INTRODUCTION OF THE HOLY QURAN
The Holy Quran is the book of Almighty Allah.
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, Verse: 82)
(Do they not deeply think in the Quran? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found in it many contradictions.)
This Holy book was revealed to Prophet Muhammed (Peace and Blessings be upon him) gradually during 23 years.
(It is We Who have sent down the Quran to you step by step)
The main aim of this Holy book is to show the people signs of Almighty Allah and guide them towards the righteous way.
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 14, Verse: 1)
(A Book We have revealed unto you, in order that you might lead mankind out of the depths of darkness in top light by the leave of your Lord to the way of (Him), the exalted in power, Worthy of all praise)
Along with this noble cause, it speaks about the creations, stories of the previous generations, and much more. Within its contents, we can have explanations for everything.
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 16, verse: 89)
(We have revealed on you, step by step, the Book to explain all things and to provide guidance, grace and glad tidings to Muslims.
Almighty Allah has made this Holy Book easy to be memorized and practiced by Muslims.
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 54, verse: 17)
(And indeed We have made the Quran easy to memorize: then is there any that will remember)
The Holy Quran is a great miracle. Nobody can write even a smallest Chapter like that in the Quran. At the time of its revelation, it challenged those who had any doubt in it to write and match the Quranic scripture. Now, fourteen hundred years has passed, but nobody in this word has succeeded in meeting that clear challenge.
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 23)
(And if you doubt any part of what we have revealed step by step, upon our devotee, then produce a surah of similar merit, and call upon all your helpers other than Allah, if what you say is true)
Almighty Allah has revealed a number of His commandments on previous Prophets during their specific time periods, but unfortunately those books and scriptures were changed by the people according to their wishes. What we read in those books now, are the words of them. Today, there is no holy book other than the Quran in its original revealed form. It is Almighty Allah who has taken the responsibility of guarding it from being altered or changed, an of course, He is keeping His promise and talking care of it. He says:
(We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; [Quran] and We shall truly guard it {from any corruption})
The Quran is a very sacred book. We are supposed to take care of it more than anything lese. Even touching it without making a proper ablution or taking bath is not allowed. Almighty Allah concerning this matter says:
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 56, Verse: 77,78,79)
(That this is indeed a Quran Most Honorable in a well guarded (Please add here from original), which none shall touch but those who are clean.)
It is totally different from any other book in this world. Its writing style, way of presentation and dealing with matters are unique. Referring to the unique way of its recitation Almighty Allah says:
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 16,verse: 98)
(When you read the Quran, seek Allah’s protection from shaitan, the rejected one.)
According to the above divine order, whenever we want to recite the Holy Quran, we do read
Each surah except surah Tauba, starts with “Bis Mil Laa H(Please insert from original).” We are supposed to read it before starting a new surah or beginning of the recitation of the The Holy Quran.
At the time of recitation of the Holy Quran, we must obey the order of Almighty Allah.
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 73, verse: 4)
(And recite the Quran in slow, measured rhythmic tones.)
Reading the Holy Quran very fast is considered a big sin, as well as reciting it without paying enough attention to its correct pronunction is also not allowed. Of course, we read the Quran to get the reward as well as to understand it so that we can follow the orders of Almighty Allah. Unfortunately, both aims could not be achieved through reading it rapidly.
When a person is alone, reciting the Quran can be done out loud or silently. However, if he/she is at a place where people are reciting the Quran, reading mist be done quietly so that only the recited can hear the words.
And when the Holy Quran is being recited by anyone of us, we must listen to it carefully while paying full attention,.
(Holy Quran, Chapter:7, verse: 204)
(When the Quran is read, listen to it with attention, so that you might be graced with mercy)
Merely reading the Holy Quran without trying to act according to its guidance is not enough. It was revealed to us guidance for Muslims so that they may please Almighty Allah and His Messenger Muhammed (Peace Be Upon him)
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 6, verse:155)
(And this is a Book, which We have revealed as a blessing; so follow it and be righteous, that you may receive Mercy)
This is a basic foundation of Islam. Without a clear and undoubted believe in the unity of Allah, the Exalted, a person cannot be a Muslim.
According to the Holy Quran there is only one Allah. He has no compeers or any one who helps Him in any aspect of His business. A special chapter of the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammed(Peace Be upon him) dealing with this matter.
(Holy Quran, Chapter:112, verses: 1,2,3,4)
(Say [O beloved Prophet] He is the one Allah, Allah the Eternal, the uncaused cause of All Being. He begets not, and neither is He begotten. And there is nothing that could be compared with Him)
In the second chapter of the Holy Quran, Almighty Allah defines His unique attributes.
(Holy Quran, Chapter:2, verse: 255)
( Allah! There is no god but He, the living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumbers overtake Him, nor sleep. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what lies open before men and all that is hidden from them. Nor shall they compass of His knowledge except as He wills. His eternal powers overspreads to heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He alone is truly exalted, tremendous.)
Almighty Allah is the only creator of this universe. He created the earth and the heavens and whatever is between them.
(Holy Quran, Chapter:30, verse: 8)
(Allah has not created the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them but with truth and for an appointed term.)
It is He who grants life and causes death.
(And surely it is We Who give life, and Who give death, it is We Who remain inheritors)
One day everything in this world will be destroyed except Him. And He has the power to give His creations life back.
(Holy Quran,Chapter:55, verse: 26,27)
(All that is on earth is to perish. And forever will abide the Sustainer’s Self, full of majesty and glory.)
Almighty Allah has the deep knowledge of everything. He has knowledge of all matters hidden and open to us. He has the power to understand our thinking and ideas, even before we act according to them.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 67, verse: 13)
(And whether you hide your words or public it, He certainly has knowledge of the secrets of hearts.)
Almighty Allah is kind and merciful. He likes to shower His Blessings on us.
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 1, verse:3)
(Most Gracious, Most Merciful.)
In the same time He is the Master of the day of judgment. On that day He will check our deeds and decide our future way of life.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:2, verse:4)
([Almighty Allah] is the Master of the day of judgement)
Almighty Allah has all powers to do that He wills with His creations. He can punish whom He wants and forgive whom He wants. Nobody can intervene in His Decision.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:5, verse: 40)
(Do you not know that to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth? He punishes whom He pleases, and He forgives whom He pleases; and Allah has power over all things.)
Without any problem Almighty Allah can assign whatever punishment He wishes, but instead He prefers to forgive His servants on purpose. This merciful attribute of His is evident in the Holy Quran.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 40, verse:3)
(The Forgiver of Sins, Acceptor of Penitence, sever in torment, limitless in His bounty. There is no deity except Him; with Him is all journeys’ end.)
Because of His preference for forgiven. He encourages those who make mistakes, to ask His forgiveness and promises to wipe out their sins.
(Holy Quran, Chapter:4, verse: 64)
(If they do unjust to themselves, come to you and ask Allah’s forgiveness, and the Messenger cask’s forgiveness for them, they would find Allah indeed oft-returning, Most Merciful)
Almighty Allah had declared earlier that He will not forgive anyone who associates anybody with Him.
(Holy Quran, Chapter:4, verse: 116)
(Allah does not forgive the association of any one with Him, although He forgives Whom He pleases other sins than this. And who joins others with Allah has indeed strayed far away.)
In other place, Allah has condemned it as the biggest sin.
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 31, verse:13)
(And remember when Luqman said to his son admonishing him: O my dear son! Do not associate any one with Allah; undoubtedly, the association with Allah is a tremendous wrong)
CONCEPT OF MESSENGERS
Messengers play a vital role in passing the Message of Almighty Allah to their nations. They are the only source for people to know the righteous way of living in this world.
*Holy Quran, Chapter: 6, verse: 48)
(And We send Messengers only as heralds of glad tidings and as warners; hence ,all who believe and live righteously, no fear need they have and neither shall they grieve)
Almighty Allah has sent Messengers to every nation to guide tem towards the right direction.
