Research Problem
The debate concerning the relationship between the state and moral good and human happiness constitutes one of the most central controversies in contemporary political theory. This contention is particularly manifested in the dichotomy between "perfectionist" and "anti-perfectionist" discourses regarding the state. In the perfectionist discourse, the state is deemed not merely permitted, but obligated to promote the good and a happy life for its subjects, whereas in the anti-perfectionist view, the state must maintain a neutral stance toward diverse conceptions of the good and happiness. What is determinative in this controversy is the theorist's conception of human nature and the essence of happiness. The core problem of the present inquiry is that, despite the immense capacity of the Holy Quran to elucidate human happiness, the implications of the Qur'anic theory of happiness for the perfectionism/anti-perfectionism debate concerning the state have been insufficiently explored. Hence, this research is formulated to address this fundamental question: What are the implications of the Qur'anic theory of human happiness and good for the state and political theory, viewed through the lens of perfectionism or anti-perfectionism?
Background
An examination of the research background reveals that previous studies have primarily concentrated either on the political thought of Muslim philosophers (such as Farabi, Mulla Sadra, and Imam Khomeini) or have addressed the issue of perfectionism in constitutional law from a public law perspective. However, none have directly engaged in extracting the theory of happiness from the Quran and analyzing its implications for the perfectionist state. Therefore, the novelty of this paper lies in extracting the "worship-centered" theory of happiness from the Holy Quran and formulating its implications for the perfectionism versus anti-perfectionism debate concerning the state.
Objective: The primary objective of this research is to elucidate the relationship between the Qur'anic theory of happiness and the perfectionist state, and to provide a theoretical framework for the state's role in the domain of the good and happiness based on human nature. Through this, it seeks to establish the necessary theoretical groundwork for formulating an effective theory regarding the religious state.
Method: The research method employs thematic interpretation (tafsīr mawḍūʿī) through intra-Qur'anic contemplation. In this approach, the verses related to the purpose of creation and human happiness—particularly verse 56 of Surah Al-Zariyat—are taken as the focal point, and their implications are expounded within the framework of the research question. This fundamental qualitative method is conducted by focusing on the intra-textual connections of the verses to uncover the semantic system of happiness in the Quran.
Findings
The findings indicate that the Holy Quran presents a worship-centered explication of human happiness, wherein the ultimate purpose of human creation is the worship and servitude of God, culminating in attaining divine proximity. This theory possesses a universal and comprehensive character and is formulated based on the existential structure and shared human nature. Consequently, servitude (worship) is posited as an "objective good" grounded in human nature, possessing inherent authenticity and value. The present study extracts two fundamental implications for the state: The first implication is the perfectionism of the state based on human nature. This means that because humans are perfectionist beings by virtue of their existential structure, and this perfection is contingent upon the servitude of God, political institutions must serve the actualization of this common good. The second implication is the determination of the content of perfection. This means that the state must not only be perfectionist, but must also pursue a specific content of perfection—namely, "servitude to God." The establishment and enforcement of general rules of social life, as the most critical function of the state, must be conducted with the aim of facilitating the realization of servitude (worship) within the political community.
Conclusion
There exists a robust theoretical connection between the Qur'anic theory of happiness and the perfectionist approach to the state, which is forged through attention to "human nature" and the "ultimate purpose of creation." This connection renders any theorizing about the religious state inevitably bound to engage with these two components and to formulate their implications in the public and political spheres. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the state's responsibility regarding the happy life of its subjects does not entail imposing a religious lifestyle. Rather, it signifies the preservation and promotion of that form of life which is congruent with the existential structure and enduring characteristics of human nature. Indeed, without the support of the state and the political structure, the expansion and perpetuation of the desirable and happy life within the political community would have little chance of realization and sustainability.