Philosophy of Religion Research
Formation of a "Faith-based Attitude" in the Holy Qur'an; Functional Model Approach in Social Psychology
Document Type : Short Paper
Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Culture and Education, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Religion and social psychology both emphasize faith and attitude as central concepts. The result of the close connection between the thematic domain of attitude in social psychology and the Qur'anic topics about faith constitutes the term "faith-based attitude." This term refers to an attitude that emerges from the development of attitudes in social psychology on the one hand and on the other hand, is closely associated with faith and belief. The functional model is considered one of social psychology's most important models. According to this model, attitudes are formed based on their specific function in meeting the needs of individuals. In this research, we intend to use a descriptive-analytical method and adhere to the requirements of an interdisciplinary study, through a functional model, to re-read the concept of faith-based attitude and its essential components affecting its development through the Quran. Our focus here will be on verses that transmit teachings to humans by referring to specific needs or the role of certain factors in the human tendency to live a faithful life. According to this study, the Qur'an introduces and emphasizes the following to help human beings strengthen their faith: "Man's need and existential poverty towards God,” "Natural need for worship and worshiping the superior perfection" as the most central human tendency, "Defending and security-seeking function of faith" through the religious concept of trust, "Honor and dignity of the believer" through attention to the value of his/her existence, followed by the creation of a positive self-concept, "the function of faith in making the life meaningful and purposeful," and "emphasis on the purposefulness of life."
Keywords
)