Generosity and Gratitude: Keys to Spiritual Growth, Says Quran Scholar

IQNA – Generosity and gratitude are central to spiritual growth, says a Quranic researcher, warning that greed and the pursuit of worldly gain can derail one’s path to moral and spiritual success.

According to the Quran interpreter Hojat-ol-Islam Abdulkarim Bahjatpour, the desire for excessive wealth and power is among the major obstacles to spiritual purification.

Speaking on October 4 during his ongoing Quran interpretation series in Qom, he said, “Becoming absorbed in the race for more blessings leads people away from purity and happiness. Eventually, all their efforts become directed toward gaining power, wealth, and fame.”

Bahjatpour explained that God initiated the process of moral training by embedding core beliefs into human life. “The first concept introduced was Rububiyyah—the Lord’s authority and governance. People react differently to divine management—some submit, others rebel. Therefore, justice requires that each person be rewarded according to their disposition,” he said, citing the Quranic verse: ‘Shall We treat those who have faith and do righteous deeds like those who cause corruption on the earth?’ (Holy Quran, 38:28)

He stressed that God conveys His legislative guidance through the Prophet (PBUH) to awaken humanity. “This awakening creates what sociologists call an urgency for change,” he added.

“After awareness comes the need to regulate one’s relationship with God, as expressed in ‘You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help.’ (Holy Quran, 1:5)”

Highlighting the foundation of success, Bahjatpour said, “True salvation lies in self-purification, remembrance of the Lord, and prayer.”

He further warned that “stinginess and a sense of self-sufficiency are among the worst afflictions for those seeking happiness,” adding that “God makes the path difficult for the miser, but easy for the generous.”

Citing the Quran, he added, “Whoever gives his wealth to purify himself, seeking only his Lord’s pleasure—surely he will be satisfied.”

Bahjatpour urged believers to guard against greed, saying, “When people use even their spiritual pursuits for worldly gain, it becomes a major barrier to true growth.”

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