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 10, verse:47)
(And every nation has had an apostle; when their messenger had come to them, the matter would be judged between them with justice, and they would not have been wronged)
Messengers were sent by Allah, the Exalted to be followed by their people.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse:64)
(And We have not sent a Messenger, but to be obeyed, in accordance with the Will of Allah)
But unfortunately, some of the Messengers were treated badly by their people. Later on they were helped by Almighty Allah and became prosperous in the end.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:6, verse: 34)
(And the Messengers were believed before you, with patience and constancy they bore their rejection and their wrongs, until our aid did reach them.)
More clearly, Almighty Allah sates that those who refused to listen to His messenger, would be punished severely. So He says:
( Holy Quran, Chapter: 16, verse: 113)
(And there came to them an Apostle from among themselves, but they falsely rejected him; then the torment sized them because they were unjust)
All the messengers were pious and innocent. Even a single sin would not be expected of them. Almighty Allah has saved them from any wrong and unjust willingly.
(Holy Quran, Chapter: 13, verse: 38)
(And it was never the part of an Apostle to bring a sign as Allah permitted)
Indeed prophet hood is a gifted bounty, Almighty Allah blessed with it on whom He wished. It cannot be achieved with struggle or persistent prayer.
( The Holy Quran, Chapter: 6, verse: 124)
(And when any sign comes to them, they say: we shall not believe until we receive one like those received by Allah’s Messengers. Allah knows well upon whom to bestow His Messenger-Ship)
According to the Islamic theology every Muslim must believe in all the Messengers of Almighty Allah from Prophet Adam (Peace Be upon him) to the Last Messenger Muhammed (Peace Be upon him). Thinking in a negative way about any of them would drag a person out of the bounty of Islam. Almighty Allah stated very clearly regarding this important topic:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:2, verse: 136)
(Say: “We believe in Allah, and in that which has been sent down towards us and that which has been sent down on Ibraham and Ismail and Isaac and Jacob and their descendants and that which ahs been given to Moses and Jesus and that has been given to all the Prophets by their Sustainer. We do not differentiate between any of them in the matter of faith and we submitted ourselves to Allah).
The Prophets are superior creatures who possess more power than people of this world have. They came to the world in human form but their physical and spiritual qualities are in extraordinary high state. We can find a lot of examples in the Holy Quran to support this claim. Some of them are,
Prophet Solomon (Peace be upon him) heard the conversation of ants from miles and smiles.
(The Holy Quran,Chapter: 27, verse: 18,19)
(At length, when they came to a valley of ants, one of the ants said, “O ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you without knowing it. So he (Solomon) smiled, amused at her speech)
And when the brothers of Prophet Joseph (Peace Be upon him) left Egypt with his shirt, Prophet Jacob (Peace be upon him) smelled the scent of the shirt from miles away.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 12, verse: 94)
(When the caravan left {Egypt}, their father said. I so indeed scent the presence of Joseph: No, do not consider me (Please insert from original))
Thinking of them as ordinary human beings like us is not the way of obedient Muslims. In fact infidels used to address them in that way to discourage them from delivering their messages.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 64, verse:6)
(That was because there came to them Messengers with clear evidence, but they said: Shall human beings direct us? And they denied the truth and turned away)
We are supposed to be very careful in saving our Iman. Even listening to discussions of those denying and mocking the signs of Almighty Allah is a sin.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse: 140)
(and undoubtedly Allah has already sent down to you in the Book that, when you have the signs of Allah being denied and is being ridicules, then you must avoid their company until they begin to talk of other things…)
PROPHET MUHAMMED (Peace be upon him)
Almighty Allah has sent a series of His Prophets to this world to guide the people to the righteous path. The Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) is one of them as stated in the Holy Quran.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 48, verse: 29)
All other Prophets were sent to a specific region and for a limited time but Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) was sent as a Prophet for the whole world.0
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:4, verse: 79)
(We have sent you as a Messenger to all mankind; and enough is Allah for a witness)
Prophet Muhammed(Peace be upon him) is not only the Prophet for everybody, he was selected to be the Last Prophet. No new messenger would come after him. The Holy Quran alludes to his special status.
( The Holy Quran, Chapter: 33, verse: 40)
(Muhammed is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Prophet of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets, and Allah has full knowledge of all things.)
Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) is the most superior of all the creations.
Even thinking of disrespecting him would not be tolerated. Every Muslim must show respect to him.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 48, verse: 9)
(O people. Might believe in Allah and His Messenger, and respect him and honor him and that you might revere Him, and extol His limitless glory from morning to evening.)
Almighty Allah has showered numerous blessings on His beloved Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him). And knowledge of the unseen is a great bounty of Almighty Allah that has been bestowed upon the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him)
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 11, Verse: 49)
(These tidings of unseen, which we reveal unto you. Neither you nor your people knew them before this, so be patient, no doubt, the future belongs to the righteous.)
Indeed the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Almighty Allah till the last day. So, he was given power to see our daily actions and witness them.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 48, verse: 8)
(Surely W have sent you as a witness{present and observant] and as a bearer of glad tiding and a Warner)
It is obvious that watching and witnessing cannot be possible by one who is dead. It means, without a (please insert from original) doubt, Our beloved Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) is alive. Can you imagine that one who was martyred in the way of Almighty Allah is alive? This is stated in the Holy Quran. Could the Prophet who sacrificed himself for the sake of Almighty Allah be dead? No, not at all.
The Prophet Muhammed(Peace be upon him) was sent to show us the righteous way of living in this world practically so that, we have no other option but to obey him perfectly and respectfully.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 47, verse: 33)
(O believers! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger and let not your works go in vain)
Along with other specific qualities of the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him), he was invited by Almighty Allah on the 27th night of the Rajab, a year before the migration event, to Him. This unique journey took place in two phases. First was from Mecca to Jerusalem and Second, from Jerusalem to beyond the Space.
Referring to the first Phase, The Holy Quran says,
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 17, verse:1)
(Glory to Who transported His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the (Please insert from original) Mosque, the (please insert from original) of which we blesses- so that we show some of our symbols: For He verily, all-hearing, all-seeing)
And discussing the second phase of this unique journey, The Holy Quran states,
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 53, verse: 7,8,9)
(While he was in the highest part of the horizon. Then that splendid sight drew nearer, then he came closer. So there was a distance of two hands between the splendid sight and the beloved [Prophet] but rather less than that.)
Indeed, those who were around the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) played an active role in the Islamic movement. They were tortured and drowned in severe hardships, but they never gave up helping the Prophet. Appreciating them Almighty Allah said:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 9, verse: 100)
(The first of those who migrated and of those who gave them aid, and those who followed them in righteousness _ Allah is well-pleases with them, and they are well pleased with Him. For them He has prepared gardens under rivers flow, to dwell therein for ever; that is the supreme triumph)
The Companions of the Prophet sere so fortunate to be considered to be addresses by Almighty Allah several times. On the occasion of the battle of “AHZAB” Almighty Allah said about them:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 33, verse:22)
(When the believers saw confederates, they said: that is what Allah and His Prophet had promised us, and what Allah and His Prophet told us, was true. And it only added to their faith and their zeal in obedience.)
They ere hard on their enemies but for Muslims they had loving hearts.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 48, verse:29)
(Muhammed is the Prophet of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against unbelievers, compassionate among each other. You will see them bowing down, prostrating themselves, seeking favor with Allah and good pleasure. On their faces are this marks, the traces of their prostration).
We are supposed to respect all the companions of the Prophet and revere them without any discrimination. Logically, Almighty Allah would not be pleased with transgressing people. We have seen very clearly that He praised the Companions with great pleasure many times. It means obviously that all the companions were on the righteous path. Therefore we must save ourselves from disrespecting them.
On the occasion when the Companions took the pledge with the Prophet(Peace be upon him) Almighty Allah revealed to His Prophet news of glad tidings of His pleasure with the Companions.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 48, verse:18)
(Indeed, well pleased was Allah with the believers when they were swearing allegiance to you under the tree. He knew what was in their hearts and He sent down tranquility to them and rewarded them a near victory)
Of course, no one can take the respectful place of the Companions. They were provided a dignified place before the Almighty Allah. Furthermore, those who extended their helping hands in the cause of Almighty Allah before the conquest of Mecca would not be like those who served Islam later on.
(The Holy Quran,Chapter: 57, verse: 10)
(Not equal are those of you who a spent and fought before the victory of Mecca. They are of a higher rank than those who spent and fought after it. Allah has promised the ultimate good to all. And Allah is aware of all that you do).
