The Typology of Blessing (niʿma) in the Qurʾān

This paper, using conceptual analysis method, aims to clarify different types of divine blessings in the Qurʾān. Firstly, the meaning of the word niʿma and its types are clarified, according to the Qurʾān and traditions. The philological meaning of the word points to a kind of welfare, along with abundance, from which a thinking creature enjoys. The Qurʾān uses this word based on the philological meaning to refere to the blessings created by God for man’s welfare. There are eight kinds of divine blessings, according to the Qurʾān and tradition: real and imaginary, exterior and interior, general and special, as well as initial and as reward.