5
Significance of Iman in the Holy Quran and Other Revealed Books of Allah
(Quran 2:2)
“Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for people; this Book is a perfect Guidance for mankind and consists of clear teachings which shows the right way of life and a criterion of the truth and falsehood.” (Quran 2:185)
Unlike the atheist, who says that mankind started their journey of life in darkness of human knowledge, living in the caves of hills and rearing on the forests, the believers by virtue of Revealed Knowledge, conceive that mankind started their life on Earth with a clear knowledge of living and growing produce, and with a clear instruction for prayer and worship of Allah.
While sending the first man, Adam (PBUH), from the heaven to the Earth, Allah said:
“Henceforth, there shall come Guidance (Divine Book) from Me. Whoever will follow this shall have neither fear nor sorrow. Whoever will refuse to accept it and defy our Revelation, they shall be doomed to the Fire wherein they shall remain forever” (Quran 2:38-39).
Allah sent forth the Holy Scriptures and Books for guidance of mankind from day one of civilization. This guidance is conveyed by the Prophets throughout the generations. They explained God’s Way of Life to people of their time with the help of these Holy Books and Scriptures. All these Holy Scriptures and Books were revealed to satisfy the needs of that specific generation. However, the basic teachings of all of them were the same.
The last Revealed Holy Book of Guidance from Allah is the Quran. He sent this to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through angel Gabriel for the Guidance of mankind from his time until the Day of Resurrection. No such Holy Book of Guidance will ever be revealed after The Holy Quran. Therefore, it is the last Revealed Book of Allah that contains the basic teachings of all the previous Holy Scriptures and Books. It also contains the teaching and guidance required for the people of all times in the future. With the revelation of the Quran, all the previous Holy Books and Scriptures have become obsolete as these were abrogated by God. The Holy Quran remains as the only Holy Book of God for all humanity to follow. This was completed as the perfect Code of Life to suit all people till the end of the world through twenty-three years of revelation and presented as a Foundation of the Islamic Way of Life. More than fourteen hundred years have passed since the advent of Islam and many things have changed in this world. Still, the Islamic way of life meets the needs of mankind without any change. Allah says:
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your Way of Life” (Quran 5:3). Quran is available as an Open Book for research for any need and any solution that mankind needs any time.Each time a researcher looks into Quran for solution to any need of humanity, finds the Quran upholds the words of God stated in the above verse.
- A Muslim is required to believe in all the Scriptures and Books of Allah but needs to follow only the teaching of the Holy Quran as his Way of Life.
Allah says:
“If anyone desires a way of life (Deen) other than Islam, never it will be accepted from him and in the hereafter, he will be among losers” (Quran 3:85).
- First and foremost, important step towards ‘Iman in the Quran’ is understanding that the Quran is the ‘Word of God’. There are three possibilities for the origin of the Quran:
- Outright accept the Quran as the ‘Word of God’ without proof. This is not God’s Way. Allah has given sufficient proof in the Quran to convince that it is the Word of The Creator. Understanding that the Quran is the word of God is important for self- satisfaction as a Muslim and for convincing others that the Quran is the ‘Word of Allah’.
- The second possibility is that Muhammad (PBUH) wrote the Quran. Arabs knew that Muhammad (PBUH,) did not know how to read or write, so this possibility does not make sense.
- The third possibility is that someone wrote the Quran for Muhammad (PBUH). Opponents used to say this during his time. Even now, we sometimes hear a few people say this. To counter their false publicity, Allah says:
- Say (O Muhammad), ‘If all human beings and Jinn were to come together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not do so, even if they backed up each other with help and support.’” (Quran 17:88)
- Do they (unbelievers) say, that (Muhammad) has falsely ascribed the Quran to God? Ask them, ‘compose ten chapters like it and call whomever you can for help besides God if you are true in your claim.’” (Quran 11:13)
- “Should you (unbelievers) have any doubt about what We have revealed to Our servant (Muhammad), present one chapter comparable to it and call all your supporters beside God, if your claim is true.” (Quran 2:23)
In the above verses Allah has asked to prove man’s ability to write even one chapter like that of the Quran. No one over the past 1400 years was able to produce anything like the Quran. Indeed! This is the miracle of the Quran as the Book of God. The Prophet (pbuh) said:
“Every Prophet was given a miracle as a proof of prophethood, my miracle is The Quran” (Bukhari, Muslim).
- Scientific facts stated in the Quran also confirms that the Quran cannot be a work of any human being. Scientific facts like the origin of the universe, prenatal development, brain anatomy, oceanic divisions, ocean depths and internal waves, the formation of clouds, etc. are the knowledge of modern science. There was no clue of these facts to human beings when the Quran was revealed 1400 years ago. Modern science is fully aligned with the Quranic concept of these facts. If the Quran was written by a human being, a true account of these facts at the time would simply be impossible.
Based on the above facts, it is logical that human beings should study, understand, and evaluate what is written in the Quran and then decide whether it is the word of God or written by a human being.
- Allah has sent the Holy Quran for Guidance until the end of the world. Therefore, it is important that this Holy Book should be available to all generations in its pure form without any change. Allah has promised to protect this Book from corruption:
“Surely We have revealed The Quran and surely We will protect it (from corruption)” (Quran 15:9).
