The Quran is the final message of Allah to mankind and comes with a complete code of life. There are more than 6000 verses in the Qur’an. Some give the account of the creation of heavens and the earth and man himself. Some narrate stories of prophets and nations that preceded ours. Some tell us about the seen (cattle, mountains, rivers, galaxies, rain, etc.) and the unseen (Allah, jinns, angels, hell, paradise, etc.)
Many verses contain laws for Muslims regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, rights of fellow human beings, things that are halal and haram for mankind and socio-economic system. Though every word of the Qur’an carries a message, there are a few verses that I find very inspirational.
♦ “ …and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.” (Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 216)
Many times, things happen in our lives which leave us feeling sad, angry or frustrated. We feel cheated by fate because in spite of our best efforts, our goal eludes us. This verse of the Quran teaches us that Allah knows what is better for His creation. For those who place their trust in Allah and do righteous deeds for His sake, the rewards are multifold and often unexpected.
♦ “And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], “We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude…. So Allah will protect them from the evil of that Day and give them radiance and happiness.” (Surah Al-Insan, Verses 8-11)
Allah has promised that on the Day of Judgment all our good deeds will come to our aid.
Again and again, there is the emphasis in the Qur’an on helping the needy and feeding the indigent. Allah has favored some of us in provisions over others but our wealth is a test of our faith and compassion. Does our material wealth and worldly comforts make us arrogant and selfish or would we remember the destitute and the poor when we sit down for our next meal? Our success in this world and more importantly, in the Hereafter depends upon our attitude towards those who are less fortunate than us.
♦ “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.” (Srah Luq’mn, 31:14)
Kindness to parents comes next to the worship of Allah.
Parents should be respected and obeyed during all stages of a person’s life. When they reach their old age, they need special care, attention, patience and even tolerance. Islam enjoins Muslims to look after their parents physically and financially. It is also stated in the Quran that whether one or both of them attain old age in a person’s life, he should address them in terms of honor. And never address them harshly or contemptuously.
♦ “And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allâh likes not any arrogant boaster.” (Surah Lukman, Verse 18)
This important verse of the Qur’an cautions men not to be conceited and vain nor treat others shabbily. We must shun arrogance and pride and never think of ourselves as better than anyone else on the basis of our wealth, caste, race, color or ancestry. Before Allah, all men are equal as far as birth is concerned. The only thing that can make one person to excel over another is his piety or righteousness.
♦ “And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the Al-Khashi’un” 2:45
The term Al-Khashi’un refers to the true believers who obey Allah with full submission, and believe in His promise of Paradise and in His warnings regarding Hell. Patience is one of the distinguishing features of a true Muslim. When a calamity befalls a believer, he does not lament or curse fate or blame those around him. Nor does he lose hope in Allah’s Mercy.
♦ “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and the earth are signs for a people who use reason.”(2:164)
In this almost lyrical verse, Allah’s glory is displayed as the Creator and Sustainer of all things that exist in heavens and the earth. There is also an invitation for mankind to ponder over these facts and recognize the one true God who alone is worthy of worship.
For a believer, the Qur’an is a source of nur (light) and Hidayat (guidance) which dispels the darkness of ignorance and teaches mankind to live a pious and righteous life so that he may attain Paradise.
