The Holy Quran: Complete Code of Human Peaceful Life

https://youtu.be/kUN6GSbq3gw?si=G6b8MHNzS3PNFqeh The Holy Quran: Complete Code of Human Life (Courtesy of IqraScence) What is the Quran? Allah describes the Quran in the Quran The best answer to the question “What is Quran” is provided by Allah – the Lord and Rabb of everything that is ever created and exists. The following are some of the descriptions about Quran within the Quran asserting its authority as a divine book revealed for the entire humanity at large. Quran is undoubtedly the word of Allah (God) Quran is a book that is the word of Allah (God) and there is no doubt about its divinity. The claim is made by no one but Allah Himself. Quran Islam Allah Dua what is quran This is the Book (the Quran), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon (the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)). Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 2) Allah makes it clear in the Quran that it could not have been revealed by anyone other than Him. He says: Allah revealed Quran And this Qur’an is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allah (Lord of the heavens and the earth), but it is a confirmation of (the revelation) which was before it [i.e. the Taurat (Torah), and the Injeel (Gospel)], and a full explanation of the book (i.e. laws, decreed for mankind) – wherein there is no doubt – from the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn, and all that exists). Quran (Surah Younus, Verse 37) To get more valuable Islamic content on a regular basis, please subscribe to our newsletter here Quran is the book of Truth Since time immemorial people have been arguing about “truth” and the criteria to determine the “truth”. Allah makes it clear in the Quran about “ultimate truth.” No book on entity has made such a universal claim with such an authority. The Quran is the Book of Allah with a message of truth for all of mankind: Allah “Verily, We have sent down to you (O Muhammad (S)) the Book (this Quran) for mankind in truth. So whosoever accepts the guidance, it is only for his own self, and whosoever goes astray, he goes astray only for his (own) loss. And you (O Muhammad (S)) are not a Wakeel (trustee or disposer of affairs, or keeper) over them.” Quran (Surah Al-Zumar, Verse 41) Allah also says: Quran These are the Verses of the Book (the Quran), and that which has been revealed unto you (Muhammad (S)) from your Lord is the truth, but most men believe not. Quran (Surah Ar-Raad, Verse 1) quran stories ibn kathir Quran is a book that discusses mankind (and their guidance) Allah tells us that He revealed a book that includes teachings and guidance related to mankind, so we should follow it. He says: quran for mankind Indeed, We have sent down for you (O mankind) a book (the Quran) in which there is Dhikrukum,(your Reminder or an honor for you i.e. honor for the one who follows the teaching of the Quran and acts on its teachings). Will you not then understand? Quran (Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 10) Allah also says: quran word of truth And indeed We have fully explained to mankind, in this Quran, every kind of similitude, but most mankind refuse (the truth and accept nothing) but disbelief. [Surah Al-Isra, 17:89] Quran brings ones life out of darkness into light Allah the only God “It is He Who sends down manifest Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to His slave (Muhammad) that He may bring you out from darkness into light Quran (Surah al-Hadeed, Verse 9) jesus islam view end of times Belief in the Quran is part of being righteous and pious Allah tells us in the Quran the various criteria of being righteous and pious, one of which is the faith in this book (Quran). quran Allah's word It is no virtue that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but virtue is that one should sincerely believe in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Prophets and, out of His love, spend of one’s choice wealth for relatives and orphans, for the needy and the wayfarer, for beggars and for the ransom of slaves, and establish the Salat and pay the Zakat. And the virtuous are those who keep their pledges when they make them and show fortitude in hardships and adversity and in the struggle between the Truth and falsehood; such are the truthful people and such are the pious. Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 177) Quran was revealed to be recited for its followers As the Quranic verse below indicates, Allah has asked Quran’s followers to give it’s right of recitation (to be followed). He says in the Quran: Prophet Muhammad given the book Those (who embraced Islam from Bani Israel) to whom We gave the book [the Taurat (Torah)] [or those (Muhammad’s companions) to whom We have given the book (the Quran)] recite it (i.e. obey its orders and follow its teachings) as it should be recited (i.e. followed), they are the ones who believe therein. And whoso disbelieve in it (the Quran), those are they who are the losers. (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi). Quran (Surah A-Baqarah, Verse 121) Quran is Allah’s words that was brought by Angel Jibraeel to Prophet Muhammad (s) Allah provides the answer about how Quran was brought to the prophet (s). quran in stages “And verily, you (O Muhammad (S)) are receiving the Quran from the One, All-Wise, All-Knowing” Qraun (Surah An-Naml, Verse 6) Quran is Allah’s word that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in stages When Quran was being revealed to the prophet (s), the disbelievers of his time asked as to why the entire book was not revealed all at once. To this Allah responded in the Quran: quran strengthen heart “And those who disbelieve say: Why is not the Quran revealed to him all at once? Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages” Quran (Surah Al-Furqan Verse 32) dua for problems Nothing like Quran can be written or produced In the Quran, Allah has challenged mankind and the jinn to produce something like it, even one surah or one aayah (verse), but they could not do that and will never be able to do that, as Allah says: Allah challenges people about producing like Quran Say: “If the mankind and the jinns were together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another.” Quran (Surah Al-Isra, Verse 88) quran brings peace Allah also says in the Quran: islam religion of truth “And if you (Arab Pagans, Jews, and Christians) are in doubt concerning that, which We have sent down (i.e. the Quran) to Our slave (Muhammad (S)), then produce a Surah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allah, if you are truthful.” Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 23) Quran is a divine revelation that should be treated as such Allah emphasizes the greatness of the Quran by providing an example in the following verse: Quran mountain example “Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables, which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect.” [Surah Al-Hashr, 58:21] Quran is Allah’s (God’s) final revelation to mankind that has remain unchanged since its revelation Quran is not only Allah’s final word but Allah Himself has taken the pledge to safeguard it from any corruption. As a result, we see that Quran today is in the same form as it was revealed by Allah on Prophet Muhammad (S). All other revealed books except the Quran have been changed and distorted over time. The Quran is and will remain, intact in its original form till the Day of Judgment. Allah has sent down Quran to mankind and has guaranteed to preserve it, taking upon Himself the responsibility of preserving it till the last day. Allah says: quran and dhikr “It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).” Quran (Surah Al-Hijr, Verse 9) Quran provides a complete code of living life and guidance for preparing for the hereafter Quran is a blessing for mankind to be able to live peaceful lives on this earth and has guidance to help mankind prepare for the hereafter as well. Allah says: quran as guidance “… And We have sent down to you the Book (the Quran), as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims).” Quran (Surah An-Nahl, Verse 89) what is in the Quran Quran is a book of healing Quran is a means of both physical and spiritual healing. Allah says in the Quran: quran from Lord “O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Quran, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers.” Quran (Surah Younus, 57) Allah also says: quran is healing And We sent down in the Quran such things that have healing and mercy for the believers Quran (Surah Al-Isra, Verse 82) Quran’s message has no crookedness or contradictions Allah says in the Quran: Quran only from Allah Do they not then consider the Qur’an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many a contradiction. Quran (Surah An-Nisa, Verse 82) He also says: quran kahf story “All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has sent down to His slave (Muhammad SAW) the Book (the Quran), and has not placed therein any crookedness.” Quran (Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 1) Summary – What’s in the Quran? Here is a summary of the above facts: Quran is undoubtedly the word of Allah (God) Quran is the book of Truth Quran is a book that discusses human beings (and their guidance) Quran brings ones life out of darkness into light Belief in the Quran is part of being righteous and pious Quran was revealed to be recited / followed Quran is Allah’s words that was brought by Angel Jibraeel to Prophet Muhammad (s) Quran is Allah’s word that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in stages Quran is Allah’s word that has remained unchanged since