Backgrounds and Arguments for the Universality and Eternity of the Holy Qur’an Based on the Views of Ayatollah Jawādī Āmulī

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the backgrounds and arguments for the universality and eternity of the Holy Qur’an, with particular reference to the views of Ayatollah Jawādī Āmulī. As the final revealed scripture, the Qur’an possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from the sacred books of earlier prophets. Chief among these features are its trans-spatial and trans-temporal nature, together with its enduring capacity to guide humankind across all ages and lands. This study seeks to demonstrate why and how the Qur’an has attained the status of a universal and eternal book, remaining throughout history a source of guidance for all humankind. The central issue addressed in this article is the elucidation of the various dimensions of the Qur’an’s universality and eternity, and the search for an answer to the question of what backgrounds and arguments establish the Qur’an as a book that is both all-encompassing and everlasting. This question is significant because a proper understanding of the Qur’an’s characteristics clarifies its scientific and guiding authority, and reveals why Qur’anic teachings are capable of responding to human needs in every era. By analyzing exegetical perspectives, this article seeks to demonstrate that the Qur’an is not merely a historical or time‑bound text, but in fact possesses the enduring and universal capacity to guide humankind. The methodology of this research is descriptive–analytical and based on library studies. By examining Qur’anic verses and Islamic traditions, and by drawing upon the exegetical discussions of Ayatollah Jawādī Āmulī, the author seeks to identify the principal components of the Qur’an’s universality and eternity. This approach is structured around the study of written sources and rational analysis, and through clarifying the interrelation of rational, innate, and revelatory foundations, it offers a comprehensive portrayal of the Qur’an’s position. The findings of the study indicate that the realization of the universality and eternity of the Holy Qur’an rests upon several fundamental grounds. The first is the “universality of the Qur’anic language,” a language shaped upon the shared human nature, thereby rendering its message intelligible and accessible to all. The second is the “harmony of the Qur’an with rational teachings,” which demonstrates that the Qur’anic doctrines are not in conflict with reason and logical argumentation, but are instead articulated on the basis of clear proof and sound reasoning. The third foundation is the “comprehensive outlook of the Qur’an,” meaning that the Qur’an provides inclusive and far‑reaching laws and guidelines for all individual and social domains, and is therefore not confined to any specific time or place. Furthermore, the study presents three major arguments to substantiate the universality and eternity of the Qur’an:
First, the “universality of the Qur’an’s call and guidance,” emphasized in expressions such as “a guidance for all people” (هُدیً لِلنّاس) or “a reminder for humankind” (ذکری للبشر) in various verses, signifies the inclusiveness of the Qur’an’s invitation to all humanity. Second, the “trans‑temporal and trans‑spatial mission of the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him),” which, unlike the missions of earlier prophets that were confined to specific peoples or periods, is global and perpetual, thereby guaranteeing the Qur’an’s universality. Third, the “finality of the religion of Islam,” which presents Islam as the last divine dispensation; consequently, its scripture-the Holy Qur’an—is also the final revealed book, destined to remain forever responsive to human needs, with no scripture to be revealed after it.
The overall findings of the research demonstrate that, in light of these foundations and arguments, the Holy Qur’an has secured its position as a universal and eternal book. The Qur’an remains forever as a dhikr—a reminder-for all people, since it is grounded in the shared human nature and is in harmony with rationality. Moreover, the comprehensiveness of its teachings has enabled it to address human needs in every domain-individual, social, ethical, and legal alike. The teachings of the Qur’an transcend tribe, language, and geography; hence, spatial and temporal boundaries play no role in the scope of its guidance. Moreover, the present study has demonstrated that, in terms of language, content, mode of expression, and guiding objectives, the Holy Qur’an possesses distinctive qualities that render it worthy of the title “a universal and eternal book.” These features ensure that the Qur’an remains vibrant and ever‑fresh across all ages, capable of responding to the scientific, cultural, and social transformations of humankind. Thus, the eternity and universality of the Qur’an are not merely theoretical or doctrinal attributes, but have in practice been manifested throughout history and within Islamic civilization-continually opening new horizons before scholars and human societies.