Islamic Teachings in the Light of the Quran
Holy Quran-The Ultimate Source of Guidance
The Holy Quran is a miracle of Allah. It is the only book which has been preserved in its original condition. It is a universal book whose teachings are not limited to a specific time or place. Its teachings are valid till the Day of Judgement.
The Holy Quran beautifully sums up the teachings of Islam. Islam teaches about every aspect of life and beyond through the Holy Quran. Here are some basic Islamic teachings in the light of the Quran.
Oneness of Allah
At the core of Islam lies the concept of Tauheed, that is Oneness of Allah. Allah confirms in the Holy Quran that nobody shares the Supreme Authority with Allah. He has absolute control and ownership over everything. Ayat-ul-Kursi, or the Verse of Throne explains this concept. Similarly, Surah Al-Ikhlas and Surah Al-Fateha also summarize the belief in One God, Allah. This is the founding principle of Islam. When a person believes Allah is the Sole Owner, Provider, and Sustainer, he never falls into despair. He never begs in front of any human for any favor. Instead, he pleads to Allah to fulfill his wishes.
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'” (Surah Al-Ikhlas, 112:1-4)
Pillars of Islam
The Holy Quran teaches extensively about the five pillars of Islam, which are Tauheed, Salah, Saum, Zakat, and Hajj. Allah emphasizes the importance of maintaining prayers and giving zakat at many places in the Quran. Establishing prayer makes a person successful in both worlds. Similarly, fasting in Ramadan is a wonderful way to purify one’s soul and get closer to Allah. Hajj is a strenuous worship that has several steps and rules. The Holy Quran explains the procedure for performing Hajj. Allah motivates the believers to perform worship and prayer by telling them how they will earn rewards by doing so.
“Establish prayer for My remembrance.” (Surah Taha, 20:14)
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
Social and Moral Teachings
The Holy Quran contains a comprehensive code for social life. It contains teachings about every aspect of a modern and flourishing society. Allah warns the believers against vices such as lying, cheating, deceit, backbiting, and arrogance. He guides people to adopt ethical behavior by being fair, honest, patient, and merciful towards Allah’s creatures. Islam teaches to be merciful not only towards humans, but animals and the environment too.
Islamic teachings extend to commerce and trade as well. Allah commands believers to adopt fair practices and abstain from making undue profit. Allah strictly warns against Riba, which is interest, in the Holy Quran. Interest is forbidden in Islam as it makes the rich richer and the poor poorer.
Moreover, Islamic teachings in the Quran also pertain to the rights of various sections of society. These include the rights of guests, slaves, orphans, neighbors, and others. Islam stresses the rights of women. Surah Nisa is dedicated to the rights of women in marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
“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.'” (Surah Al-Insan, 76:8-9)
Islamic teachings in the Quran promote equality and fairness. Allah says everyone is equal as they have been created as the offspring of Hazrat Adam (AS). It is only piety that makes a person better than the other. Thus a society that strictly adheres to Islamic principles shall thrive and prosper as Islam promotes justice and equality.
Allah commands the believers in the matters of food and drink in the Holy Quran. Muslims are strictly forbidden to consume the meat of pork. Similarly, alcohol is also haram in Islam. The meat must be slaughtered in a specifed manner in the name of Allah to be lawful in Islam.
Importance of Family in Society
Family is the building block of a progressive Islamic society. It is the source of comfort, feeling of accomplishment, happiness, and tranquility. No matter how much materially you may achieve in life, absence of someone close to share all the success and happiness leaves a devoid in your heart. In the Holy Quran, Allah stresses the importance of marriage and building a family. He guides people to treat their family members with respect and love. Husband and wife are meant to be a source of comfort for each other. Parents must tend to their kids with affection and care. Children must respect their parents and look after them when they have aged. Similarly, one must respect their relatives. Islam teaches people to maintain kinship and relationships. This fosters a sense of brotherhood in an Islamic community.
“And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy.” (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:21)
“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.” (Surah Luqman, 31:14)
Life After Death
One of the most important aspects of Islamic teachings in the Holy Quran is the constant reminder of the life after death. This world is a temprary abode. Hence one must not get too much obsessed with material. On the Day of Judgement, Allah will hold everyone accountable for their deeds. So one must be careful with their actions.
“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (Surah Az-Zalzalah, 99:7-8)
The Holy Quran: A Guide to Good Deeds, Purpose, and Eternal Success
The Holy Quran motivates believers to perform good deeds and stay away from vices. It reminds them of the real purpose of life, which we often forget when we get engrossed in worldly affairs. When a person feels sad and gloomy, the best way to alleviate distress is connecting with Allah through the Holy Quran. Therefore, discover a wealth of Islamic teachings through the Holy Quran and attain eternal success.