its revelation Nothing like Quran can be written or produced Quran is a divine revelation that should be treated as such Quran is Allah’s (God’s) final revelation to mankind Quran provides a complete code of living life and guidance for preparing for the hereafter Quran is a book of healing Quran’s message has no crookedness or contradictions Books on Dua and Quran quran volume 3 set . Other Islamic Sources Stories from the Quran Noble Lessons – Wisdom of the Islam and Quran Read the Power of Dua Healing and Shifa using the Quran and Dua from Hadith — End MERCY: THE HEART OF ISLAM AND HUMANITY “It is due to the mercy of God that you [O’ Muhammad] deal with people gently, for surely if you were aggressive and hard-hearted, they would have all turned away from you…” (Quran, 3:159). MALAK EL-MOUSAWI 12TH NOVEMBER 2023 In the opening of the Quranic chapters, God Almighty makes Himself known to us by His title of The Merciful. God has sought for the creation to be introduced to Him by His mercy before anything else. This is a profound reality deserving of thought, since God has many magnificent names which could have been alternatively used. It is clear that there is wisdom in the distinct selection of this grand title. Let’s explore how mercy is denoted as a foundational concept within Islam and how it plays a key role in the nurturing of humanity. On our journey of divine perfection, we must strive to emulate the attributes of God to the extent that is humanly possible. God has granted humanity the examples of Prophets and Messengers who personify divine traits in the most optimal way. Yet what is the foundation that brings life to these divine personalities? In a narration attributed to the Holy Prophet, he states, “God has created every single vicegerent of His with generosity as their natural disposition.” [1] All the purity, nobility, and knowledge that our Prophets and Messengers are known for, has been cultivated on the grounds of generosity – it is the nature of His vicegerents. God may have instead decreed to create His vicegerents with knowledge or piety as their natural disposition, but through His selection, we realize that knowledge and piety are derived from and secondary to generosity – this gives us a sense of what divine prioritization may look like. If we seek to become people of knowledge or piety, then knowledge and pious acts must be seeded in a heart whose essence is driven by mercy. If we have not established a pure groundwork to adequately plant and harvest knowledge and acts of piety, then we will not internalize their nutrients – we need to first lay the correct blueprint for their growth. In another narration attributed to the Holy Prophet, he states: “Being amicable towards people is half of faith and being gentle and kind to them is half of life.” [2] This puts into perspective how kindness is a foundational concept both in faith and humanity. But how can we subjugate our hearts to the nature of mercy and construct the right foundation for us to be people of true kindness? We first need to accept that we will be tested in anything we strive to achieve: …and every soul is rewarded by the extent that it strives.” (Quran, 20:15) If we strive to be kind-hearted, then we will certainly be tested in the moments met with arrogance, impatience, and especially anger. In an attempt to be more tender, we will become more conscious of how easily one can slip into a state of harsh temperament. In an article by Psychology Today, author and clinical psychologist Laura Markham writes, “…every time you resist acting on your anger and instead restore yourself to calm, it gets easier. In fact, neurologists say you’re rewiring your brain to be calmer and more loving.” [3] We are able to turn our deficiencies into an opportunity of discipline and to regulate ourselves to reactions of peace. It may sound simple, yet it calls for much forbearance and selflessness to really mould this into our character, no matter the circumstance. This requires patience and persistent training to mentally normalize calm responses. However, we can only harness these weaknesses to become invitations of growth if mindfulness is present. Being mindful allows us to navigate through daily life with the consciousness of our habits, innermost thoughts, and judgments that manifest into actions, and how they not only affect us but can vastly affect others. In a Twitter post shared by author Jason Garner, he writes, “In moments of conflict, mindfulness provides a buffer between our first reactionary thought and the action we ultimately choose to take. Within that moment of awareness, we have room to recognize our habitual triggers and to remember the humanity of the person in front of us.” Let us remember the humanity of others, both in real life and online settings. Underneath the emotion that often clouds our judgment, the