.1109 EN Ali Mohamadian Associate Professor, Department of Jurisprudence and Islamic Law, Bozorgmehr University of Qaenat, Qaen, Iran Hamid Reza Tousi Faculty Member, Department of Quran and Humanities, Higher Education Complex of Quran and Hadith, Al-Mustafa International University,, Qum, Iran Batoul Salahshour Ph.D. Graduate in Islamic Jurisprudence and Law, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Journal Article 2025 02 11 The punitive verses of the Quran, especially the Qiṣāṣ verses, are intertwined with ethical teachings. The allegations of those who cast doubt on the ethical and just nature of Sharia’s penal teachings are completely unfounded when confronted with the content of these verses. The present study, employing a descriptive-analytical method, adopting a problem-oriented approach, and referring to library resources, is designed to provide an accurate explanation of the ethical nature of the “aḥkām” (rulings) verses, especially those pertaining to Qiṣāṣ. The research reveals that ethical teachings in Qiṣāṣ verses point to a proportionality between crime and punishment. Furthermore, divine teachings, by legislating Qiṣāṣ alongside forgiveness, firstly, are life-giving, both socially and individually; and secondly, by referring to the relationship between the killer and the victim as “Brotherhood,” there is a subtle and ethical indication to encourage the victim’s family to forgive and show compassion. Therefore, it can be stated that what is prominently observed in the Qiṣāṣ verses is that ethics and human values are emphasized, and God has explicitly stated that choosing the path of forgiveness will bring divine satisfaction. The punitive verses of the Quran, especially the Qiṣāṣ verses, are intertwined with ethical teachings. The allegations of those who cast doubt on the ethical and just nature of Sharia’s penal teachings are completely unfounded when confronted with the content of these verses. The present study, employing a descriptive-analytical method, adopting a problem-oriented approach, and referring to library resources, is designed to provide an accurate explanation of the ethical nature of the “aḥkām” (rulings) verses, especially those pertaining to Qiṣāṣ. The research reveals that ethical teachings in Qiṣāṣ verses point to a proportionality between crime and punishment. Furthermore, divine teachings, by legislating Qiṣāṣ alongside forgiveness, firstly, are life-giving, both socially and individually; and secondly, by referring to the relationship between the killer and the victim as “Brotherhood,” there is a subtle and ethical indication to encourage the victim’s family to forgive and show compassion. Therefore, it can be stated that what is prominently observed in the Qiṣāṣ verses is that ethics and human values are emphasized, and God has explicitly stated that choosing the path of forgiveness will bring divine satisfaction.

http://qns.journals.miu.ac.ir/article_10331_8afe73e3fa6c67294f53541e7dad084b.pdf

Al-Mustafa International University The Quran: Contemporary Studies 2981-0566 4 11 2025 04 21 Book Review: Mustashriqān va Qur’ān: Naqd va barrasī-ye Ārā’-e Mustashriqān darbārih-ye Qur’ān [The Orientalists and the Quran: A Critique and Study of the Opinions of Orientalists about the Quran] Book Review: Mustashriqān va Qur’ān: Naqd va barrasī-ye Ārā’-e Mustashriqān darbārih-ye Qur’ān [The Orientalists and the Quran: A Critique and Study of the Opinions of Orientalists about the Quran] 166 173 10361 10.22034/qns.2025.21284.1124 EN Babak Mashhadi Ph.D. (Level 4) Student of the International Institute for Islamic Studies (IIIS), Qum, Iran Journal Article 2025 05 19 Dr. Muḥammad-Ḥasan Zamānī’s Mustashriqān va Qur’ān: Naqd va barrasī-yi Ārā’-i Mustashriqān darbārih-yi Qur’ān [The Orientalists and the Quran: A Critique and Study of the Opinions of Orientalists about the Quran] (2021) offers a comprehensive critique of Orientalist perspectives on the Qur’ān, addressing their scholarly activities, theories, and biases. The book, spanning six chapters, examines Western translations, lexicographies, and encyclopedias like the Leiden Encyclopedia of the Quran, alongside the works of prominent Orientalists such as Theodor Nöldeke, Ignaz Goldziher, and Andrew Rippin. It critiques theories on the Qur’ān’s origin, including claims of non-divine sources, cultural influences, or derivation from earlier scriptures, refuting notions like Maqṣūd Firāsat-Khāh’s natural revelation theory. The study defends the Qur’ān’s integrity against accusations of distortion, citing historical evidence like ʿUthmān’s codification and widespread memorization. It also addresses Orientalist critiques of the Qur’ān’s literary structure, emphasizing its stylistic richness and coherence, and responds to doubts about its teachings, such as those on hijab, inheritance, and divine attributes. The book highlights biases in Orientalist scholarship, particularly in the Leiden Encyclopedia, and advocates for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to Qur’ānic studies, grounded in Islamic narrations and textual analysis. Dr. Muḥammad-Ḥasan Zamānī’s Mustashriqān va Qur’ān: Naqd va barrasī-yi Ārā’-i Mustashriqān darbārih-yi Qur’ān [The Orientalists and the Quran: A Critique and Study of the Opinions of Orientalists about the Quran] (2021) offers a comprehensive critique of Orientalist perspectives on the Qur’ān, addressing their scholarly activities, theories, and biases. The book, spanning six chapters, examines Western translations, lexicographies, and encyclopedias like the Leiden Encyclopedia of the Quran, alongside the works of prominent Orientalists such as Theodor Nöldeke, Ignaz Goldziher, and Andrew Rippin. It critiques theories on the Qur’ān’s origin, including claims of non-divine sources, cultural influences, or derivation from earlier scriptures, refuting notions like Maqṣūd Firāsat-Khāh’s natural revelation theory. The study defends the Qur’ān’s integrity against accusations of distortion, citing historical evidence like ʿUthmān’s codification and widespread memorization. It also addresses Orientalist critiques of the Qur’ān’s literary structure, emphasizing its stylistic richness and coherence, and responds to doubts about its teachings, such as those on hijab, inheritance, and divine attributes. The book highlights biases in Orientalist scholarship, particularly in the Leiden Encyclopedia, and advocates for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to Qur’ānic studies, grounded in Islamic narrations and textual analysis.

http://qns.journals.miu.ac.ir/article_10361_abb79df48c5588bbad45dc40dda14dc3.pdf