Islam is a complete way of life. It guides us to the real success in every field of our daily business. Indeed, the way of worshipping Almighty Allah is the topic that was discussed in the Holy Quran in detail.
We will try to briefly discuss what the Quran reveals to us about these actions.
On the night of 27, Rajab one year before the migration, the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) was invited to see the manifestation of Almighty Allah.
On his way back to this world, he was given a precious gift of prayer for believers.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 6, verse: 72)
(And this, that establish regular prayers and fear Allah, and it is to Him that you shall be gathered together)
As a Muslim adult, we must make all prayers on their specific timings.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse: 103)
(Verily, for all believers prayer is indeed a scared duty linked to particular stated times)
Regarding those five times prayers, Almighty Allah briefly sated in His sacred book, the Quran. Commentators and scholars have successfully analyzed and understood the meanings of these passages regarding five times daily Prayers.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 11, verse:114)
(And establish regular prayer at the two ends of the day and at the parts of the night) Here “at the two ends” means Fajr, Zuhar, and Asr and nights prayers are Maghrib and Isha.
To understand this matter thoroughly, let us refer to another place. Before we make those prayers we must make wudu as Almighty Allah has ordered clearly.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:5, verse: ^)
(O you who believe, when you prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands including elbows; Rub your heads{with water}; and {wash} your feet including ankles. And if you are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body)
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 17, verse:78)
(Be constant in prayer from the time when the sun has passed its zenith till the darkness of night, and recital of the Quran in morning, for the recitation at dawn is indeed witnessed)
Here: sun’s passing from zenith till the darkness: included four prayers, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha and “recitation at dawn prayer” means Fajr Prayer.
All five prayers are mandatory on all adult Muslim men or women. So we have to pay maximum attention to maintaining regularity in performing the five prayers everyday.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 238)
(Guard strictly your all prayers, especially the Middle prayer; and stand before Allah in devout obedience).
Along with these five daily prayers Muslims re required to make juma prayer. juma prayer is wajib for adult males.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 62, verse: a)
(O believers! When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah, and leave all worldly commerce: this is for your own good of you know).
Although the reward of prayer is confirmed on the day of judgement, it brings its fruit in this world too. It plays a great role in the out come of our daily business. Allah says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 29, verse: 45)
(Undoubtedly, the prayer forbids one from indecency and evil thing).
So through prayer we can get away from wrong doings and bad actions as well.
Zakat is known as the second pillar of Islam. Every adult man or woman with specific conditions has to pay 2.5% of their saving to needy Muslims.
The Holy Quran has discussed this topic several times proclaiming its importance in saving the Muslim community from disastrous conditions.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 43)
(And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down).
Wealth is the blessing of Almighty Allah and the one who possesses it, is merely a custodian not the real owner. So, by the order of Allah, a Muslim is required to pay a certain amount of it as a zakat and use the rest for his/her own purposes. Let us read the following verse of the Holy Quran to understand this matter in a better way.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:9, verse: 103)
(Of their wealth, take zakat, that so you might purify and sanctify them; and pray on their behalf.)
This zakat cannot be given to just anybody without looking at his position. Rather, there are some eligible persons who can benefit from zakat. Holy Quran is clear when indicating those groups of people.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 9, verse: 60)
(Zakat is only for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the funds; for those whose hearts have been reconciled for Islam, and for the freeing of slaves, and for debtors and in the cause of Allah, and for the traveler. This has been ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom)
It should be noted that the fourth group of people who are eligible to get the zakat in the above verse, have been excluded from the list and the great Companions of the Prophet were in agreement on it. Among those were Hzt( Please insert) Abu Bakr, Hzt Umar and others (May Allah be pleased with them). It is , because at the early stage of Islam needed to attract eminent personalities from non-believer communities through zakat money. But after the conquest of Holy Mecca, there was no need to give zakat to non0beleivers. We as Muslim believe that those companions might have some explanation of this verse by the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) that led them to take this step.
Of course, we will get the reward of practicing zakat on the day of judgement.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 110)
(And be steadfast in prayer and give zakat; And whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah; for Allah sees well all that you do).
FASTING(SAUM):-
Fasting is an obligation on every adult Muslim as it was prescribed on others before us.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:2, verse: 183)
(O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you would be pious)
Here, Almighty Allah has disclosed the secret behind the obligation of Fasting. SO we must observe fasting with the intention of reaching piousness.
The Holy Month of Ramadan has been chosen by Almighty Allah to be the fasting month.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 185)
(It was the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed as guidance to mankind and a self-evident proof of that guidance and clear signs of judgement; Hence, whoever of you lives to see this month, necessarily he should fast)
Almighty Allah is kind and Merciful. He does not like to give His servants hardships. So, those who fall ill during Ramadan and are unable to fast, are exempt from fasting at that time. But they have to make it up after recovering from their illness. These make up fasts can be performed at any month of the year. The same choice has been given by Almighty Allah to those who are traveling during Ramadan.
(The holy Quran< chapter::2, verse: 185)
(And any one who is ill or on journey, the prescribed period should be made up by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you in hardship)
One who is observing the fast must abstain from all: eating, drinking and marital relations with their spouses from dusk till dawn.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 187)
(And eat and drink until white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; and then resume fasting until night appears)
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It allows Muslims around the world to demonstrate their unity of strength annually in Mecca. Indicating its obligatory status, The Holy Quran reminds:
(The holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 196)
(And complete the Hajj and Umra for the sake of Allah)
Hajj becomes mandatory on those adult Muslims who enough financial means to cover all the expenses of Hajj.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, verse: 97)
(And Hajj is a duty owed to Allah by people who can afford it. And those who deny, then Allah does not stand in need of anything in the whole worlds)
Hajj can be performed only in its specific timing as stated in the Holy Quran.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:2, verse: 192)
(For Hajj are the months well known)
Those well-known months are Shawwal (Insert Arabic), Zulqada (Insert Arabic), and ten days of ZilHaj (Insert Arabic) from the beginning.
To maintain law and order in the society, it is very important for everybody to know his/her rights. The Holy Quran has touched upon this matter in several places. In this brief section, although we cannot discuss every person’s individual rights and responsibilities separately. However, we will try to touch some important classes of our communities.
Parents are one of the precious gifts of Almighty Allah on this earth. They work very hard in looking after their children. This is why, Almighty Allah has ordered us to treat our parents well.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:5, verse: 151)
(Say, O beloved, come let you convey unto you what Allah has forbidden to you: Do not associate any one with Him, be good to your parents)
A very literary word “ insert Arabic” has been used. This refers to any action they may require from us, from obeying them to serving them. Indeed they deserve our special attention their whole life specifically when they become old as stated in the Holy Quran.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 17, verse: 23,24)
(Whether one or both [parents] of them attain old age in your life, never say a word of contempt to them, nor scoff them, but address them in terms of honor. And spread over them the wing of humility, and say, My Lord! Bestow the grace upon them, ever as they cherished and reared me when I was child).
We are supposed to obey our parents respectfully without arguing with them. Almighty Allah has counted this habit among the appreciated qualities, while talking about His pious messenger Yahya (Peace be upon him)
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:19, verses: 13,14)
(As well as, by Our grace, compassion, and purity; and he was conscious of Us. And kind to his parents, and he was not overbearing and rebellious).
By the grace of Almighty Allah, we are Muslims. One Muslim joins hands with another one to make a universal Islamic community. The relationship amongst them is brotherhood as stated in the Holy Quran:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 49, verse:10)
(All believers are brethren. Hence make peace between your two brethren.)
This strong divine relationship requires us to be united in this world.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, verse: 103)
(And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah and be not divided among yourselves)
Unfortunately, if some Muslims are at odds with each other, we must play a role to reunite them and make their disputes resolved.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 49, verse: 9)
(If two groups of believers fall to fighting,malke peace between them, but then, if one of the two goes on acting wrongfully towards the other, fight against the one that acts wrongfully until it reverts to Allah’s commandment; and if they revert make peace between them with justice, and deal with them equally; for verily, Allah loves those who act equally).
