Introduction
Are you aware of the beauties presented to you by the Qur'an? Are you
acquainted with the facts related in the Book that Allah sent to you as
a book of guidance?
The Qur'an tells us the purpose of humanity's existence on earth and
how to live so that each person's life is compatible with that purpose.
It explains our obligations to Allah and how we will be rewarded according
to our actions. The Qur'an, the Just Book Allah sent to His devotees as
a mercy, calls us to beauty, righteousness, purity, and eternal happiness.
These qualities of the Qur'an are stated in many verses:
There is instruction in their stories for people of intelligence.
This is not a narration that has been invented, but a confirmation of
all that came before, a clarification of everything, a guidance and a
mercy for people who believe. (Surah Yusuf: 111)
That is the Book, without any doubt. It contains guidance
for those who guard against evil. (Surat al-Baqara: 2)
The Qur'an is a Book that addresses all ages, one that contains all the
basic subjects a person may need throughout his or her life. The forms
of worship, the state of mind unique to a Muslim, the ideal morality,
the good conduct that must be shown in the face of unexpected happenings
or at difficult times, the ways to lead a physically and spiritually healthy
life, the moment of death, the events that a soul will go through on the
Day of Judgment, and the Heaven and Hell awaiting all people afterwards
are all related in this Book.
As well as being the unique source of all answers and explanations people
may have about eternal salvation, the Qur'an also consists of many signs
and admonitions essential for human life. Allah relates this attribute
of the Qur'an in the following verse:
… We have sent down the Book to you making all things
clear, and as guidance and mercy and good news for the Muslims. (Surat
an-Nahl: 89)
On the other hand, only the believers live by the Qur'an's values and
thereby lead a life in the light of its admonitions.
Allah created humanity and, through the Qur'an, communicated to all people
the most viable solutions and all sorts of information needed to live
a good life. Therefore, when faced with problems, it is essential for
believers to refer to these verses and their implied outlook. No matter
what kind of intellectual background a person has, his or her knowledge
is still limited, for only Allah encompasses the knowledge of all things.
People can attain knowledge only to the extent that their Creator wills.
They said: "Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except
what You have taught us. You are the All-Knowing, the All-Wise." (Surat
al-Baqara: 32)
Given this, those people who want to lead a beautiful life in this world
should adhere to the Qur'an's principles. Doing so allows them to attain
"wisdom," a quality possessed only by people who think and fear Allah.
This wisdom enables them to lead the most honorable life, to feel happy
and peaceful, and, most importantly, to embrace the noble purpose of their
existence. All they have to do is submit to Allah and the Qur'an; to examine
and see the verses' commands and advice, as well as the subtle meanings
they convey, and to implement them.
This book is a meditation upon the meanings implied by the Qur'an and
the beauties that it presents to human life. It seeks to assist those
readers who are pondering upon the Qur'an so that they can grasp what
living according to its teachings really means and entails.
|