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Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6...
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
Data sources: Crossref
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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From Darkness to Light: The Isrā as Divine Pedagogy

Authors: Ismayilov, Oruj;

From Darkness to Light: The Isrā as Divine Pedagogy

Abstract

<div> This study demonstrates that Qur'an 17:1 describes a divinely initiated movement from epistemological darkness toward illumination-a pedagogical narrative rather than a geographical travelogue. Through semantic analysis and literary examination, the research reveals that the verse's minimalist structure directs interpretation toward theological meaning rather than physical mechanics.&nbsp; </div> <div> The Qur'anic text provides only essentials: divine agency, nocturnal timing, two locations (al-Masjid al-Ḥarām and al-Masjid al-Aqṣā), and explicit purpose-"so that We might show him some of Our signs." This contrasts sharply with elaborate ḥadīth narratives describing celestial mounts, heavenly ascensions, and encounters with previous prophets.&nbsp; </div> <div> Semantic analysis reveals that key terms (isrā, layl, āyāt) carry meanings beyond literal reference. Critically, Qur'an 17:12 designates night and day as "two signs" representing obscurity and illumination, providing an internal hermeneutical key for reading the "night journey" as symbolic transition.&nbsp; </div> <div> The study demonstrates precedents in al-Ghazālī, Ibn Rushd, and Ibn 'Arabī, who recognized multiple levels of scriptural meaning. By applying tafsīr al-Qur'ān bi al-Qur'ān through contemporary methodologies, this research contributes to conversations about Qur'anic hermeneutics and how sacred narratives communicate transformative truth-the eternal journey from darkness toward divine light. </div>

Keywords

Darkness and Light Metaphor, Epistemology in Islamic Thought, Islamic Ethics, Intra-Qur'anic Interpretation (Tafsīr al-Qurʾān bi-l-Qurʾān), Night and Day as Signs (Āyāt), Semantic Analysis, Guidance and Misguidance (Hudā / Ḍalāl), Revelation and Human Agency, Islamic Hermeneutics, Quran and Tafsir Studies, Prophetic Experience, Qur'an 17:1, Qur'anic Hermeneutics, Minimalist Narrative in the Qur'an, Isrāʾ (Night Journey), Qur'an–Hadith Relationship, Islamic Philosophy, Divine Pedagogy, Tafsīr Methodology, Islamic Studies, Kalam (Islamic Theology), Theology and Revelation, Qur'anic Studies, Philosophy of Religion, Narrative Pedagogy in Sacred Texts, Symbolic Interpretation, Symbolism and Metaphor in the Qur'an

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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Green