Therefore, no one can change it in any way. In contrast to the Bible, which was changed three centuries after its revelation, the Quran remains in its original form and not a single letter or word could be changed during last 1450 years after its revelation. The Quran is not just preserved in a printed book form and in electronic devices that may be tainted. Millions of people (Hafiz) preserve the Quran in their memory always, which cannot be tainted.
- The Holy Quran is for the welfare of all people. Muslim or non-Muslim, whoever follows its teachings will benefit in this world. Only those people who believe that this is the last Revealed Book of Guidance from Allah and follow its teaching will benefit in this world as well in the life that comes after death. This fact is evident in the Quran itself. There are numerous verses in the Quran where Allah affectionately calls, “O human being! Come to the path of success and happiness; leave the path that ruins peace and happiness” (ref. Quran 3:104, 5:35, 9:72, 16:125, 7:156, 10:57, 17:9). When we see Allah address in the Quran, “O mankind!” and tells what is good or bad for people, then it is understandable that this Great Book is revealed for the welfare of all people. Welfare of mankind is the central idea of the teachings of the Quran which has a lot to offer for people as it gives them a purpose of life, guidelines and the complete way of life as opposed to just focusing on materialism, spiritualism, or ritualism. It gives people a complete education for the development of the human Body, Mind and Soul and teaches how to use them for peace, prosperity, and happiness.
The meaning of Faith in the Quran and the purpose of sending the Quran is well explained in the Quran itself. In 30 of the 114 chapters of the Quran, Allah has introduced the Quran to its readers with 55 names. These names are discussed at the end of this chapter as a reference. Each of these names, refer to key characteristics of the Quran and gives a new avenue of its application in the life of the believers.
Based on verses from the Quran and Traditions of Mohammad (PBUH), some of the key points that explain the meaning of “Faith in the Quran” and benefits of living according to the Quran are stated below:
- Believing in the Quran and other Books revealed by Allah in the past is obligatory for Muslims and is included in the main Articles of faith in Islam. Allah says:
“This (Quran) is the Book of Allah, there is no doubt about it. It is a Guidance for God fearing people” (Quran 2:2).
- The Quran is a complete way of life from Allah for mankind. Allah says:
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, I have completed My blessings upon you, and I have approved Islam as the ‘Way of Life’ for you” (Quran 5:3).
- The Quran provides a solution to every problem and helps to meet every need that may arise in the life of a human being. It clearly separates right from wrong. The way of life it shows is free from human error. Allah says:
“Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind and it consists of clear teachings which shows the right way and the criterion of the Truth and Falsehood” (Quran 2:185).
- Living according to the Holy Quran is obligatory for all believers. A believer must accept the Quran as a whole. Nothing can be added or deleted from the Quran. It is not permissible for a believer to follow something from the Quran and something from another religion or a man-made law. This type of action contradicts faith in the Quran. Allah warns those who follow something from the Quran and something from other sources with severe punishment:
“Do you then believe in one part of the Scripture and disbelieve in the other? What other punishment such people from among you deserve except of disgraceful life in this world and a most grievous destiny on the day of Final Judgment!” (Quran 2:85).
When we look at Muslims in the contemporary world, we can see the exact picture of Muslims that Allah stated 1400 years ago in this verse. Today, many Muslims follow the Quran partially and live very disgraceful lives as warned in the above verse. Taking from the Quran bits and pieces is so dangerous that it may sometimes lead to an incorrect understanding and actions contrary to the overall teachings of the Quran. It is not only dangerous for a believer but also harmful for the Muslim Community as a whole. By seeing the wrong actions of some Muslims, people may misunderstand Islam and may have a negative attitude towards all Muslims. In the prevailing situaton, whoever wants to know about Islam should refer to the divine source of Islam which is the Quran.
- Allah Commands the believers to follow the Quran completely and advises us not to follow any other patron. Only in this way, believers can get the Mercy and Blessings of Allah.
Allah says:
“O People! follow what has been sent down to you from your Lord and do not follow other patrons beside Him. Yet you do little care to remember.” (Quran 7:3)
“We have sent down this Book, which is a perfect blessing, so follow this and adopt God fearing attitude so that mercy may be shown to you.” (Quran 6:155)
Despite the above warning from Allah, we see that many Muslims nowadays follow something from the Quran and something from other sources. This is as if claiming that some people have better knowledge in some affairs than Allah. This is a clear denial of the Supremacy of the Almighty, All-Wise Allah and contradicts with Iman. The picture of a disgraceful life of Muslims that we see nowadays is because of partially following the Quran.
Following the Quran completely is a perfect blessing. There are many benefits in this life and in life after death if the rules and regulations of the Quran are followed. Divine Faith, good work and acceptance of the Quran helps to free people from evil thoughts and evil deeds. Once people are free from evil thoughts and evil actions, then righteous deeds start to take root in their life and in society. Thus, people can enjoy the fruits of righteous deeds. Allah says:
“As for those who believed, did good work and accepted that (Quran) which has been sent to Muhammad (PBUH) and it is the truth from his Lord (Allah), He removes their evil from them and sets their condition right” (Quran 47:2).
