Philosophy of Religion Research

The Necessity of a Common Language in Understanding the Quran: A Pragmatic Approach

Document Type : Original Research

Author

Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

Abstract

This study, using an analytical-descriptive method and a critical rationalism approach, examines the necessity of a common language for understanding the Quran. Its central question is: If the audience of the Quranic verses is all of humanity, is a unified language not essential for conveying the divine message? In response, relying on a pragmatic approach and based on the Quran's anthropological foundations, which consider rationality an inherent human value (such as the emphasis on "Ulū al-Albāb" (those possessed of intellect) in numerous verses), the author proposes the theory of the "necessity of a common language for understanding the Quran". The findings indicate that, firstly, by addressing the general public as rational beings, the Quran presupposes the existence of a common understanding. Secondly, this common language itself provides the necessary groundwork for achieving "semantic fluidity" in applying the verses to different contexts. The ultimate outcome of the research emphasizes that religious language, as a communicative tool, can only achieve its primary goal – i.e. conveying the divine message to all people – through the establishment of a unified and common understanding.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Philosophy of Religion Research
Volume 23, Issue 2 - Serial Number 46
December 2025
Pages 219-234