We are not supposed to make friendship with non-believers.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:3, Verse: 28)
(Let not the Believers take for friend’s unbelievers rather than believers).
In another place it was made very clear that in fact believers should be the friends of other believers.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 9, verse: 71)
(And the Believers, men and women, are friends to one another)
Muslims are friends to one another, and there is a strong relationship of brotherhood between us. We must help each other.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 5, verse: 2)
(And help each other in righteousness and piety)
WITH THE ORPHANS,THE POOR, NEIGHBORS,RELATIVES AND SERVANTS:-
The Holy Quran pays special attention towards orphans, the poor, neighbors, relatives and servants. Almighty Allah has given them a remarkable importance in His Holy book.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter :4, verse: 36)
(And worship Allah and do not associate anyone with Him; and do good to parents, kin’s folk, orphans, needy, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, and the friend by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom you rightfully possess, verily, Allah does not love any of those who are arrogant, act in a boastful manner.)
Almighty Allah encourages us to feed the needy and help them. Appreciating those who prefer to help them at the risk of their own comfort, the Quran states :
(The Holy Quran< chapter: 76, verse:8,9)
(And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive;[saying in their hearts]. We feed you for the sake of Allah alone; no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks)
Furthermore, Muslims should extend their helping hands towards to needy members of the Muslim Society. Almighty Allah says indicating to this important financial aid:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 177)
(And spends his sustenance, out of love for Him, for near of kin, orphans, needy, wayfarer, beggars and for ransom of slaves)
One cannot be a good member of the society, if he does not have a nice way of dealing with people. Almighty Allah knew its importance in building of a high-ranking community, so He discussed this matter in detail.
We will select some important aspects of moral values and try to understand the message of the Holy Quran according to the related topic.
WAY OF ADDRESSING:
This is the door that enters is into the world of relationships. The better the communication skills the stronger the relationships between people will be, the Holy Quran states, the general idea of talking:
(The Holy Quran,Chapter: 2, verse: 83)
(Speak nicely to the people)
Conservation should be conducted in low voice. Talking loud unnecessarily is a sign of uncivilized manners.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 31, verse: 19)
(And lower your voice, verily the ugliest of all voices is the voice of the assess)
Even at the time of debate with representatives f other religions, we are supposed to communicate with them in a respected manner.
(The Holy Quran, Cahpter:16, verse: 125)
(Invite to the way of your lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in the most kindly manners)
These nice manners of talking would be for everybody regardless of his gender, religion and financial status.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse:8)
(And when near of kin, orphans and needy persons are present at the distribution, give them something therefore, and speak to them in a kindly way)
Kind word is better than financial aid followed by hurt.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse:263)
(Kind words and forgiveness are better than a charitable deed followed by Hurt; and Allah is self-sufficient, forbearing)
HUMBLENESS:
This moral quality plays an effective role in getting closer to people. Accepting this fact, the Holy Quran says addressing to the Prophet Muhammed(Peace be upon him).
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:3, verse: 159)
(And it was by the grace of Allah that you deal gently with followers. Were you to be sever, harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from you)
Almighty Allah ordered Hi Prophet to deal with his followers politely.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 26, Verse: 215)
(And spread the wings of the tenderness over all of the believers who may follow you)
Approaching those who deal with the believers gently, Almighty Allah said:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 25, verse:63)
(Servants of the Most Gracious are they who walk gently on earth, and who, whenever the foolish address them, reply with peace.)
Patience is a best weapon in the hands of the Believers. They can use it to get rid of times stressing its importance in our daily life, Almighty Allah says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, verse: 200)
(O you who believe, Be patient, and Be firm with patience before enemies. Guard the border of Islamic country and fear Allah that you may prosper).
Almighty Allah’s blessings will be very close to those who show patience. This fact was made clear in this verse of the Holy Quran.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:2, verse: 153)
(Allah is with those who are patient).
Those who are patient and doing what they have been told to do, would be rewarded by Almighty Allah.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 11, verse: 11)
(But those who show patience and work righteousness, for them is forgiveness and a great reward)
In another place, Almighty Allah said that those who show patience would be prosperous.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 23, verse: 111)
(Today, I have rewarded them for their patience; they are indeed the ones who achieved a triumph)
It is one of the attributes of Almighty Allah as He stated in the Holy Quran.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, verse: 95)
(Say, Allah is truthful, follow, then, the creed of Abraham, who was away from all that is false, and was not of the polytheists)
Almighty Allah appreciated truthful believers and promised fore them a great reward.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 57, verse: 19)
(And those who believe in Allah and His Prophets, They are the perfect truthful and witnesses for others before their Lord. For them would be their reward and light.)
Indeed, Almighty Allah loves those who are truthful. Therefore, He ordered us to be among them.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 9, verse: 119)
(O believers! Fear Allah and be with the truthful)
Almighty Allah is much forgiving. He likes to forgive his servants.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse: 43)
We have been ordered by Almighty Allah, to forgive each other. Forgiveness is the best way to lead the sinners back on the right way.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 24, verse:22)
(Let not those of you who have been graced with favor and easy of life ever take oath against helping their kinsmen, needy an those who have left their homes in Allah’s cause; let them forgive and over look)
Appreciating believers who forgive the people and control their anger, Quran says,
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, verse: 134)
(Who spend in the cause of Allah in time of plenty and in time of hardship, and hold in check their anger, and forgive their fellow man, And Allah loves the does of good.
In other words, its importance was made clear very nicely.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 42, verse: 43)
(whoever shows patience and forgives, this , indeed is an affair of great resolution).
Some Companions in Mecca, decided to migrate to their Prophet (Peace be upon him) in Medina, but their children and wives made them conscious about their safety in Mecca. Therefore, they cancelled the trip, later on, they moved to Medina and saw their friends became more educated and knowledgeable than them. This made them feel angry, and made them to stop helping their family members. This verse of the Holy Quran was revealed and asked them to forgive their family members and so not retaliate against them.
(The Holy Quran, chapter: 64, verse: 14)
(O who you believe, truly some of your wives and children are enemies to you, so beware o them. But if you forgive and overlook, and cover up, Surely Allah is oft forgiving, Most Merciful)
It has a very clear message for all of us to be kind to family members and overlook their errors.
KEEPING THE PROMISE:
To keep a promise is one of the civilized manners. Almighty Allah ordered us to fulfill our promises.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 5, verse: 1)
(O you who believe! Fulfill obligations)
In another verse of the Holy Quran, Almighty Allah awarded those who keep their promises, with piousness.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, verse: 76)
(Yes, why not, who fulfilled his promise and feared Allah, verily Allah loves those who fears Allah)
Keeping promises is very important. A Person who makes a promise , would be asked on the day of judgement about it.
(The holy Quran, Chapter: 17, verse: 34)
(And fulfill promise, verily you will be asked for every promise you have made)
JUSTICE:
Justice is helpful in maintaining law and order within society. Almighty Allah ordered us to promote justice.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse: 58)
(Allah does command you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due; and whenever you judge between people, to judge with justice).
Justice must be prescribed in the Islamic society even though it results in loss of your own or your family members indicating to this fact, Allah says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:4, verse: 135)
(O you who believe, stand firmly for justice, bearing witness to the truth for the sake of Allah, even though it be against your own selves or your parents and kinsfolk, whether the person concerned be rich or poor, anyway Allah has more power than any one of them. Do not, then follow your own desire, lets you swerve from Justice.)
In our daily business, we are supposed to practice justice. Even at the time of weighing and measurement.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 17, verse: 35)
(And weigh full measure whenever you measure, and weigh with a balance that is true: This will be good, and best in the end).
Our daily business must reflect moderation. It leads to a successful and ;pleasant living because this is the way of Almighty Allah.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 16, verse: 9)
(And the middle part is rightly up to Allah and some ways are crossed)
Giving the best example for moderation, Holy Quran states:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 17, verse: 29)
(And neither allows your hand to remain shackled to the neck, nor stretch it forth to the utmost limit, lets you find yourself blamed, destitute).
This verse is a metaphor, signifying miserliness and helping out of capacity. And both ways are in a rate. In a more clear word, Holy Quran says appreciating those who have chosen the moderation for their charity works.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 25, verse: 67)
(And who, whenever they spend on others are neither wasteful, no niggardly but there is always a just means betweens those two extremes).