robes of ego that attempt to mask our authenticity, and all the labels that society conforms to, there exists the frail gentleness of our humanity. When we are faced with ill-manners, argumentative or defensive attitudes, let us aim to see through the flaws and recognize the spiritual bankruptcy that it comes from. By responding gently to a hardened heart, it may soften them. It is written in the Quran, It is due to the mercy of God that you [O’ Muhammad] deal with people gently, for surely if you were aggressive and hard-hearted, they would have all turned away from you…” (Quran, 3:159) Here, it is evident that a journey as perfect and divine as the Prophets could not be achieved had it not been for his merciful nature, even in the face of those who wronged him. In another verse, God states to Prophet Moses: “Speak to the Pharaoh gently that perhaps he may be reminded, or fear God…” (Quran, 20:44). Through gentle speech lies the potential to shake arrogance even within someone like the Pharaoh, and to humble them in a way where they are reminded of God. This is the power that kindness carries. Had Moses responded to the Pharaoh with a sharp tongue, it would have worked against him as it would only contribute more to the existing hard-heartedness of the Pharaoh. Similarly, if we are met with arrogance or a lack of mannerism, choose to meet them with kindness – this may awaken their heart with humility. Take solace in knowing that mastery over our egoistic impulses will loosen the devil’s clasp from our hearts, and we will gradually rise above this world. We lose nothing by being kind. Imam Al Sadiq has said, “Certainly faith is ten levels, like the rungs of a ladder, where each rung is climbed one after the other. The one on the second rung cannot say to the one on the first: ‘You are nothing,’ until he completes the ten [levels]. Therefore do not knock the one below you down, lest the one above you knocks you down. And when you see one below you in rank, lift him up to your level with gentleness. And do not burden him with that which he cannot bear lest you break him, for verily one who breaks a believer must put him back together again.” [4] It is worth noting that Imam Al Sadiq encourages us to lift those below us with gentleness. Not critique or vindictiveness, but gentleness. We must be conscious of the reality that every passerby is too on a journey of their own. If we can contribute to another’s journey in any way, let it be through nurturing means. When we notice a deficiency in a person, fill their emptiness with your fullness. The effects of a gentle approach can be transformative, whereas a harsh approach will only contribute to the problem. As author Marvin J. Ashton beautifully said, “Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.” When we recognize our own innate need for God’s mercy, then we can better understand the importance of being a source of mercy for His creation. In a way, we can become a human manifestation of God’s love and mercy. Each day we live to see, there will come to you many empty-handed people that are silently seeking to be filled with your merciful acts – a kind word, a smile, a helping hand – you are someone’s blessing. Let us be the ones to spread the charity of a smile. When we enter a public space only to see people making conscious efforts to avoid human interaction, be the one to smile and greet them. Remember the humanity of those in the workforce, behind the professional persona they uphold, ask them “how are you?”. When we see the disabled or the elderly, rush towards their aid. When we encounter passive attitudes, recognize that this may be a silent cry for hope – fortify them through kindness. As writer Robert G. Ingersoll said: “We rise by lifting others.” When our family members, friends, or strangers are in need of help, sacrifice your physical comfort for their sake – through this, you will find internal comfort. Turn daily-duties into divine service. Let all that you do be done through God’s love. When we learn to live beyond our self, then we live for God – in this, we live with infinite purpose. Let us not underestimate the ripple effect of kindness. A simple kind action has the power to occupy the greatest masses of someone’s heart. And a kind word may echo in someone’s mind eternally. “…race towards goodness” (Quran, 2:148). The Holy Prophet said, “Verily a servant will reach high ranks and honourable stations in the Hereafter, through his good nature, even if he is weak in worship.” [5] REFERENCES [1] Kanz al-`Ummal, no. 16204. [2] Al-Kafi, v.2, p.117. [3] How To Stay Calm: Laura Markham – https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/peaceful-parents-happy-kids/ 201506/how-stay-calm-the-same-way-you-get-carnegie-hall [4] Al Kafi, v. 2, p. 45, no. 2. [5] Al Mahajjat Al Baydha, v. 5, p. 93. Courtesy: Muslim Viva.