Report on a Master's Thesis Titled: Acceptance in the Holy Quran: An Objective Study

Abstract

Thesis Summary: Divine Acceptance in the Holy Qur’an: An Objective Study

This study, titled "Divine Acceptance (al-Qabul) in the Holy Qur’an: An Objective Study," explores the concept of acceptance by Allah the Almighty as the ultimate objective of every Muslim. The thesis was submitted by the researcher Iman bint Abdul Latif al-Kurdi for a Master’s degree at Taibah University, which she was awarded with a grade of Excellent and First-Class Honors. The research highlights the factors of acceptance by reviewing its prerequisites (such as sincerity/ Ikhlas and following the Sunnah/ Mutaba’ah), its requisites (such as performing obligatory acts and repentance), its signs, and the nullifiers (Muhbitat) that prevent deeds from being accepted. Furthermore, the thesis presents Qur’anic models of individuals blessed with Divine Acceptance, including Prophets and Companions, and illustrates the diverse Qur’anic methods (such as exhortation, warning, and storytelling) used to encourage the pursuit of acceptance.

The study concludes that acceptance lies solely in the hands of Allah and is a manifestation of His pure Grace (Tafaddul). It also finds that the degrees of acceptance vary according to the righteousness of the heart and the strength of faith, as these degrees are intrinsically linked to the ranks of Paradise. The researcher recommends that one must diligently seek the requisites of acceptance in every deed, strive for sincerity and steadfastness, and aspire to the highest stations of Divine Acceptance.