Without a clear picture of evil path, a person cannot save himself from walking on it. The Holy Quran signifies every evil way to enable us to avoid bad behavior in all our daily dealings.
As we did in the previous chapter, we will see some bad behaviors disused in the shade of the Holy Quran separately.
Indeed, lying is an undesirable act. Whether it would be practiced in daily affairs or in the matter of religion., But telling lies against Almighty Allah and His signs is really a very big sin.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 6, verse: 21)
(Who does more wrong than he who forges a lie against Allah or rejects His signs? Surely the wrong doers will never get prosperity)
These who invent a lie against Almighty Allah and His signs would be severely punished.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 6, verse: 49)
(And those who give the lie to our messages suffering will afflict them in result of all their sinful doings.)
And praising those who avoid telling a lie and witnessing falsehood, Almighty Allah says in His Holy book:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 25, verse: 72)
(And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by useless thing, they pass by it with honorable)
Almighty Allah ordered us to keep away from telling lies.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 22, verse: 30)
(And cattle’s are made lawful to you, except those mentioned to you, so be away from the filth of the idols, and avoid the word that is false).
Backbiting results in spreading mischief among the members of the Islamic society. Therefore, its practice was discouraged.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 49, verse: 12)
(Verily suspicion in some cases is a sin. And do not spy on each other and do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abominate it).
A severe punishment is waiting for backbiter as the Holy Quran states:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 104,verse:1)
(Woe to every scandalmonger and backbiter.)
Previous nations had ridiculed their Prophets and the signs of Almighty Allah.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 36, verse:30)
(Ah! Woe to the servants, when any Prophet comes to them, they make fun of him)
Of course, it was a big sin, therefore Almighty Allah warned them of a punishment.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: (Please Insert)
(And surely, the Prophets were mocked before you but granted respite to the unbelievers, and finally I punished them, and awesome was my retribution).
This bad practice has a negative aspect on public relationships amongst Muslim Society that results in taking them away from each other. Almighty Allah says:
(The Holy Quran,Chapter: 49, verse:11)
(O,believers, let not men laugh at other men. It may be that they are better than those laugh, and nor women at other women, it may be that they are better than those women who laugh. And neither shall you defame one another, nor insult one another by opprobrious epithets. What a bad name is, to be called wickedness after he has believed. And those who do not repent, are wrong doers).
Almighty Allah does not like boasting in any way.
(The Holy Quran, chapter: 57, verse: 23)
(And Allah does not love any of those who, out of self-conceit, act in a boastful manner)
Furthermore, Allah does not love those who are arrogant.
(The Holy Quran, chapter: 16, verse: 23)
(Surely He does not love the arrogant.)
Almighty Allah will punish those who act in an arrogant manner. And they will not have a chance to get out of Hell.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:4, verse: 173)
(Whereas those who felt proud and gloried in their arrogance, He will give them a painful punishment. And they will not find for them beside Allah any supporter or helper)
Wasting money is an undesirable act. Our religion guides us to the righteous way of living. Extravagance is the way of (evil).
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 17, verses: 2,6,7)
(And give kinsmen their rights and to those in hand(?) , and to the wayfarer and do not squander [your wealth senselessly. Surely squanderers are the brothers of satan. And the satan is very ungrateful to his Lord)
Almighty Allah loves those who are very sincere in spending their money. Appreciating those pious servants, He says:
(The Holy Quran, chapter: 25, verse: 67)
(And who, whenever they spend on others, are neither wasteful nor niggardly but there is always a just means between those),
We are supposed to be very careful about using our money. Of course, Allah, the Exalted permits us to spend our money to attain a better life in this world. However, spending senselessly and being extravagant is prohibited.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 7, verse: 31)
(O children of Adam! Adorn yourselves whenever you go to the Mosque and drink, but do not waste. Verily, He does not love the wasteful).
Dishonesty is strictly forbidden in Islamic way of life. Almighty Allah does not love those who betray the trust of others.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse: 107)
(Verily, Allah does not love those who betray their trust and persist in sinful ways).
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 8, verse: 58)
(Verily, Allah does not love the treacherous).
Therefore, Almighty Allah ordered us to be honest, with Him, as well as with His Prophet and people.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 8, verse: 27)
(O believers! DO not betray the trust of Allah and the Prophet, nor misappropriate things entrusted to you knowingly)
Clearing another aspect of embezzlement, Almighty Allah says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, Verse: 283)
(And if one of you deposits a thing of trust with another, let the trustee discharge his trust, and fear his Lord)
As Muslims we have to follow the order of Almighty Allah in every walk of life. Regarding honesty, He orders:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse: 58)
(Allah does command you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due; and whenever you judge between people, to judge with justice )
Money is a gift of Almighty Allah. It must be spent in a way, He ordered keeping it unnecessarily is an unlawful manner.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, verse: 180)
(And those who niggardly cling to all that Allah has granted them out of His bounty, do not think that it is good for them, on the contrary it is bad for them. Soon shall the things, which they niggardly cling, be tried to their necks on the day of judgement.)
Warning those who consciously withhold their wealth, Almighty Allah says.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 9, verse: 34)
(And who lay up treasures of gold and silver and do not spend them for the sake of Allah- give them the tiding of grievous suffering).
To blame someday falsely is a big sin. Almighty Allah condemned it clearly.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse: 112)
(And he who commits a fault or a sin and then throws the blame thereof on an innocent person, he carries on himself a falsehood and a fragrant sin).
Throwing the blame on innocent men or women is a way to harm them. This action finds no place in Islamic constitution.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 33, verse:58)
(And those malign believing men and believing women without their having done any wrong- they surely burden themselves with the guilt of calumny, and with a glaring sin)
Guessing about one another in a bad way is a sin. Indeed, this would not lead to actual information.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 53, verse: 28)
(And they have no knowledge therein. They follow nothing but conjecture; and conjecture avails nothing against truth).
Almighty Allah ordered us to avoid guesswork that may lead to unfounded suspicion of another person’s actions.
(The holy Quran, Chapter: 49, verse: 12)
( O believers, avoid suspicion. Verily some suspicion is a sin and do not spy on each other nor talk ill of each other behind their backs.)
Thinking of a peaceful community in presence of crimes is impossible. The Holy Quran discussed this matter in detail to eradicate it from the society.
We will Select some fragrant crimes and see what the Holy Quran guides us about them.,
Killing an innocent person without specific reason is a big crime.
Almighty Allah says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 17, verse: 33)
( And do not take any human being’s life, which Allah has made sacred, except for just cause)
Those “just” causes may be interpreted d as in the execution of a legal sentence or in a legal way or in self-defense.
Every life is a gift of Almighty Allah and taking it without any legal reasons is prohibited. Showing us its importance, He says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 5, verse: 32)
(Because of this we ordained for the children of Israel that if anyone slew a person-unless it be for murder or for spreading corruption on earth- it would be as if he slew the whole mankind and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of whole mankind).
Islam demands a society that provides not only the spiritual needs of a person, but for his bodily needs as well. It follows, therefore that a society must be constituted so that every individual can feel a real peace and security.
A peaceful and secure society cannot exist if property theft is prevalent in people.
Because of the immense impact of stealing and cheating on the society, the Holy Quran d3escribes the big punishment for those who are involved in those actions.
(The Holy Quran,chapter:5,verse:38)
( For the man who steals and the woman who steals, cut off the hand of either of them in requital for what they have done, as a deterrent ordained by Allah, and Allah is exalted in power.
Cheating and fraud destabilize the society, Almighty Allah ordered us not to practice those unjust ways.
(The Holy Quran,Chapter: 26,verse: 183)
(And do not deprive people of what is rightfully theirs and do not act wickedly on earth by spreading corruption.)
Alcoholic drinks and drugs are strongly prohibited by Almighty Allah. Alcoholic drinks were commonly used in Arabia. To stop using it abruptly was not applicable, therefore a logical way was adopted that led to the final prohibition gradually.
