An analysis of the verses beginning with "O you who have believed" in the context of psychological tafsir

Psychology, as a positive science, examines the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes in human beings. It investigates the fundamental reasons behind these processes and aims to regulate undesirable behaviors in the desired direction. The Qur'an also presents important explanations and exhortations concerning these processes. Within its unique style, it addresses human character, emotions, thoughts, attitudes and behaviors, states of mind, and many other subjects psychology also studies. In short, both psychology and the Qur'an place the human being at the center, and both ultimately aim to regulate human behavior in an ideal way. From this common point, a tendency has emerged to approach the Qur'an from a psychological perspective. "What are the psychological elements and directions contained in the verses beginning with 'O you who believe!'?" The relevant verses are examined from a psychological standpoint. The psychological content in these verses has been handled with a new and contemporary approach compared to classical tafsīr. Especially in the modern period, when psychology has developed rapidly and interest in this field is steadily increasing, presenting solutions to identity crises, search for meaning, spiritual problems, and psycho-social needs of modern man, by referring to the Qur'an's psychological content, makes this study particularly valuable. At the same time, this approach provides a new perspective to existing tafsīr literature. The aim of the study is to identify the psychological elements in these verses, benefiting also from psychology's findings, and to point out their role in guiding the process of building the believer's identity. Taking into account the psychological background of the period of revelation, it also seeks to reveal their effects on both the first audience and today's readers. In this way, the study aims to provide greater clarity to the Qur'anic messages. In its psychological reading, the cognitive-behavioral approach has been taken into consideration. The relevant verses have been classified thematically under belief, cognition, emotion, behavior, and social relations. The psychological content embedded in rhetorical expressions, in both internal and external contexts and in the style of address, has been analyzed with a method based on the Qur'anic perspective. Special emphasis has been placed on the psycho-educational aspect of the address "O you who believe!" It has been found that this style of address, which leaves meaningful and emotional effects on the human soul, carries different implications depending on the context of the message in each verse. Moreover, it has been concluded that these verses have significant effects on both individual and collective psychology.