- Belief in the Quran and working according to its teachings is the sign of acceptance of the Quran. Such acceptance removes evil from life and sets it towards the right track. Simply believing the Quran without working according to it cannot remove evil from life and cannot set our conditions aright, which amounts to deception only. Allah says:
“Indeed, The Quran guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward” (Quran 17:9).
The above verse confirms that if believers do good deeds according to the teachings of the Quran, only then they will get good results in this world and in life after death. No good work means no good results. Many good deeds are mentioned in the Quran and Hadith for the believers to do and many bad things to avoid. Doing good deeds, correcting mistakes, and avoiding evil according to the teachings of the Quran is all about ‘Iman in Quran’. Only this type of Divine Faith in the Quran is beneficial. Just believing and reciting it without understanding and working according to its teachings is not enough for removal of evil from life, not enough to set our condition right in this world and not enough to secure a place in paradise after death. This is the reason, despite belief and recitation, we see many evils in many of us and as a nation our condition is not as good as it should be. Understanding of ‘Iman in Quran’ is very important to reverse this situation. The following actions will help to understand ‘Iman in Quran’:
- Verses of the Quran should touch the heart of believers, increase their faith and reliance on Allah. Our study of the Quran should lead to this situation for our soul. Allah says: “Those are the believers whose hearts become full of fear when Allah is mentioned, and when His verses are recited to them their faith strengthens; and they rely upon their Lord” (Quran 8:2).
- A believer should understand that refusal to follow the Quran is as if it is the rejection of the Quran. No one is more of a loser than a person who does not adhere to the teachings of the Quran and rejects its teachings. Allah says: “As for those who reject it (Quran), they are indeed the loser” (Quran 2:121).
- A believer firmly believes that everything needed in life is available in the Quran. Therefore, he should not take any direction from sources other than the Quran. Allah says:
“We have left out nothing in this book” (Quran 6:38).
- A believer must uphold justice as stated in the Quran. He accepts the Quran as the only measure to decide between right and wrong. Allah says:
“We have sent down with them the Book (Quran) and the balance so that people may uphold justice.” (Quran 57:25)
“Those who do not judge by the law Revealed by Allah are disbelievers.” (Quran 5:44)
- Those who deny believing and working according to the teachings of the Quran, they are subject to a disgraceful life in this world and in life after death. Allah says:
“And they continued to deny our Revelation. Consequently, we sent upon them a stormy wind during days of misfortune to make them taste the punishment of disgrace in worldly life; but the punishment of the Hereafter is even more disgraceful, there they shall have none to help them” (Quran 41:15-16).
- The best characteristic of believers in the Quran is that they recite it with understanding and act accordingly. The minimum requirement to be a believer in the Quran is to follow it. Other than these two criteria, there is nothing which could be considered as “Iman in the Quran”. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has explained this subject by citing an example:
“A believer who recites the Quran and acts according to it is like a Citron, which tastes nice and smells nice. An example of a believer, who does not recite the Quran but acts according to it is like a date, which tastes good but has no smell. An example of a hypocrite who recites Quran is like a Raihana (Sweet Basil), which smells good but tastes bitter. The example of a hypocrite, who does not recite Quran, is like a colocynth which tastes bitter and has a bad smell” (Bukhari).
According to this Hadith, there are two categories of believers of the Quran. One category of believers studies the Quran and work according to its teachings. This category of believers is the best. The other category of believers is those who could not study the Quran but work according to the teachings of the Quran by knowing from others. Other than these two categories of believers of the Quran, Prophet (PBUH) only explained the character of hypocrites.
From the above discussions, we understand that ‘Iman in the Quran’ directs a believer to read, understand, and work according to the teachings of the Quran.
There is no scope for a believer to accept the Quran partially. There is also no scope for a believer to follow any other way of life than the Quran. Those Muslims who follow something from the Quran and something from other sources are contradicting their own faith. It does not make sense that a Muslim believes what is written in the Quran is true but without acting according to it, follows other ways of life. This is against having faith in the Quran.
Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever follows the Quran, he is upon guidance, whoever abandons it, is upon misguidance. Take hold of the Book of Allah and cling onto it.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
“A person who studies, thinks and establishes principles of the Quran in his practical life, he will enter in paradise” (Tirmidi).
From the above two hadith, we understand that if believers follow the Quran in life, then only are they on guidance. If they do not follow the Quran in life, they are on misguidance. We also learn that believers can only follow the Quran provided they study it, understand the Order of Allah, and then work to establishing that order in practical life. These are the actions of believers with respect to the Quran that helps them enter paradise.
Despite the above guidance, we find some Muslims who recite the Quran but neither try to understand the meaning of what they read, nor do they try to implement the teachings of it in their lives. Actions of this type of Muslims are closer to misguidance than guidance.
Prophet (PBUH) was very concerned about misguidance of his nation. He knew that studying the Quran will save his nation from misguidance, so he made this the best Worship in his religion.
He said:
“The best worship for my nation is the Quran study” (Baihaqi).
“Study of one verse from the Quran is better than 100 rakha prayer” (Ibn Maja).
“A person who studies the Quran and follows its teaching will not be misguided” (Tabrani).
“The best among you are those who learn and teach the Quran to others” (Bukhari).
“Enlighten your house by prayer and the Quran study” (Baihaqi).