At the first step, Almighty Allah said it had some benefit and evil but sin was more than the benefits.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:2, verse: 219)
(They ask you concerning intoxicants and games of chance. Say:: In them is great sin and some worldly benefit, but the evil which they cause is greater than the benefit which they bring)
In the second stage, it was said that do not get close to the prayer while you were intoxicant.
(The Holy Quran, chapter: 4, verse: 43)
(O believers! Do not attempt to pray while you are drunk until you know what you are saying, nor in a state of ceremonial impurity until you have taken bath-except if you are traveling).
Finally, intoxication was declared illegal.
(The holy Quran, Chapter:5, verse: 90)
(O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idolatrous practices and diving of the future through arrows are but an abomination – of satan’s work, then shun it so that you may prosper)
Islam encourages honesty and peaceful dealings. Indeed, bribery is practiced generally to posses someone else’s property or belonging’s wrongfully.
Almighty Allah prohibited us from this evil practice.
(The Holy Quran, chapter:2, verse: 188)
(And do not eat up one another’s possessions wrongfully and nor use it as a bribe for the judges, with a view to eat up wrongfully and knowingly some of the people’s property.
Gambling is a way to accumulate money through unlawful means. Almighty Allah strictly ordered us to avoid it.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:5, verse: 90)
(O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idolatrous practices and diving of the future through arrows are but an abomination – of satan’s work, then shun it so that you may prosper).
Receiving in excess on money lent to others, is unlawful. Almighty Allah , referring to this topic said:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 275)
(Those who devour usury, will not stand on the day of judgement, but like the standing of one whom the evil spirit has by touching made mad. That is because they say, trading is like a kind of usury. And Allah has made trading lawful, and usury unlawful.)
Explaining this topic more clearly, Almighty Allah said:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, verse: 130))
(O believers! Do not devour usury, doubling and redoubling it-and fear Allah, so that you may prosper)
Those who practice it may think that it causes an increase in their wealth, but in fact it decreases their positions in the sight of Almighty Allah.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 30, verse: 39)
(And whatever you may give out in usury so that it might increase through people’s possessions will bring no increase in the sight of Allah.)
Adultery is strictly prohibited in Islamic way of life. It includes all types of sexual intercourse between a man and a woman who are not husband and wife, irrespective of whether either of them is married to another partner or not. Referring to this evil action, Almighty Allah said:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 17, verse: 32)
( a do not get close to adultery, verily it is an an abomination and an evil way)
In this verse, Almighty Allah not only ordered us, not to commit adultery, but He ordained us also, not to get close to it. It signifies all actions, which may lead to adultery.
Praising those who avoid practicing this action, Almighty Allah says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 25, verse: 68)
(And those who don’t worship any other god along with Allah and do not kill any life, which Allah has willed to be sacred except for just cause and do not commit adultery; and whosoever does this shall get the punishment)
Islam promotes peace and justice in the society. Destabilizing the country, by whatever tactics are being used, is strongly prohibited. Almighty Allah does not shower His mercy on those who are aggressors.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, verse: 570
(And Allah does not love unjust-doers)
Every violent act is being recorded by Angels, appointed by Almighty Allah. On the day of judgement, wrong doers would be brought face to face with their doings.
(The Holy Quran, chapter: 14, verse: 42)
(And do not think that Allah is unaware of what the evildoers are doing. He but grants them respite until the day when their eyes will stare in horror)
In another verse, the Holy Quran warns those evildoers who oppress others and spread corruption in the society.
(The Holy Quran, chapter: 42, verse: 42)
( Blame attaches but to those who oppress people and behave outrageously on earth, defying right and justice. For them there is grievous torment.)
Since a couple of decades, this has become a very sensitive topic among non-believers. They have chosen to blame the Islamic theology and derogate its value.
Because of its importance, specifically in the way of the Dowa movement, we will try to understand its lawful meaning and conditional appearance in the shade of the Holy Quran, touching on the historical facts about it.
With the first revelation at the cave of Hira, the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) announced his Prophet-Hood and later on started calling people to Islam. With the blessings of Almighty Allah, some of the people embraced Islam, But unfortunately, they were tortured and brutally punished at the hands of non-believers without any lawful reason. Although, they had their right of self-defense, they were ordered to be patient by Almighty Allah and they allowed it peacefully.
( The Holy Quran, chapter: 15, verse: 85)
(And the hour is surely coming, so overlook with gracious forgiveness)
In another place, He says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:15, verse: 94)
(Therefore say them openly what you have been commanded, and turn away from the polytheists.)
Muslims were facing horrible prosecutions with much patience. During this period of hardships, the Prophet Muhammed(Peace be upon him) was ordained by Almighty Allah to migrate to Medina. Soon he and his followers migrated and settled there peacefully.
Although Muslims were in Medina at a distance of several miles from Mecca, non-believers did not stop their animosity towards Muslims and kept on planning to eradicate the Islamic movement. In this desperate moment Almighty Allah has given Muslims the permission to fight with those who oppress them.
(The holy Quran, Chapter: 22, verse: 39, 40)
(Permission is given to those against whom war is being waged wrongfully-and surely , Allah is more powerful for their aid. Those who have been driven out from their homelands unlawfully for no other reason than their saying’ Our Lord is Allah, and if Allah had not enabled people to defend themselves against one another, monasteries, churches, synagogues and Mosques in which Allah’s name is commemorated abundantly would surely have been destroyed)
And in another verse, this permission to practice self-defense was stated more clearly.
(The Holy Quran, chapter: 2, verse: 190)
( And fight in the way of Allah against those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression. Verily, Allah does not love aggressors.)
According to the treaty of Hudaiba which was signed by the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) and a representative of non-believers in Mecca, no one had the right to wage war against each other. Therefore, Muslims in Medina, came out marching towards Mecca under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammed(Peace be upon him) with the intention of performing Hajj: Although Hudaiba treaty was in action, some Muslim had concern of mistreatment by non believers, then Almighty Allah revealed his order that if non believers had started fighting against you, then verily you would have the permission to kill them wherever you found them.
(The Holy Quran, Cahpter:2, verse: 191)
(And slay them wherever you may come upon them, and drive them away from wherever they drove you away- for oppression is worse than killing. And do not fight against them near the sacred Mosque, unless they fight against o there first, but if they fight against you, slay them)
But if non-believers realized their mistakes and stop repressing Muslims, we must not fight against them,
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:2, verse: 192)
(But if they desist- verily Allah is Much Forgiving, Most merciful)
For Further clarification of this matter lets see this verse of the Holy Quran.
(The Holy Quran, chapter: 8, verse: 61)
(But if they incline to peace, incline you to it as well, and trust in Allah, verily He alone is all hearing, all knowing.)
These discussions were about those who wage war against peacefully settled Muslims. But for the non-believers who not have the intention to fight against Muslims and give them hard times, our religion advises is to be good and just with them.
(The Holy Quran, chapter: 60, verse: 8,9)
( Allah does not forbid you regarding those who do not fight against you on account of faith, and nor they drive you out of your homes-from dealing kindly and justly with them, verily Allah loves those who fought you on account off faith, and drive you out of your homes, and aid in driving you out, from turning to them in friendship. Who turn towards them in friendship, are wrongdoers.)
IMPORTANCE OF PREACHING
The Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) was come as a Last Messenger. No new Prophet of Almighty Allah would be expected till the end of this world.
The Second important point to be considered is, his universal Prophet hood. He was sent to guide everybody in the world to the right way of living.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 13, verse: 7)
(You are only a Warner and a guide to every people).
Although, he is the Last Messenger and his Prophet hood is universal, he is not in his obvious life among us. This is why, we have been ordered to be torchbearer of his message to our community generations.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 41, verse: 33)
( And who could be better of speech then he who invites towards Allah and does what is right and just, and says’ verily I am of those who have submitted themselves to Allah)
Inviting non-believers towards the Islamic religion is our collective responsibility. Every member of our nation should work in this area as to get non-believers close to Islam. Along with this, there should be specific group of learned scholars among us to handle this responsibility in a better way. Almighty Allah says referring to this group,
( The Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, verse: 104)
(And that there grow out of you a community who invite to all that is good, enjoin the doing of what is good and forbid the doing of what is wrong. And they are the one who attain supreme joy.)
