چکیده مبسوط

Extended Abstract

1) Introduction

This study examines the relationship between religious identity and culture from the perspective of the Qur’an. The main purpose of the article is to explain how religious identity is formed within cultural contexts and how culture, in turn, is shaped by the religious system of meanings, values, and norms. The significance of this issue has become increasingly evident in the contemporary world, particularly in the face of identity crises, secularization, and rapid cultural transformations. The Qur’an does not regard religious identity as merely an individual or subjective matter; rather, it presents it as a dynamic, multilayered, and socially influential reality capable of shaping cultural and social structures.

The article discusses the concept of identity and its relationship with culture. Culture is defined as a set of shared beliefs, values, norms, and symbols that shape both individual and collective personality and give rise to cultural identity. Religious identity, as one of the most important forms of social identity, exists within culture while simultaneously directing and transforming it. By placing tawhid (divine unity) at the center of human existence, the Qur’an grounds identity in faith, knowledge, and righteous action. After reviewing maximalist and minimalist theories regarding the scope of religion, the study adopts an interactive approach in which religion and culture continuously influence one another. In this framework, religion serves as a source of meaning and norms, while culture provides the social context for transmitting and interpreting religious teachings.

2) Methodology

The methodology of the study is based on a descriptive-analytical approach utilizing library research and conceptual analysis of Qur’anic verses, classical commentaries, and sociological and philosophical sources. The article identifies three major dimensions of religious identity: cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral components. The cognitive dimension includes monotheistic worldview, belief in the unseen, prophecy, resurrection, and a divine understanding of humanity and existence. The attitudinal dimension concerns inner tendencies such as truth-seeking, the desire for worship, altruism, moral virtues, and the free acceptance of religion. The behavioral dimension appears through social norms and practices that organize righteous conduct in both individual and collective life. These three dimensions are interconnected in a hierarchical relationship in which social behavior is grounded in cognitive and attitudinal foundations.

3) Discussion and Results

The findings demonstrate that religious identity in the Qur’anic worldview is dynamic and multidimensional and constantly interacts with culture. Culture provides the framework for transmitting, interpreting, and reproducing religious concepts, while religion shapes culture through ethical systems, moral values, and social norms. The Qur’an criticizes corrupt elements of pre-Islamic culture while preserving and reconstructing its positive aspects, thereby presenting a selective and reformative model of cultural engagement. Moreover, the Qur’an defines religious identity beyond ethnic, racial, and geographical boundaries and places faith and tawhid at its center. Identity crises emerge when human beings construct their identity upon unstable and non-divine foundations. Although the Qur’an recognizes cultural diversity, it regards piety and faith—not ethnicity or tribal affiliation—as the true criterion of human superiority.

The discussion section addresses the historical interaction between religion and culture. In traditional societies, religion and culture were deeply interconnected, whereas modern secularization weakened the role of religion in public life. Nevertheless, contemporary societies are witnessing renewed interest in spirituality and new forms of religious identity. The article argues that religious identity possesses a strong capacity for adaptation to different cultural contexts while maintaining a critical stance toward elements incompatible with divine values.

4) Conclusion

In conclusion, the study argues that religious identity and culture are distinct yet inseparable realities within the Qur’anic worldview. Religious identity, through its cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral dimensions, provides a meaningful framework for both individual and social life, while culture offers the context in which this identity is realized and reproduced. Therefore, a Qur’anic reinterpretation of religious identity can provide an effective response to contemporary identity and cultural crises and strengthen the constructive interaction between religion, culture, and social transformation.

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