Study of the Quran is so important that Allah has ordered this action in the first verse revealed to mankind:
“Read in the name of your Lord” (Quran 96:1).
Allah has given many examples in the Quran for people to understand and take lessons. Believers need to study, think, and take lessons from them for benefit in this world and in life after death.
Allah says:
“Indeed, we have cited in this Quran every kind of parable for the people so that they may take heed” (Quran 39:27).
Based on the above discussion on “Iman in the Quran”, we may summarize a believer’s action with respect to the Quran as follows:
- A believer must believe that “the Quran” is the last book of guidance for mankind from Allah till the Day of Resurrection.
- A believer must believe that the teachings of the Quran cover every affair of life for people of all ages until the end of the world. With the passage of time, there is no need to add or delete anything from the Quran. Believers should refer to the Quran for everything they plan to do, because it clarifies everything needed in in life. Allah says:
“We have revealed to you this Book which clarifies everything” (Quran 16:89).
- Accepting something from the Quran and rejecting other things from it is not the sign of Iman in the Quran. A believer is not allowed to take something from the Quran and something from other religious books or man-made laws and regulations. Believers should follow the Quran completely.
- Believers need to study the Quran for understanding the orders of Allah and act accordingly. It does not make sense to read the Quran without understanding when there are translations and commentary (tafsir) available. Why should we not read this great Book with understanding while we read other ordinary books with understanding?
- Understanding of the Quran helps believers to work under the guidance of Allah. Hence their work is efficient, righteous, and free from mistakes. As a result, their work is more rewarding. Those people who facilitate this for people are the great teachers of the Quran. Allah calls them reformers and guarantees reward for them:
“Those who devote themselves to the teachings of the Book and steadfast in prayer, reward of such reformers will never be lost” (Quran 7:170).
The above analysis, with the help of many references from verses of the Quran and Hadith, gives a clear idea about ‘Faith in the Quran’. To reinforce our discussion, below is a list of the great names of the Quran. Allah has introduced this Great Book with many Noble Names. Understanding the significance of these noble names will help to know the various aspects of this Holy Book and its uses. These are as follows:
| NOBLE NAMES OF QURAN AS STATED IN QURAN | ||
| Name | Translation | Some Selected Relevant Verses from The Holy Qurān |
| 1. Al-Kitab | The Book | (2:1-2) (2:129) (2:151) (3:164) (4:127) (4:136) (6:114) (7:196) (11:1) (14:1) (15:1)(16:89) (18:1) (18:27) (19:16) (19:41) (19:51) (19:54) (29:45) (29:51) (35:29) (39:1) (39:2) (39:41) (40:1-2) (42:17) (43:1-2) |
| 2. Mubin | Luminous | (4:174-175) (5:15) (12:1-2) (27:1) (43:1-2) |
| 3. Al-Quran | The Quran | (2:185) (4:82) (6:19) (7:204) (9:111) (10:37) (10:61) (15:87) (16:98) (17:9) (17:78) (17:82) (17:88) (20:1-2) (20:113) (25:32) (27:6) (27:76) (27:92) (38:1) (39:27) (46:29) (50:1) (54:17) (55:1-2) (56:77) (59:21) (72:1-2) (73:4) (73:20) |
| 4. Karim | Honorable, Noble | (56:77) |
| 5. KalamAllah | The Word of Allah | (9:6) |
| 6. Noor | Sacred Light | (4:174-175) (7:157) (64:8) |
| 7. Huda | Right Guidance | (2:1-2) (2:97) (2:185) (3:138) (7:52) (7:203) (10:57) (16:89) (16:102) (27:77) (45:20) |
| 8. Rahman | Mercy | (7:52) (16:64) (17:82) (27:77) (31:3) |
| 9. Al-Furqan | The Criterion of Judgement | (2:185) (3:4) (25:1) |
| 10. Shifa | A Healing, A Cure | (10:57) (17:82) (41:44) |
| 11. Mawiza | Admonition | (3:138) (10:57) (24:34) |
| 12. Dhikr | Remembrance, Reminder | (3:58) (7:1-2) (12:104) (15:9) (16:44) (20:99) (21:24) (21:50) (36:11) (36:69) (41:41) (43:5) |
| 13. Mubarak | Blessed | (6:92) (6:155) (21:50) (38:29) |
| 14. Aali | Exalted | (43:4) |
| 15. Hikma | Perfect Wisdom | (54:5) |
| 16. Hakim | Full of Wisdom | (10:1) (31:1-2) (36:1-2) (43:4) |
| 17. Muhaymin | Guardian, Witness | (5:48) |
| 18. Musaddiq | Confirming Scripture | (2:91) (3:3) (5:48) (6:92) (35:31) (46:12) (46:30) |
| 19. Hablillah | The Rope of Allah | (3:103) |
| 20. Sirat Al Mustaqim | The Straight Path | (6:153) |
| 21. Qayyim | Straight Guidance | (18:2) |
| 22. Qawl | Word of Allah | (28:51) (86:13) |
| 23. Fasl | Decisive | (86:13) |
| 24. Naba’un Azim | Supreme Message | (38:67) (78:1-2) |
| 25. Ahsanul Hadith | The Best Message | (39:23) |
| 26. Mathani | Oft-Repeated | (39:23) |