To achieve an expected goal in this filed, we should adopt a better way of preaching. Good manners play a significant rule in attracting others to Islam. Therefore, those who decided to be the torch-bearer of this divine message, must be humble, logical, patient and of good manners.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 16, verse: 125)
(Invite to the way of your Sustainer with wisdom, goodly preaching and argue with them in a most kindly manner)
Our responsibility is only to invite non-believers to Islam. We would not be asked about those who do not accept it. Just as the Prophet of Almighty Allah, would not be responsible for them.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 29, verse: 18)
(And the responsibility of the Prophet is only to deliver the message clearly.)
And for us, Almighty Allah says,
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 36, verse: 17)
(And we are not bond to do more than clearly deliver the message)
Preaching of Islam is highly respected before the eye of Almighty Allah. Those who are involved in this work, would be rewarded on the day of judgement. Appreciating to those obedient servants, Almighty Allah says,
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 33, verse: 39)
(Those who deliver the message of Allah and fear Him and fear none except Allah. And Allah is enough to account)
Almighty Allah has declared the nation of the Last Prophet, as a best nation and mentioning their one of the best attributes, Allah, the Exalted says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, verse: 110)
(You are indeed the best community that has ever been brought forth for mankind: you enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid the doing of what is wrong and you believe in Allah).
Almighty Allah has created us and sent His messengers to guide us to the righteous way. All the messengers have come to their respective communities and explained what they have been sent. They also informed the people about a reward waiting for them of they would work accordingly to Prophets’ teachings and they please Almighty Allah and His messenger.
This precious award is known as “Paradise”. We will see some of its images under the shade of the Holy Quran.
Heaven was made for pious Muslims. Referring to this fact, Holy Quran says,
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 82)
(And those who have faith and do righteous deeds- they are destined for paradise, therein shall they abide)
Paradise is very big. Its dimensions are like those of earth and heaven combined.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 57, verse: 21)
(Go forward to seek the forgiveness of your Lord and to a paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, which has been readied for those who have faith in Allah and His Prophets.)
Paradise is an utmost beautiful place. It is impossible to bring anything in this world, similar to its luxurious life. In it, people will be served drinks of different tastes.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 47, verse: 15)
(The description of the Paradise which the Allah fearing are promised, wherein there are rivers of water which does not stale; and rivers of milk the taste of which does not alter, and rivers of wine delightful to those who drink it, and rivers of honey of all impurity cleansed)
Although wine would be available in the paradise, its effect would be totally different than the wine of this world.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 37, verse: 45,46,47)
( A cup will be passed around them among from unsullied springs, white colored, delightful to those who drink it, no intoxication will be in it, and they will not get drunk thereon)
There will be different kinds of fruit available for paradise-seekers.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 25)
(Whenever they would be provided a fruit to eat, they would say looking at its shape, this is what we had been given before, and that was given to them resembling in shape)
Eternal shapes of the fruits would be like of this world, but they will be more delicious and different in taste. This is because, we are familiar with the outlook of worldly fruits.
In paradise, everything would be provided. Whatever they wish, would be available for them.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 36, verse: 57)
(there is fruits for them in the paradise and there if for them whatever they ask for)
Unique dresses would be provided for them, including the jewels of gold.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 18, verse: 31)
( Theirs shall be gardens of perpetual bliss, through which running waters flow, they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and will wear green garments of silk and heavy brocade, leaning therein on big couches: how excellent a recompense and how goodly a place to rest)
Every comfort would be provided therein, and Almighty Allah will get them married with beautiful maidens.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 52, verse: 20)
(reclining on couches ranged in rows; and we shall get them married with fair maidens having beautiful big eyes.)
Naturally a human feels better when he gets close to his family members. On this natural need, Almighty Allah will reunite us if everyone of the same family would have faith and enough deeds.
Along with, Allah will shower His blessings on family members of those whom He is pleased, and make them close to His pious servants.
(The holy Quran, Chapter: 52, verse: 21)
(And those who believed and whose offspring followed them in faith, we shall unite their offspring with them and we shall not diminish their deeds: every human being will be held in pledge for whatever he has earned.)
There will be total peace and stability. Bad manners-whatever it would be will have no place to stay therein.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 78, verse: 35)
(No empty talk will they hear in paradise, nor any lie)
On the day of judgement, everybody would be asked about his/her deeds in this world. Those who have the true faith and good deeds would be rewarded a palace in Paradise, but those have gone astray would be thrown in the Hell.
With the reference of the Holy Quran, we can see a quick picture of the Hell and its description.
Hell is so big, It will accommodate every non-believer easily.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 50, verse: 30)
(On that day we will ask Hell, “Are you filled?” and it will answer, is there yet more)
Hell has seven doors. Hell-seekers would be divided into seven groups. Each group will get in through specific door.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 15, verse: 43,44)
(And verily Hell is the promised goal for them all. With seven gates leading into it, each gate receiving its allotted share of sinners)
Hell is utter abasement place. It is full of punishments and tortures.
( The Holy Quran, Chapter: 25,verse: 34)
(they who shall be gathered to Hell up their faces, their destination is worst and they are worst astray from the path)
Hell-goers would be severely punished in the Hell. Their bodies will suffer the burnings of heated flames.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 9, verse: 35)
(On the day, they shall be heated in the fire of Hell, and their foreheads, their sides and backs branded there with)
When they ask some food or dink, they would be served the worst food and hottest water.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 44, verses: 43-49)
(Verily, the tree of Zaqqum[cactus], will be the food of the sinful. Like molted lead will it boil in the belly. Like the boilingh of burning despair. Seize him and drag him into the midst of the blazing fire. Then pour over his head the torment of boiling water. Taste it, you who considered yourself so mighty, so noble.)
Holy Quran speaks about their drinks more clearly:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 78, verse: 24,25)
(Nothing cool shall they taste therein, nor any drink. Except boiling water and a burning pus of sinners)
When their burning bodies will be out of flesh, Almighty Allah will create a new flesh for them, so they can fell the chastisement of fire again and again.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse: 56)
(Every time their skins are burnt off, we shall replace them with new skins, so that they may taste suffering)
These sinners who are in the Hellfire will not be forgiven and their punishments will not be eliminated or lightened.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 35, verse: 36)
( And those who are bent on denying the truth- For them will be the fire of hell. No end shall be put to their lives so that they could die, nor shall its chastisement be lightened for them. Thus do we reward every ungrateful one).
On that day they will request to be given a chance of going back to this world, so that they will accept the Islam and follow accordingly to it. Of course, they would have no more chances by then.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 35, Verse: 37)
(And in that they will cry aloud: Our Lord, cause us to come out, we shall do good deeds, not such as we used to do. {Allah will say} Did we not grant you a life so that whoever was willing to understand could understand by himself! A warner had come to you. Then taste, for wrongdoers there is no helper)
One day this whole world will come to an end and every thing will be destroyed except Almighty Allah. Later on, He will make us alive again to see our deeds and decide our last destination.
This concept of check has an important impact in our daily business. If everyone thinks of accountability before Almighty Allah, naturally he thinks and rethinks about what he is willing to do.
In fact, it helps us in keeping our steps on the righteous way. This is the reason, we see Holy Quran touches this topic many times in different ways. Let us see some of these places to recall this matter in our minds.
For a noble reason, Almighty Allah has kept the exact time of the “Last Day” in secret.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 7, verse: 187)
(They ask you about the Last hour: When will it come to pass? Say, verily knowledge of it rests with my Lord, He will reveal it in its time. Heavily will it weigh on the heavens and the earth: it shall not fall upon you otherwise than of a sudden. They ask you, as you have already investigated it well, say knowledge of it rest with my Lord only, but most people are unaware)
Almighty Allah states about its secrecy more clearly:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 20, verse: 15)
(Undoubtedly, the hour is to come. I have willed to keep it hidden so that human may be recompensed for his endeavors)
On the one hand, Almighty Allah has kept its exact date in hidden, and on the other hand, He informed us that He is watching our deeds.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 14, verse: 42)
(And do not think that Allah is unaware of about the evildoers are doing: He but lets them respite until the day when their eyes will stare in horror).
