Presented by Zia H Shah MD

Abstract

Abstract: This commentary explores Qur’an 17:89 through scientific, psychological, philosophical, and theological lenses, highlighting how the Qur’an’s use of metaphors spans all facets of human experience. Qur’an 17:89 declares that the scripture provides “all kinds of examples” for humankind, yet most people persist in disbeliefthequran.lovethequran.love. We examine this claim of universality – that Quranic metaphors and parables draw from every domain of life (nature, history, psychology, morality, etc.) – and why, despite such comprehensive guidance, many still fail to accept it. Insights from Qur’an 6:59 are integrated to underscore that the breadth of Quranic examples is rooted in God’s all-encompassing knowledge of the unseen and the cosmic order. Additionally, insights from verses 17:45 and 17:82 are incorporated to illuminate the psychological and spiritual dynamics of guidance and misguidance: verse 17:45 depicts a “concealed partition” and coverings over hearts that prevent entrenched disbelievers from understanding the message, while verse 17:82 describes the Qur’an as a “healing and mercy” for believers but a source of loss for wrongdoersthequran.lovethequran.love. This dual effect highlights a central theme: the primary obstacle to divine guidance is not a lack of clarity in the message, but the mindset of the recipient. Drawing on classical and contemporary tafsir, we show that God’s omniscience (as portrayed in 6:59) ensures the Qur’an’s guidance is truly universal, even as human cognitive biases and pride often form barriers to that guidance. Through this multidisciplinary approach – including references to cognitive psychology research on “belief perseverance” and classical insights from scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi – we reflect on why “most of humanity does not open up to new insights easily,” and how cultivating humility and open-mindedness is crucial to benefit from the “healing” wisdom of scripture. The commentary concludes with a thematic epilogue, inviting readers to overcome self-imposed barriers and to trust the divine wisdom that encompasses all things.

Introduction

The Qur’an, in Surah Al-Isra (17:89), makes a bold statement about the breadth and depth of its guidance:

“And indeed We have set forth for mankind, in this Qur’an, every kind of example, but most people persist in disbelief.”thequran.love

This verse asserts that the Quranic revelation encompasses “every kind of example” or metaphor needed to impart guidance to humanity. Classical exegesis explains that God has “fully explained to mankind” the truth through varied evidences and parables – furnishing definitive proofs on all matters essential for guidancesurahquran.com. In other words, the Qur’an addresses every aspect of human life through its teachings – spiritual, intellectual, moral, social, and even insights into the natural world – leaving humanity with a comprehensive map of examples and lessonsthequran.loveprophetsofgod.net. Yet, as the verse laments, most people still refuse to believe. This introduces the core paradox that our commentary will explore: Why do so many fail to benefit from a message that claims to contain guidance for all disciplines of life?

To unpack this, we will first examine how the Qur’an’s metaphors indeed span across disciplines and human experiences. We then delve into the psychological and philosophical reasons behind human resistance to new insights, drawing on the Qur’an’s own diagnosis of this problem. The scripture itself acknowledges human obstinacy in adjacent verses: for example, verse 17:45 describes the psychological barrier of the disbelievers – a “concealed partition” and coverings that prevent them from understanding the messagethequran.love. This vivid metaphor portrays how prior beliefs and attitudes can veil one’s heart and senses, preventing new understanding – a phenomenon recognizable today as cognitive bias or closed-mindedness. Likewise, verse 17:82 reminds us that the intent of revelation is to guide and heal: “We send down the Qur’an as a healing and mercy for those who believe,” yet for those who persist in wrongdoing or denial, it “only increases them in loss”thequran.love. In essence, the same message meant to uplift can further alienate those who approach it with aversion.