| 27. Mutashabih | Consistent in itself | (39:23) |
| 28. Tanzīl | The Final Revelation Sent by Allah | (2:4) (2:23) (3:84) (4:166) (5:83) (17:105) (17:106) (20:4) (26:192-194) (36:5) (41:1-2) (41:42) (56:80) (97:1) |
| 29. Ruh | The Book Which Gives Life to Faith | (42:52) |
| 30. Wahy | The Final Revelation | (4:163) (10:109) (21:45) (53:4) |
| 31. Arabi | In Arabic language | (12:2) (13:37) (26:195) (41:3) (42:7) (43:3) |
| 32. Basair | Eye-Opening Evidences | (7:203) (45:20) |
| 33. Bayan | The Final Statement | (3:138) |
| 34. Ilm | Ultimate Knowledge | (2:120) (2:145) |
| 35. Haqq | Truth, True | (3:62) (10:108) (13:1) (13:19) (28:53) (34:6) (35:31) (47:2) (57:16) (69:51) |
| 36. Hadi | Guide | (17:9)) (46:30) (72:2) |
| 37. Ajab | Wonderful | (72:1) |
| 38. Tadhkira | Admonition,
Reminder |
(20:3) (69:48) (74:54) |
| 39. Urwatul Wuthqa | The Firm Handhold | (2:256) |
| 40. Sidq | Truth | (39:32) (39:33) |
| 41. Adl | Justice | (6:115) |
| 42. Amr Allah | The Commandment of Allah | (65:5) |
| 43. Munadi | Inviter to Faith | (3:193) |
| 44. Bushra | Glad tidings | (2:97) (16:102) (27:2) (46:12) |
| 45. Majid | Glorious | (50:1) (85:21-22) |
| 46. Zabur | The Scripture | (21:105) |
| 47. Bashir | Herald of Glad Tidings | (17:9) (41:4) |
| 48. Nadhir | Warner | (41:4) |
| 49. Aziz | Mighty | (41:41) |
| 50. Balagh | Sufficient Message | (14:52) (21:106) |
| 51. Qasas | Narratives | (12:3) |
| 52. Suhuf | Scriptures | (80:13) (98:2) |
| 53. Mukarrama | Honourable | (80:13) |
| 54. Marfua | Exalted | (80:14) |
| 55. Mutahhara | Kept Pure | (80:14) (98:2) |
With deep relfection on each of the above names, a believer’s mind is exposed to the many applications of this “Great Book” in real-life activities. A few examples from the list of names are stated below as a reference:
- Ruh (#29) – This means the Quran is the Book which gives life (Ruh) to faith. Allah has said:
“And thus, did we reveal to you an inspired (Ruh) Book of Our Command. You did not know what the Book was, nor what the faith was, but we made it (Quran) a light, guiding thereby whom We please of Our servants; and most surely you guide people to the right path” (Quran 42:52).
- Hikma (#15) – This means the Quran is a Book of perfect Wisdom. The verses of the Quran are full of wisdom. Allah says:
“These are the verses of the Book of Wisdom.” (Quran 31:2, 10:1)
“I swear by the Quran, which is full of wisdom.” (Quran 36:2)
Allah has given the Quran as a Book of Wisdom and wants people to follow it with wisdom. Allah does not want people to follow anything blindly. He says:
“Do not follow what you do not know; the ears, eyes and hearts will all be held responsible for their deeds” (Quran 17:36).
Quranic wisdom was the only power of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He brought change in a world of injustice by the power of Quranic wisdom, which covers every aspects of human life like Social Science, Juduciary, Government system, Finance, Defence, International relations, Geography, Astronomy, Oceanography, etc. Allah has asked the believers to research about Quranic wisdom in every branch of knowledge for their own benefit. Allah asks:
“Do they not think deeply in the Quran?” (Quran 47:24).
- Sirat al Mustaqim (#20) – This means the straight path, which the Quran shows as the right path for success in life. Allah says:
“This is My path, and it is straight. Follow it and not other paths, which will lead you far away from the path of Allah. Thus, Allah guides you so that you may become righteous” (Quran 6:153).
Faith in this name directs a believer to only follow the Quran as a way of life. Unfortunately, nowadays some Muslims do not comply with this order. They follow something from the Quran and something from other ways of life. As a result, they are not as righteous as they should be. This type of action contradicts with ‘Faith in the Quran’.
- Al Huda (#7)/36 Hadi (#36) – These names refer to guidance. Allah has sent the Quran as a Guidance for mankind. This fact is revealed in many verses of the Quran:
“Indeed, this Quran guides to the way that is most suitable and gives good news of great reward to the believers who do righteous deeds.” (Quran 36:9)
“This (Quran) is a plain statement for Mankind, a Guidance and Instruction for those who are conscious of Allah.” (Quran 3:138)
“They said: Our people! We have listened to a Book after Moses, confirming that came before it, guiding the people to the truth and to a straight path.” (Quran 46:30)
These verses confirm that the Quran is the Guidebook for life. A believer in these names should only follow guidance from the Quran because he believes that this guidance is from Allah and no one can guide to success in life better than Allah.
