The Qur’anic Methodology for Addressing Social Imbalances and Reform

Abstract

This study explores the Qur’anic methodology for addressing social imbalances and enacting comprehensive reform, presenting a holistic paradigm rooted in divine revelation that remains profoundly relevant in contemporary contexts. Through a qualitative, thematic, and analytical examination of the Qur’an, employing principles of usul al-tafsir, the research systematically derives diagnostic tools and reformative mechanisms from the sacred text. The Qur’an diagnoses social imbalances manifested in economic inequality, gender disparities, oppression of the vulnerable, tribalism, and moral decay as outcomes of moral deviation, neglect of divine guidance, exploitative practices such as riba and zakat evasion, and arrogant sectarianism. Core concepts including ‘adl (justice), qist (equity), mizan (balance), islah (reform), and fasād (corruption) form the diagnostic framework, illustrated through narratives of past nations such as ‘Ad, Thamud, and Pharaoh. The reformative response rests on foundational principles of tawhid as the basis for human equality, amanah and khilafah as stewardship responsibilities, and amr bil-ma’ruf wa nahy ‘an al-munkar as communal ethical vigilance. Institutional mechanisms emphasize zakat and sadaqah for wealth redistribution, ethical transactions prohibiting exploitation, and shura for participatory governance. Individual and communal transformation is achieved through tazkiyah, taqwa, and sabr. In contemporary application, this methodology offers viable solutions to income inequality, gender injustice, ethnic conflicts, and environmental degradation, transcending secular theories like Marxism and liberalism by integrating spiritual-ethical dimensions with socioeconomic justice. Despite challenges from secular governance, cultural accretions, and misinterpretations, revival through education, da’wah, strengthened institutions, and visionary leadership can restore the Qur’anic paradigm. The study reaffirms the timeless transformative potential of returning to divine guidance for achieving sustainable social equilibrium and human flourishing.

Keywords: Qur’anic Methodology, Social Imbalances, Justice (‘Adl), Reform (Islāh), Tawhid, Zakat, Shura, Contemporary Relevance