The Holy Quran – as the Source of Happiness for Mankind
Al-Azhar Magazine – November 1975
In the previous issue, we have seen some miraculous characters of the Holy Quran, and its position as the standing miracle of Islam. In this article let us strive for understanding some aspects of it as being the source of happiness for all mankind, in their life in this world and in the Hereafter. The search for a source of happiness is a fundamental question all mankind today.
It is fact that Quran is a Unique Book quite different from the books one usually reads. The Quran does not contain information about specific themes arranged in a literary order. Its style and method of explaining things are also quite different from those of other Books. That is why a stranger to the Quran, on his first approach to it, is baffled when he does not find the enunciation of the subjects it deals with or separate treatment for different aspects of life arranged in a serial order. But he finds that it deals with creed, gives moral instructions, and lays down laws, draws lessons from historical events all blended together in a wonderful manner.
Its style and method of explaining things are also quite different from those of other books one commonly reads. It is not a book on Religion in the sense this word is generally understood. In order to understand the distinctive features of the Quran, one should first of all free his mind from preconceived notions and get acquainted with the distinctive features of this Unique Book. The reader should also understand the real nature of the Quran. He will have to consider, as a starting point, the claim that is put forward by itself and its bearer, the Prophet, that it is the Divine Guidance to Mankind. Thus the subject it deals with is Man; as it discuss those aspects of his life that lead either to his real success or failure in this life and the life to come. The central theme that runs through the Quran is the exposition of the reality and the invention of the Right way based on it. The aim and the object of the Quran is to invite mankind to that way. It also presents the Guidance which leads man to that Right Path.
One can understand fully the Quran only if he keeps these facts in mind. The aim of the Quran is not to teach nature study or philosophy or history or any other science or art. The thing with which it is concerned it to impress the Truth upon the minds, and to invite humanity to the Right Path. When Quran is studied with this understanding one could find that the whole of reason arguments and there is continuity of subjects throughout the Book. He also should understand the backgrounds of the revelations of the different verses; for, the Quran was not revealed as a complete Book at one and the same time; nor it was handed over as a written copy to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him ). The Quran adopts its own style to suit the guidance of the Islamic movement that was started by the Messenger of God by His direct command in order to meet the requirements of it in different stages and circumstances.
The Quran is the source of unbroken youth for the hearts of the believers. Those who learn its verses, digest their meanings and principles, are always endowed with exceeding strength and the utmost tenacity.
They live with in a framework of sound freedom given to them by God, compassionate and cooperative themselves. The true followers of the Quran seek no other goal than to live with peace, sympathy and love among themselves and with other nations. The early Muslims believed in the sublimity of the Quran as the source of power and the way of all good. Hence they gave the Holy Quran the highest esteem. They bent themselves to the task of learning it, understanding its meaning and following its teachings and guidance.
Those foremost Muslims realised the effect of the Quran’s teachings on the soul and bearing on the hearts of the people, thus they derived guidance and inducement for morals and values which are indispensable for a virtuous life, and strength of leadership. When this was achieved, the Islamic people in abundant happiness, and they maintained their spiritual strength and their liveliness of their conscience. In such a society the individual endeavours for the good of the whole and the community labours are collectively so that the individual could be endowed with happiness.
In a true Quranic society, believing only in the Guidance of the Almighty God and the traditions of His messengers, one could find no corruption, no embezzlement, no forgers or reckless people. Instead, one could find self-denial and love among the individuals, and no hatred or dissension.
The real aims and objects of the understanding of the Quran can be achieved when it is not occupying the hearts and not mere words reiterated by tongues. Referring to history, we can easily see the progress achieved by the faithful Muslims when the Quran filled their hearts and dominated their feelings. When the Quran was recited among them their eyes were filled with tears, their hearts were filled with fear of sinning, their minds were roaming in the celestial kingdom and they subsequently strengthened their belief and confidence in the Almighty God. It was also the secret in which they found their happiness and the key to all good.
This was their trend of life and their souls were elevated by the spirit of God and their hearts enlightened by the light of Quran. The Quran was their guidance in morals as well as in social, economic and other aspects of life. Hence their manners became refined, their affairs were led in the straightway and their happiness doubled.
God has promised the internal state of satisfaction and pace of mind to those who turn to him and follow His Guidance, for He is the Supreme Master, the Supreme Protector and the Source of all help. Referring to this fact the Holy Quran says:
ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَتَطۡمَٮِٕنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِۗ أَلَا بِذِڪۡرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطۡمَٮِٕنُّ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ (٢٨) ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ طُوبَىٰ لَهُمۡ وَحُسۡنُ مَـَٔابٍ۬ (٢٩)
(Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest! (28) Those who believe and do right: Joy is for them, and bliss (their) journey’s end. (29)) (13: 28-29)