- Nabaul Azim (#24)/Ahsanul Hadith (#25)/Balagh (#50) – These names refer to the Quran being the best Message. Allah says:
“This (Quran) is a great news from which you are turning away.” (Quran 38:67-68)
“Here is a Message (Quran) for humanity: Let them take warning therefrom and let them know that He is One Allah and let man of understanding pay attention.” (Quran 14:52)
“Indeed, in this (Quran) there is a Message for those who are dutiful to Allah” (Quran 21:106).
Faith in the above referenced names and verses direct believers to think on the Message of the Quran and be dutiful as Commanded by Allah in Quran.
- Adl (#41) – Allah says about the Quran being the Book of Justice:
“Perfect are the words of your Lord (Quran) in truthfulness and Justice. No one can change His words. He is all hearing and all knowing” (Quran 6:115).
Accepting the Quran as a Book of Justice means following the Judiciary System of the Quran without any change.
- Al Furqan (#9) – This name refers to Quran as being the criterion of Judgement between right and wrong:
“Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion (Quran) of right and wrong to His servant so that he may be warner to all” (Quran 35:1).
“Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan as a guide for people, a clear proof for the guidance and the Criterion (Quran) between right and wrong” (Quran 2:185).
Faith in this name and the verses referred here direct a believer to accept the Quran as the standard to judge between right and wrong in all affairs of life, do what is right and leave what is wrong.
- Haqq (#9) – The Quran is described as the Truth:
“Indeed, this (Quran) is the true narration?” (Quran 3:62)
“(O Muhammad) say: O people! Truth (Quran) has certainly come to you from your Lord; one who seeks guidance does so for his own good and one who goes astray will find himself lost. And I am not in charge over you to oblige you for guidance” (Quran 10:108)
Faith in the names and verses referred here, direct believers to accept that everything stated in the Quran are true narrations for the guidance of mankind and shall be followed for their own benefit in this world and in the afterlife.
The above discussion are just a few examples of names of the Quran which believers should ponder the underlying message of each and act accordingly.
After elaborating what is ‘Iman in the Quran’, we will now discuss the suitability of the Quran in the modern age. Believers should never have any doubt about the suitability of the Quran in any age. However, sometimes, we hear from some people that the Quran was good for the time it was revealed but not for the modern age. Those who make such statements do not read the Quran deeply and do not think about how the teachings of the Quran can be applied to modern times. They could not produce a single verse from the Quran that cannot be applied today for the welfare of human beings. Rather, we see Rules and Regulations (Human Rights, Women’s Rights, Children’s Rights, etc.) widely used for the welfare of people in the modern world by international organizations like ILO, United Nations and WHO that were already stated in the Quran, which was revealed 1450 years ago. Therefore, there is no point in saying the Quran is not suitable for modern times. Still, we state below a few judgements from unbiased non-Muslim (some became Muslim later) Intellectuals, thinkers, philosophers, and leaders of Modern History on the suitability of the Quran in modern times:
- Laura Veccia Vaglieri (1893-1989), professor at the University of Naples, says about the Quran: “The heavenly book of Islam is miraculous and inimitable. Its style is unprecedented in Arabic literature, and its peculiar impact on the spirit of the human being derives from its special and superior characteristics. How is it possible that such a book should be the work of Muhammad, an Arab who had never studied? We find in this book a treasury of knowledge beyond the capacity of the greatest philosophers and statesman, and for this reason it is also impossible to regard the Qur’an as the work of an educated person”.
- Adam Smith (1723-1790), a writer, philosopher, and professor at Glasgo University, writes in his book “Muhammad and Islam”:
“I boldly assert that one day the loftiest of human philosophers and the most veracious principles of Christianity will confess and bear witness that the Qur’an is the Word of God. An unlettered and unlearned Prophet was chosen by God to bring the Qur’an to Mankind, a book that has in the course of history produced thousands of other books and treatises, brought libraries into being and filled them with books, and placed before mankind laws, philosophies, and educational, intellectual, and ideological systems.”
“He arose in an environment where there was no trace of learning and civilization. In the whole of Madina, there were only eleven people who knew how to read and write, and in all the branches of Quraysh, in Mecca and its environs, not more than seventeen people were literate.”
“The teachings of the Qur’an, which mentions knowledge and the pen in its opening verses, brought about a tremendous transformation. Islam proclaimed study to be a religious duty and made the black ink of scribe and the scholar to be superior to the red blood of the martyr.”
“Thanks to the teachings of the Qur’an and its emphasis on the cultivation of knowledge, countless scholars made their appearance and wrote innumerable books. Different scientific disciplines were derived from the Qur’an and spread across the world by Muslim thinkers. The world was illuminated with the lights of the Qur’an and the culture of Islam.”
- Nepolean Bonaparte (1769-1821), a French Stateman and the first Emperor of France, said about the Quran: “I hope the time is not far off when I shall be able to unite all the wisemen of all the countries and establish a uniform regime based on the principles of the Quran which alone are true, and which alone can lead men to happiness.”
- Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Christian community, said: “The Quran is a book of peace. It is a Prophetic Book. There is no terrorism in Islam” (The Daily Mail – December 01, 2014). He also said: “Christian terrorism does not exist; Jews terrorism does not exist, and Muslim terrorism does not exist. There are fundamentalist and violent individuals in all people and religions” (Catholic World Report – March 22, 2017).
