Ghuluww and the Belief in Supernatural Abilities for Human: An Investigation into the Concept of Ghuluww in the Qur’an

Abstract

Ghuluww is one of the Qur’anic concepts that holds a special place in Islamic theology. Despite its significance, however, there still remains some ambiguity around this concept. Specifically, while the Qur’an strictly forbids ghuluww, it also attributes supernatural qualities or abilities to certain individuals. This gives rise to the question as to what exactly the Qur’anic concept of ghuluww is, and what distinguishes it from non-ghuluww. The present article is an attempt to elucidate the concept of ghuluww through the verses of the Qur’an as the only indisputable source among all Muslims. The article classifies the relevant Qur’anic verses into two categories: verses prohibiting ghuluww, and those approving of seemingly exaggerated attributes for certain individuals. By exploring these verses through the lens of tafsir works and considering their collective connotations, the author concludes that ghuluww, as per the Qur’an, is to attribute any form of divinity to any individual besides God, or to ascribe to them any superhuman qualities independently of God. As such, to affirm superhuman qualities or abilities for a certain individual, if verifiably established, would not be ghuluww as long as they are regarded dependent on God.