On that day our deed swill be checked. One who will have less good deeds, would be dragged in the hell but those who have enough good deeds, would be allotted Paradise.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 7, verse: 8,9)
( And the weighing on that day is true, then those whose weight is heavy in the balance, they shall attain to a happy state and those whose weight is light in the balance, they will have squandered their own selves for their rejection of our messages.)
On that day not a single good deed would be over looked. Every thing would be accounted and compensated.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 21, verse: 47)
(And we shall set up scales of justice on the day of judgement so that no human being shall be dealt unjustly in the least for though there be the weight of a mustard seed we shall bring it forth; and enough are we to take account)
Those who do wrong , will not get any concession in their punishments, nor will they find any one who can help them or intercede for them.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 48)
(And fear the day, when no soul shall be a substitute for another, nor shall intercession be accepted from any infidel, nor ransom taken from them, and none shall be helped)
Even close family members will not be in a position to help any relative. Every one will have to face the consequences of what he/she did in this world.
(The holy Quran, Chapter: 60, verse: 3)
(Neither your kinsfolk nor you own children will be of any benefit to you on the day of resurrection, He will separate you from them: and Allah sees all that you do).
Among the all creations of Almighty Allah, human beings are the most important ones. They are of two kinds, men and women. Both of them need on another to push the wheels of this world forward.
The Holy Quran talks about them in several chapters. Sometimes, it describes them separately and sometimes without addressing any individual name.
As a matter of fact, the Holy Quran basically, does not differentiate among them, rather, it gives the same importance to both of them.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, verse: 195)
(And thus their sustainer heard their prayer, that certainly I shall not lose the labor of you who labors, be it man or woman: each of you is an issue of the other)
IN another verse, it gives the glad tiding of paradise for both of them.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse: 124)
(Whereas anyone_ be it man or woman_ who does of good deeds and is a believer, shall enter paradise, and shall not be wronged)
Touching on the topic of good deeds in reference to men and women, the Holy Quran in a very pleasant and literary way states:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 33, verse: 35)
(Verily, for all men and women who have submitted themselves unto God, and all believing men and believing women , and all truly devout men and truly devout women, and all men and women who are true to their word, and all men and women who are patient in adversity, and all men and women who humble themselves, and all men and women who give in charity, and all man and women who observe fasting, and all men and women who are mindful of their chastity, and all men and women who remember Allah increasingly: for them Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward)
Although Almighty Allah has promised men and women a similar reward, however men have more strength naturally. This is the main reason, Holy Quran ordered men to be nice with women and take care of them perfectly.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, Verse: 19)
( And live with your wives in a goodly manner)
According to the Islamic theology, men are responsible for all kinds of business inside and outside the house. They must provide food, lodging, medication, education, and dresses for their wives and children, and logically power is directly proportional to responsibility. Following this fact, men should be given more power than women, to maintain the daily business of the house properly. Eying on this natural fact, the Holy Quran says,
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse: 34)
(Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more power than the other, and because they spend out of their possessions)
When Allah, the Exalted assigns the shares of inheritance, men are given double shares compared to the share for women. This is because men are given greater responsibility then women for supporting the household.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, verse:11)
(The male shall have the equal of two female’s share)
Along with this, we should see the whole process of distribution of inheritance to better understand the concept of Islamic way for inheritance.Depeneding only on the above verse of the Holy Quran, some may blame the Islamic theology for dealing with the matter of woman unjustly. Of course, women have the half of what men get, but for women, inheritance would be seen as a means of saving money because they are legally, free from any financial responsibly related to their houses and children, and even to their own selves, In the same perspective men are liable for themselves, their wives and children as we discusses earlier.
At this, one more point that may require clarification, is the sources of inheritance. Women are liable to receive one share form their parents as well as another one from their husbands. Men, however , only receive their shares from their parents.
The Holy Quran pays significant attention towards education and science. It is not be chance that the beginning of revelation of the Holy Quran starts wit the word “Read” , because it was done deliberately, to show the importance of getting education. Almighty Allah says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 96, verse: 1)
(Read in the name of your Sustainer, who has created)
In another verse, Almighty Allah regarded Himself as a teacher for His beloved Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him).
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: (?), verse:(?))
(Most Gracious. He taught the Quran to His beloved)
Uncovering the duties of the beloved Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him), Almighty Allah says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, verse: 151)
(As we have sent to you a Messenger from among yourselves to rehear you Our Signs, and sanctify you, and teach you the Book and wisdom and teach you that you did not know)
Reflecting on both above verses, we can understand the importance of teaching and getting education. Although, educating people seems to be the basic responsibility, in the process of passing the message of Almighty Allah to His bondmen, it is mentioned clearly in the Holy Quran to emphasize to us its importance and role in our daily businesses.
According to the Holy Quran, educated persons of the community, can better understand Almighty Allah and fear Him.
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 35, verse: 28)
(Among His servants, those truly fear Allah, who have knowledge)
This verse of the Holy Quran very clearly states that one who wants to please Almighty Allah, must pursue an education and try to understand the Islamic way of living in this world.
Along with this fact, Islam encourages us to get other forms of knowledge. As an evidence to this claim, we can see what the Holy Quran says inviting us towards thinking in the creation of the Almighty Allah,
(The holy Quran, Chapter: 30, verse: 8)
(Have they not think within themselves? Allah has not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them but with truth and for an appointed term)
Almighty Allah does not only divert our attention to His multiple creations around this globe, He also makes it clear that His creations were made as to enable us to derive lasting benefit from them.
(The holy Quran, Chapter: 16, verse: 12)
(And He has made the night, the day, the sun and the moon subservient to you and all the stars are subservient to His command.)
And He says in another verse
(The Holy Quran, chapter: 14, verse: 32)
(And He has made ships subservient to you, so that they may sail through the sea at His behest; and has made what is in the heavens and on earth, He says;
( The Holy Quran, Chapter: 14, verse: 13)
(And He has made subservient to you, from Himself, all that is in the heavens and on earth)
These verses open the door of investigation and research through the creations of Almighty Allah. Because there clear statements of making what lies between the heaven and earth are made easy to get the benefits from, play a vital role in the recent discoveries in the field of science and medicines.
Although numerous research papers and studies have been performed on the Quranic science and its significance to the field of medicine and discovery, let us discuss some verses of the Holy Quran related to this topic in order to support this chapter.
Explaining the inner situation of a person who has not been blessed with eth light of Islam, the Holy Quran says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:6, verse: 125)
(.. And whomsoever He will to let go astray, his bosom He cause to be tight and constricted, as if he were climbing unto the skies…)
This verse of the Holy Quran indicates very clearly to the fact that a person who is lifted to the upward position may be constricted due to the lack of oxygen needed for human survival. It is well known that the scholars of science and technology have confirmed the above fact in the past century through years of deep thinking and research.
And an another interesting example of it , is the uniqueness of finger prints, a well-known fact that was explored in the last century. To understand the Quranic indication towards this weird human phenomenon, we should go back to the time on the beloved Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him). In fact , the Islamic belief of resurrection was very reluctantly accepted by some hard line on believers. So they kept on asking about it saying “How come Almighty Allah will make together all messed up bones of different people in a separate distinguishable person.”
Denying this silly thinking, Almighty Allah says”
(The Holy Quran, Chapter:75, verse: 3,4)
(Does man think that we cannot bring his bones together again? Yes indeed, we are able to make his fingertips alike)
It confirms very clearly that Almighty Allah has made fingertips different from one person to another.
Discussing the matter oaf punishment and its effects on the body of a person, the Holy Quran says:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, Verse: 56)
(Every time their skins are brunt off, we shall replace them with new skins, so that they may taste suffering)
It uncovers the fact that sense of suffering in skin and flesh is much higher than those of bones, because of this Almighty Allah will replace the skins aiming at maximizing the sufferings in the Hell.
Along with those medically proven achievements, the Holy Quran touched different topics available in this world and indicating to some hidden properties in them, it encourage us to study them and spare some valuable time to think in them.
As an example the Holy Quran says about birds:
(The Holy Quran, Chapter: 6, verse: 38)
(There is not an animal on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but communities like you)
If a person reads the above verse, he naturally jumps to study the life of animals and birds.
Although more such findings could be given here, I am giving my pen a rest.
May Almighty Allah bless us all, Amen.