- Johan W. V. Goethe (1749-1832), a German philosopher, writer, and statesman, said:
“However often we turn to it (The Quran) at first disgusting us each time afresh, it soon attracts, astounds, and in the end enforces our reverence… Its style, in accordance with its contents and aim is stern, grand, and terrible- ever and anon truly sublime- Thus this book will go on exercising through all ages a most potent influence.”
- Dr. Maurice Bucaille (1920-1998), a Franch Scientist writes in his book, “The Quran and Modern Science 1981” (page 18):
“A totally objective examination of it (Quran) in the light of modern knowledge, leads us to recognize the agreement between the two, as has been already noted on repeated occasions. It makes us deem it quite unthinkable for a man of Muhammad’s time to have been the author of such statements on account of the state of knowledge in his day. Such considerations are part of what gives the Quranic Revelation its unique place and forces the impartial scientist to admit his ability to provide an explanation which calls solely upon materialistic reasoning.”
- Rev. G. Margoliouth (1853-1924), renowned British scholar, professor at the University of Cambridge, writes:
“The Koran admittedly occupies an important position among the great religious books of the world. Though the youngest of the epoch-making works belonging to this class of literature, it yields to hardly any in the wonderful effect, which it has produced on large masses of men. It has created an all but new phase of human thought and a fresh type of character. It first transformed a number of heterogeneous desert tribes of the Arabian Peninsula into a nation of heroes, and then proceeded to create the vast politico-religious organisations of the Muhammedan world which are one of the great forces with which Europe and the East have to reckon today.”
“There is, however, apart from its religious value, a more general view from which the book should be considered. The Koran enjoys the distinction of having been the starting point of a new literary and philosophical movement, which has powerfully affected the finest and most cultivated minds among both Jews and Christians in the Middle Ages. This general progress of the Muhammedan world has somehow been arrested, but research has shown that what European scholars knew of Greek philosophy, of mathematics, astronomy, and science, for several centuries before the Renaissance, was, roughly speaking, all derived from Latin treatises ultimately based on Arabic originals; and it was the Koran which, though indirectly, gave the first impetus to these studies among the Arabs and their allies. Linguistic investigations, poetry, and other branches of literature, also made their appearance soon after or simultaneously with the publication of the Koran; and the literary movement thus initiated has resulted in some of the finest products of genius and learning.”
- Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910), the Great Russian Author, writes:
“The legislation of Quran will spread all over the world, because it agrees with mind, logic and wisdom.”
- Arthur John Arberry (1905-1969), British author, professor and philosopher, says:
“Whenever I hear the Quran shanted, it is as though I am listening to music. Underneath the flowing melody there is sounding all the time the incessant beat of a drum. It is like the beating of my heart.”
- R. Bosworth. Smith (1839-1908), Britsh author, educationist, a Christian Englishman, writes about Quran:
“A Book which is a Poem, a Code of Law, a Book of Common Prayer and Bible all in one; and is reverenced to this day by a sixth of the whole human race as a miracle of purity, of style, of wisdom and of truth. It is the one miracle claimed by Mohammed, his standing miracle, he called it and a miracle indeed it is.”
- Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, commented in the book ‘Janam Sakhi’: “The age of Vedas and Puranas is gone, now is the age of the Quran and the Prophet. The only reason as to why the man is constantly restless and goes to hell that he has no regards for the prophet.”
I hope the above references will inspire people of all religions to understand the Quran and investigate what it can offer for their welfare in the contemporary world.
By understanding and building life based on the Quran, a great civilization was established in the past. The same Quran exists today, but why have Muslims lost their glorious past which was dominating the world in all respects over 700 years? Is it because the Quran cannot meet the needs of the present world? Is it because of ‘what is or is not’ in the Quran?
Those who study the Quran, know what is written in it and observe how and for what purpose contemporary Muslims are using it, they are the best to comment on the above questions. As an example, from comments by world personalities, we have chosen comments on the subject by Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, 9th President of India (1992-1997). He writes in his poem on the Quran (translated in English):
“It (Quran) was a Command for action,
You (Muslims) turned it into book of prayer.
It was a book to understand,
you read it without understanding.
It was a code for living,
you turned it into a manifesto of the dead.
That, which was a book of knowledge,
you abdicated to the ignorant.
It came to give knowledge of creation,
you abandoned it to the Madrasa.
It came to give life to dead nations,
you used it for seeking mercy for the dead.
O Muslims what have you done?”
A non-Muslim thinker, the Head of State of a country of 1.3 billion people of the contemporary world, rightly understood that the Quran is the Code of life (Allah has confirmed this in many verses of the Quran , ref. 2:1-2, 2:97, 2:185, 3:138, 7:52, 7:203, 10:57, 16:89, 16:102, 27:77 , 45:20). He gave a clear picture of what the Quran is and how the Muslims are neglecting its purpose. Neglecting to pursue actions to achieve the objectives from the Revelation of the Quran is the root cause of all problems in the Muslim world.
For the revival of Islam and Muslim nation, there is no alternative but to make use of the Quran for the purpose it was revealed. This can be achieved by the collective effort of Islamic leaders for bringing the nations back on the path of the Quran. They should focus on promoting the understanding of the Quran, ‘Faith in the Quran’, responsibilities that the Quran entrusts in every believer and then move forward with the Guidance of the Quran to build their future. A summary of actions to facilitate these tasks are as follows:
- Read and understand what Allah has said in the Quran. This should be the first action as this is the first order of Allah: “Read in the name of your Lord” (Quran 96:1).
