The Qur’an as “Sign” and “Indication” and Its Impact on Human Expectation

Muslim scholars have approached the Holy Qur’an from various perspectives: some view it solely as a textual and outward discourse, while others focus more on its inner dimensions. Certain scholars regard the Qur’an as the speech of the Prophet (peace be upon him), whereas others read it as prophetic visions. Some consider the Qur’an limited to the era of its revelation, while others see it as encompassing all ages. This study proposes a renewed understanding based on the idea that the Qur’an is God’s communication with humanity through the language of signs (āyāt) and indications. The Qur’an, by its own testimony, is both a sign and something pointed toward. Its nature as a “sign” is reflected in the repeated use of the term āyah in numerous passages, while its nature as an “indication” appears through its language of clarification, explanation, detail, light, and insights, as well as through its many references to realities beyond itself. In this study, the term āyah refers to the markers placed along the path of guidance. The Qur’an’s method for employing these signs and unveiling their meanings is contemplation and rational reflection. Thus, the Qur’an is a book of guidance for the insightful and upright human being through its signs and indications, and expectations of it must be grounded in this linguistic and intellectual structure. Its indications are at times internal and at other times external: it guides through its own content while also pointing to other sources of guidance such as reason, the heart, and nature, emphasizing the necessity of benefiting from them. Under this understanding, the Qur’an becomes a text that transcends time and place, standing at the central axis of the human guidance system alongside its other sources. This study employs semantic and structural methodologies, situating interpretation within the context and architecture of the Qur’anic text.

کلیدواژه ها:

Expectation of the Qur’an ، sign (āyah) ، indication ، guidance ، symbol