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The Universal Appeal of the Holy Quran
Compiled By: Syed Ali Shahbaz
The universal appeal of the God's Last Revelation to mankind, the holy Qur'an. Ayah 9 of Surah al-Isra says in this regard: “Indeed this Qur’ān guides to what is most uprightâ€
The creation of the world and the universe is not without a purpose. When we ponder on the environment around us, and even on our own selves, we discover the Majesty of the Almighty Creator all around. For instance, a seed sown in the soil soon comes out as a sprout that grows into a plant, bears flowers and fruits, which in turn after providing us with food, produces multiple seeds that follow the cycle of growth and procreation. Ayah 50 of Surah Ta Ha says: “He said, ‘Our Lord is He who gave everything its creation and then guided itâ€
Guidance is necessary. Without guidance neither the world of nature can continue its evolution, nor can the best of creation, that is, the human being strive towards perfection. In view of this, God Almighty sent Prophets and revealed books of guidance for our benefit, as ayah 73 of Surah Anbiya says: “We made them imams, guiding by Our commandâ€
Though innate human nature makes us move forward towards moral values by shunning carnal desires, on the basis of the intellect, the intellect also needs guidance, so as not to go astray. Thus those who properly mould the intellect are the Prophets of God, whose long chain culminated in the universality of the message of Islam revealed to the Last and Greatest of Messengers, Prophet Mohammad (SAWA). The holy Qur'an points to the two contradictory currents in the human spirit, that is, inclination towards goodness as well as evil.
In view of this it is necessary to control and suppress the negative aspects of one's own nature so that we are guided towards virtue and goodness. The holy Qur'an shows the way of controlling oneself and guides mankind to the most appropriate path. When a person reaches the higher levels of virtue and piety, he/she becomes more elevated than the angels, but if negative desires were to lull human conscience, such a person becomes worse than animals. Therefore, guidance is necessary and there is no better guidance than what has been preached by the Prophets and the books revealed to them by the Almighty Creator. Ayah 30 of Surah Ahqaf says: “They said, ‘O our people! Indeed we have heard a Book which has been sent down after Moses, confirming what was before it. It guides to the truth and to a straight path.â€
The straight and unwavering path could be achieved only through proper cognition of God, since those who fail to develop this vital link with the source of all life and existence, find themselves trapped in the pitfalls of life. In other words, the holy Qur'an opens bright horizons for us and awakens our conscience. It is evident that if our deeds are virtuous they will lead us to the right path, as ayah 29 of Surah Anfal says: “O you who have faith! If you are wary of Allah, He shall appoint a criterion for you.â€
But for those who ignore God, His messengers, and the moral values, by indulging in sins and crimes, ayah 10 of Surah Roum says: “Then the fate of those who committed misdeeds was that they denied the signs of Allah and they used to deride themâ€
The Qur’an is thus the living miracle of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA). From beginning till end it contains nothing but the Word of Allah. It tells us where we are coming from and where we are going. It tells us what will happen after death. It shows the Straight Path that will lead to the place of eternal bliss called Paradise. And it warns us about following the crooked paths that lead to the place of eternal doom called Hell. It gives moral code for individuals as well as states. It gives the Law or Shari'ah. It addresses both the heart and the intellect. It educates; it inspires; it heals. It gives us the energy and motivation to follow it. In short, no one can go wrong who makes it his/her guide. No one can succeed who ignores its guidance. Thus, it is our duty to study the Qur’an, and the only proper way of doing it is by following the guidelines of the Prophet's Ahl al-Bayt, whom God has vested with authority.
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