For better results in any work, knowledge of the job is important. So, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made acquiring knowledge mandatory for all believers. He said:
“Acquiring knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim man and woman” (Tirmidhi, hadith no. 74).
- Study the Quran in depth and research each verse. Understand the wisdom and lesson behind it. Make it a habit to apply every lesson you learn in your practical life. Allah says:
“Is it that they do not think deeply on the Quran or is it that their hearts locked up by them (from understanding)?” (Quran 47:24)
- Try to do good work that Allah has ordered in the Quran.
- Try to avoid all bad things that Allah has prohibited in the Quran.
- Refer to the Quran to find out ways to fulfill all your needs. Allah said that there is guidance in the Quran for explaining all things: “We have sent down the Book (Quran) explaining clearly everything, a Guide, a Mercy, and Glad tidings for those who submit” (Quran 16:89).
- Whenever believers face a problem, they should first explore the Quran for a solution.
- A believer should pursue research to find the Quranic wisdom to solve contemporary problems in society .
- Believers should try to build themselves and their families based on principles laid down in the Quran. Dealing with brothers, sisters, parents, and extended family members should be done as taught by Allah in the Quran.
- Deal with your friends according to the teachings of the Quran and encourage them to do so.
- Deal with your neighbor with kindness as taught in the Quran.
- Help the poor, orphans, widows, sick persons as encouraged in the Quran.
- Treat non-Muslims nicely as taught in the Quran.
- Associate with others to build societies and nations on the principles of the Quran.
- Teach Quran to all people, especially children and young people. Do this individually and collectively. Teaching may be done in the house, mosque, school, Islamic center or at any other suitable place. If you know only one verse, teach that verse to others. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it” (Bukhari 4739).
- Try to invest a portion of your wealth to promote the teachings of the Quran. This is the best investment. It shows the path of success in this world and opens the road to paradise for people.
- Take actions to establish ‘Quran Teaching Centres’ in every community. Make sure that these centres have qualified teachers and plans to teach students recitation, meaning and train them to implement lessons from the Quran in Practical life. These centres should develop every student Spiritually, Intellectually, and physically by using the Guidance of the Quran. Practical teaching on how to apply Quranic knowledge in activities of life shall be taken up with all seriousness.
- Establish Institutes to train Teachers of the Quran and continually upgrade their skills.
- Muslim scholars and professionals of all specialities should pijgestablish a ‘Quran Research Institutes’ regionally and globally. These Institutes should take up ‘Research Projects’ on subjects mentioned in the Quran and present them for the welfare of mankind. They should also research how to solve contemporary problems and fulfill the needs of people by using Quranic wisdom. These Institutes should cooperate with each other for better performance.
- Think about ways to improve personal life, family life, society, country, economy, judiciary, and all other activities by implementing the teachings of the Quran.
- Simply believing and reciting the Quran without doing the above does not fulfill the condition of ‘Iman in the Quran’ because Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) told the believers to Read, Think and Act according to the teachings of the Quran. Simply believing and reciting the Quran does not help to achieve its purpose and benefit from it in this world and in the afterlife. Reciting the Quran and not working according to its teachings is as good as neglecting the Quran. It is a serious offence by a believer. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) will complain against such believers on the Day of Judgement. Allah has stated this fact in the Quran:
“The Messenger will say: O my Lord! Surely my nation has abandoned this Quran” (Quran 25:30).
Mercy, Blessings, and Generosity of Allah will shower those believers who fully comply with the conditions of ‘Iman in Quran’ with sincerity and understanding. This fact is nicely summarized by Kurram Murad (1932-1996), a notable scholar of the 20th century in his book, ‘The way to Al- Quran’. He writes:
“Rejoice you must, in the mercy, blessings and generosity of Allah. But the Quran opens its doors only to those who knock with a depth of yearning, sincerity of purpose and exclusiveness of attention that befits its importance and majesty. Only those can gather its treasures, while they walk through it, who are prepared to abandon themselves completely to its guidance and do their utmost to absorb it. What a tragic misfortune it would be if you come to the Quran and went away empty handed- soul untouched, heart unmoved, life unchanged- ‘they went out as they came in’. You may recite its words and turn its pages endlessly and laboriously yet fail to make an encounter with it that enriches and transforms your whole person. The Quran’s blessings are limitless, but the measure of your fill depends entirely upon your capacity and the suitability of the receptacle you bring to it. Nine months spent in the womb of your mother have transformed a drop of water into ‘you’- hearing, seeing, and thinking. Can you imagine what a lifetime spent with the Quran- seeking, hearing, seeing, thinking, striving – can do for you? It can make you into an entirely new ‘being’- before whom even angels will feel proud to kneel. So, at the very outset, make yourself more deeply aware of what the Quran means to you and, what it demands of you; and make a solemn determination to recite the Quran in an appropriate manner, so that you may be counted among:
‘Those to whom we have given the Book (Quran), they study it as it should be studied; they are the one who believe in it.’ (Quran 2:121).”
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