Qur’an and Social Sciences

Qur’an and Social Sciences

A Critical Evaluation of Psychological Approaches to Prosocial Behavior in Light of Qur'anic Teachings

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Saeideh Mousavi 1
fathiyeh fattahizadeh 2
1 PhD student, Quran and Hadith Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran(Corresponding author)
10.22034/arq.2025.221895
Abstract
Prosocial behavior - defined as ethical, altruistic conduct that contributes to both individual and societal well-being - has long been a focal point for scholars, particularly within the field of psychology. Dominant psychological frameworks tend to interpret such behavior through three key lenses: motivational, consequentialist, and sociocultural acceptance-based approaches. However, these models often lack a foundational understanding of the metaphysical and ontological origins of prosociality. This limitation becomes evident when these frameworks fail to address the deeper, value-based motivations behind ethical conduct. In contrast, Islamic teachings - especially those grounded in the Qur'an - regard prosocial behavior as essential to spiritual growth, viewing it as a pathway to divine proximity and human perfection. This study using a descriptive-analytical method and by exploring the divine verses, seeks to critically evaluate psychological models of prosocial behavior and explore how the Qur’an conceptualizes and grounds such behavior within a theological and moral framework. It was concluded that the Holy Qur'an has filled the gaps in psychological approaches by explaining the origin and roots of these behaviors and outlining their characteristics. In this regard, it was determined that firstly, the origin and root of such behaviors are in human reason and nature, and the role of the leadership of revelation and religion is essential in determining its boundaries. Furthermore, with the characteristics specified by the teachings of religion, pro-social behaviors must have both Ḥusn fiʿlī (the intrinsic goodness of an action) and Ḥusn fāʿilī (the moral integrity of the actor) so that in addition to benefiting humans and the advancement of society, it also manifests its most important mission, which is the spiritual advancement of the individual and the closeness to God
Keywords
Prosocial Behavior
Psychological Approaches
Quranic Education
Ḥusn Fāʿilī
Ḥusn Fiʿlī
Qur'anic Teachings

Subjects

  1. * The Holy Quran.

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Qur’an and Social Sciences
Volume 5, Issue 1 - Serial Number 17
Spring 2025
Pages 146-169

  • Receive Date 15 February 2025
  • Revise Date 23 April 2025
  • Accept Date 28 May 2025