Tazkiyah in the Qur’an: Purification of the Soul and Development of Society

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the concept of tazkiyah in the Qur’an as one of the central concepts in the construction of the human being and the reform of society, through tracing the linguistic root of the term, surveying its occurrences in the Qur’anic text, and analyzing its contextual meanings according to the conceptual analytical method. The study sought to reveal the conceptual dimensions of tazkiyah in relation to guidance, faith, and righteous deeds, and to demonstrate its position among the major objectives of the Prophetic mission and the Qur’anic reform methodology. The results showed that tazkiyah, in its Qur’anic origin, is based on two complementary dimensions: purification of the soul from doctrinal and behavioral deviations, and its development through virtues and faith-based values. The study also demonstrated that tazkiyah does not remain limited to its individual dimension, but extends to the social sphere, contributing to moral balance and the establishment of sound human relationships within society. Furthermore, the findings confirmed that tazkiyah represents a foundational pillar in the Qur’anic reform project and a decisive element in achieving balance between individual formation and social reform.