Qur’an and Social Sciences

Qur’an and Social Sciences

Analytical and Comparative Study of the Concept of Social Stratification: The Qur’anic Approach and Karl Marx’s Theory

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
mohammadali Hosseini 1
Fatemeh Molla Agha Baba 2
mohammadtaher yaghobi 3
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author)
2 PhD Candidate in Islamic Studies, Qur’an and Texts specialization, Payame Noor University, Qom, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Culture and Civilization History, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/arq.2025.234458
Abstract
This study presents a comparative examination of the concept of social stratification from the perspectives of the Qur’an and Karl Marx. Marx holds that the economic structure of society—particularly ownership of the means of production—is the primary determinant of social relations and the formation of different classes. In contrast, the Holy Qur’an evaluates social stratification based on spiritual and moral criteria. The significance of this research lies in offering a critical viewpoint that deepens the understanding of religious foundations concerning social classes. The research question asks what the criteria of social stratification are from the viewpoints of Karl Marx and the Qur’an, and how, considering the characteristics of each, these perspectives influence society. The hypothesis suggests that the Qur’anic view, with its emphasis on social justice and the distinction between acquired and non-acquired differences, partially overlaps with Marx’s class-based stratification while differing considerably in other respects. The study aims to achieve a deeper understanding of the points of convergence or divergence between Marxist and Qur’anic conceptions of social stratification. The research method is analytical and comparative, drawing on Qur’anic exegeses and sociological sources. The findings indicate that both Karl Marx and the Qur’an acknowledge the existence of social inequality, yet they interpret its origins differently. Marx emphasizes the role of the economy in class formation, whereas the Qur’an underscores the significance of moral and spiritual values in establishing a just society. While Marx envisions social revolution as the remedy, the Qur’an emphasizes social justice, fairness, and the struggle against oppression on both individual and collective levels.
Keywords
Karl Marx
Social stratification
Exploitation
Class conflict
Qur&‌‌‌‌‌rsquo
an
Social justice

Subjects

The Holy Qur’an
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  • Receive Date 01 January 2025
  • Revise Date 27 September 2025
  • Accept Date 29 September 2025