Faithful Reflections

  The Human Quest for Tranquility In an era marked by interpersonal strife and existential anxiety, the Quranic concept of forgiveness ( ʿafw , ṣafḥ , ghufrān ) emerges as a transformative force for healing and harmony. Rooted in divine mercy and human accountability, Islamic teachings position forgiveness not merely as an act of absolution but as a holistic framework for spiritual, emotional, and social renewal. This article offers a comprehensive examination of Quranic forgiveness, integrating linguistic exegesis, theological insights, historical precedents, and contemporary applications to illuminate its role as a cornerstone of Islamic ethics. The Quranic Lexicon of Forgiveness The Quran employs a rich tapestry of Arabic terms to articulate forgiveness, each carrying distinct theological weight: Al-ʿAfw (ٱلْعَفْوُ) : Derived from the root *ʿ-f-w* (to erase, obliterate), this term signifies the complete removal of sin’s traces. It reflects Allah’s attribute Al-ʿAfūww (The Ever...

1. Introduction The age of the Earth and the Universe represents a fundamental inquiry that has captivated human intellect for millennia. Both science and religion, including Islam, offer distinct yet potentially complementary perspectives on these profound questions. Scientific cosmology employs empirical observation and theoretical models to estimate the vast timescales involved in the formation and evolution of the cosmos and our planet. Conversely, the Quran, as the central religious text of Islam, provides an account of creation that has been interpreted and understood through various lenses by Islamic scholars throughout history. This article aims to explore the current scientific consensus regarding the age of the Earth and the Universe, juxtapose these findings with interpretations of relevant verses from the Quran, and examine the scholarly discourse that seeks to reconcile these perspectives. By synthesizing insights from both cosmology and Islamic theology, this interdiscip...