The Qur’an and the phenomena related to parapsychology

Mustafa Azizi

Abstract

Parapsychology, also known as the science of the paranormal, the science of spiritual abilities, or the science of the sixth sense, is a scientific study of the extraordinary actions and abilities of the mind that affect physical bodies without a direct contact. Parapsychological experiments involve extraordinary abilities such as out-of-body experiences, near-death experiences, hypnotism, telepathy, and the like.Experiments related to parapsychology have several characteristics: they are rare occurrences and do not fit within the usual experimental scientific laws; because they involve matters beyond the senses. These experiments arise from the latent abilities within humans. On the other hand, when we review the Qur’an, we find some extraordinary phenomena and events that occurred to people who were not prophets, which cannot be classified as their miracles; such as the story of Asif bin Barkhiya, the sustenance of Virgine Mary in the sanctuary, and the inspiration to the mother of Prophet Moses, among others. In this article, we conduct a textual-analytical study of these mentioned phenomena in the Holy Qur’an, explore the underlying preconceptions behind these extraordinary phenomena, and study their psychological and spiritual causes and roots; to see the viewpoint of reason and tradition regarding the origins of these extraordinary events and their hidden and apparent sources.

Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)