A Sociological Analysis of the Factors and Obstacles to the Realization of Monotheistic Faith in the Holy Qur’an

Document Type : Original

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Qur’an and Social Studies, Institute of Islamic Civilization, Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

This research aims to sociologically examine the enabling factors and obstacles to the realization of monotheistic faith (īmān tawḥīdī) in the Holy Quran. Faith in divine unity (tawḥīd), as the central axis of Islam, plays a decisive role in shaping individual and social behaviors and actions. It is considered a foundational element for enhancing the quality of individual life and strengthening social structures. Employing the method of thematic analysis of Quranic verses and a sociological analytical approach, themes related to the realization or weakening of monotheistic faith were first extracted. Subsequently, the role of these factors in the process of religious socialization and social cohesion was explained. The results indicate that the realization of monotheistic faith depends on strengthening enabling factors such as cognitive knowledge of divine signs, conscious effort to accept and follow the truth, submission to divine teachings, and active participation in religious and social spheres. Conversely, the presence of obstacles such as negligence of divine commands, inattention to ritual worship, distortion of religious teachings, and disregard for social responsibility leads to increased social disintegration and a weakening of social capital and collective trust within the community of believers. Accordingly, simultaneous attention to developing enabling factors and removing inhibiting factors paves the way for realizing a cohesive society based on monotheistic faith and fosters the concurrent growth of the individual and society.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Quranic Doctrines
Volume 22, Issue 42 - Serial Number 42
December 2025
Pages 77-121

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 27 October 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 December 2025

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