Our approach will be multidisciplinary. We will draw on classical tafsir (Quranic commentary) to show how scholars have understood these verses, and on modern psychology and philosophy to illustrate how “most of humanity does not open up to new insights easily.” This journey will show that the Qur’an’s metaphors are truly universal – touching on scientific, psychological, and ethical realities – and that the main impediment to their efficacy is not any lack of depth in the message, but the mindset of the recipient. We will also incorporate Qur’an 6:59’s portrayal of God’s exclusive knowledge of all things, reflecting on how divine omniscience underpins the Qur’an’s universal guidance, even as human ignorance and arrogance prevent many from appreciating it. Ultimately, by examining these themes, we hope to shed light on how Qur’an 17:89’s “universal examples” speak to all human endeavors, and why overcoming our prejudices and ego is crucial to truly benefit from such guidance.

The Qur’an’s Universal Metaphors: Guidance Across All Disciplines of Life

Qur’an 17:89 emphasizes that the scripture contains examples or parables drawn from every conceivable domain of human experience. Indeed, the Qur’an’s teachings are often conveyed through richly layered metaphors that resonate with multiple disciplines – from observations of the natural world (science) to insights about the human psyche (psychology), from reflections on history and morality (philosophy/ethics) to principles of faith and worship (theology). By design, these metaphors allow the Qur’an’s guidance to be comprehensive and applicable to “all aspects of human life including spiritual, intellectual, and physical development”prophetsofgod.net. In this way, the Qur’an presents itself as much more than a book of rituals or laws – it is a universal scripture that draws upon nature, reason, and human stories to teach spiritual truths.

Classical commentators have noted this universality. Ibn Kathir, for instance, remarks on 17:89 that Allah has furnished humanity with evidence and definitive proof, showing them the truth and explaining it in detail – yet despite that, most people persist in denying and rejecting itsurahquran.com. Another early commentary, Al-Jalalayn, highlights that God has “explained in this Qur’an every kind of similitude” so that people might be admonished, but most still insist on disbeliefsurahquran.com. Such exegeses underscore the Quran’s claim that nothing essential for guidance has been omitted; whatever a person’s background or area of interest, the Qur’an provides examples that could speak to them. The scripture uses parables from nature – such as the growth of plants, the cycle of life and death, the stars and oceans – as signs of spiritual realities. It cites historical narratives of past peoples to illustrate moral lessons. It appeals to reason and conscience, posing philosophical questions about creation, purpose, and destiny. It even engages aspects of human psychology, acknowledging traits like impatience, pride, gratitude, and fear in its calls to self-improvement. In short, the Quranic message “spans all disciplines of human life,” offering guidance in each realm through relatable examples.

Modern reflections echo this understanding. As one article puts it, the Qur’an speaks in a “universal language of parable”, bridging the sacred and the secular, the scientific and the spiritual. This suggests a philosophy of knowledge where all forms of truth are interconnected under God’s wisdom. Rather than compartmentalizing human knowledge into isolated silos, the Qur’an often links them: the natural world is tied to spiritual lessons, and scientific realities are used as ayah (signs) of deeper meaning. For example, the alternation of day and night is not just an astronomical phenomenon, but a metaphor for cycles of spiritual heedlessness and awakening; the growth of a seed into a tree is used as a parable for resurrection; the diversity of languages and colors among humans is cited as a sign of divine wisdom in creating variety in creation (Qur’an 30:22). In this way, scripture turns the entire cosmos and human experience into a classroom for guidance. Nothing is too mundane or too profound to serve as a parable. This universality fulfills what 17:89 proclaims – that God’s message draws from “every kind of example” to reach the human heart.

Yet, 17:89 also highlights a great irony: despite this wide-ranging approach, “most of the people refuse to accept anything except disbelief.” The wealth of examples still falls on deaf ears in many cases. This invites us to ponder: if the message is so far-reaching and the examples so plentiful, why are they not convincing everyone? To explore this, we must consider the human side of the equation – the audience’s receptivity. The most brilliant example or metaphor can be lost on a person who is unwilling to consider it. The Qur’an itself recognizes that guidance is not a one-way street; the receiver’s attitude determines whether the “universal metaphors” will enlighten or be ignored. Before delving into the psychology of disbelief, however, it is important to reflect on why the Qur’an can provide such universal guidance in the first place. This brings us to Qur’an 6:59, which speaks to the limitless scope of God’s knowledge – the very source from which this guidance emanates.

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