Introduction

Societies that are far from religion have a distorted understanding of it, and their people, while growing up, gather their information about it entirely from unreliable resources. For this reason, under the guise of religion, people adopt different rituals, rules, rights, and wrongs that they feel are suitable for them. However, the main source of accurate knowledge about the true religion is the Qur'an, for it is the sublime Word of Allah, our Lord Who created the universe from nothing and the One Who knows everything.

The Qur'an's plain style makes it comprehensible to all people so that they can benefit from its unique wisdom. Despite this, however, those who are insincere or even hostile toward Allah and His religion approach the Qur'an with prejudice and, influenced by their distorted rationale, misinterpret its verses. Some people, hoping to present religion as something difficult, fabricate many false beliefs, heresies, and myths.

People of faith, who are well-acquainted with the Qur'an, understand that such fabrications are no more than myths and so do not acknowledge them. However, those who do not know Allah and the Qur'an remain under the influence of these myths out of ignorance and so assume that this false religion, which is not based upon the Qur'an, is the true religion. Moreover, they fail to see the beauties presented by Islam, which Allah has chosen and perfected, for they do not read the Qur'an.

Interestingly, the Qur'an, which Allah sent to guide humanity to the true path, never catches the attention of such people. When they ask something about religion, they look everywhere but the Qur'an, although it is the only accurate source that is applicable to all times. The Qur'an expresses this as: "The Messenger says: 'My Lord, my people treat this Qur'an as something to be ignored'" (Surat al-Furqan: 30). 

In fact, the Qur'an is the only reliable source of Islam, for it is Allah's unaltered speech, and the Sunna (that which the Prophet Muhammad [saas] established by his sayings, actions, and tacit approval). Allah revealed the Qur'an so that humanity could read and understand it; acquire accurate knowledge of its Lord, Who created the universe from nothing; learn how to worship Him, and how to abide by His commands in order to earn His good pleasure. Allah explained His verses through examples and stories. As He makes clear in: "We have not neglected anything in the Book" (Surat al-An'am: 38), the Qur'an comprises everything.

Numerous details pertaining to this world and the next are explained in the most intelligible way, for, as Allah informs us: "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).

The purpose of this book is to explain that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah, a guide for humanity that addresses everyone, and that its commands are applicable to all times. Thus it must be the most important reference.

An accurate perception of Islam and the correct understanding of its verses are essential for those who seek to be guided by it. In this respect, it is one of the most important duties of every Muslim who has wisdom, a conscience, and common sense to convey its message to all people.
 

Allah Promised To Protect The Qur'an

We have sent down the Reminder, and We will preserve it. (Surat al- Hijr: 9) 

One of the Qur'an's most important attributes is that it reached us in the very form in which it was revealed to our Prophet (saas). In: "We have sent down the Reminder, and We will preserve it" (Surat al-Hijr: 9), Allah promised to protect it.

The Divine Scriptures that were revealed before Islam lost their original forms over time; they are either incomplete or not fully accurate. In the case of the Qur'an, however, Allah placed the revelations into our Prophet's (saas) memory. In addition, after he received each revelation, the Prophet (saas) told his numerous Companions to write them down, thereby ensuring the Qur'an's preservation in its original textual form. Caliph Abu Bakr (632-634) had the Qur'an compiled into a single copy, and Caliph Uthman (644-656) had copies of it sent to important Islamic cities. The following verses explain how our Prophet (saas) tried to remember the revelations, and how Allah helped him do so:

Do not move your tongue trying to hasten it. Its collection and recitation are Our affair. So when We recite it, follow its recitation. Then its explanation is Our concern. (Surat al-Qiyama: 16-19) 

As the verses maintain, our Prophet (saas) remembered the Qur'an in a unique way, for Allah implanted its verses in his mind. As his Companions wrote it all down while he was still alive, in compliance with His promise, each of its letters has remained unaltered since the beginning of its revelation over 1,400 years ago. Therefore, Allah's revelation has survived intact to our day.

The Qur'an's lack of any internal contradiction and discrepancy also shows that it is from Allah and is immune to change. The Qur'an is internally consistent and in full agreement with historical developments and scientific discoveries. This attribute is so certain and explicit that our Lord stated:

Will they not ponder the Qur'an? If it had been from other than Allah, they would have found many inconsistencies in it. (Surat an-Nisa': 82) 

Many contradictions can be found in regular books. However, every word of the Qur'an is in full agreement with the others. In addition, the Qur'an provides information about previous generations, communities, different forms of administration, military strategies, and many other subjects, as well as about past and future events. The Qur'an also is in absolute agreement with historical facts as well as all developments that occurred after its revelation. For instance, the first verses of Surat ar-Rum (the Byzantine Empire) state that the Byzantine Empire would suffer a great defeat, but nevertheless would be victorious shortly thereafter, as follows:

Alif, Lam, Mim. The Romans have been defeated in the lowest land, but after their defeat they will be victorious in a few years' time. The affair is Allah's from the beginning to the end. (Surat ar-Rum: 1-4)

These verses were revealed around 620, almost 7 years after the idolatrous Persians vanquished the Christian Byzantines. In fact, Byzantium had been so severely defeated that its very survival was in question. Thus its predicted victory seemed impossible to many, including the Arab polytheists.

In December 627, the Byzantine and Persian empires fought a decisive battle at Nineveh. This time, the Byzantines unexpectedly defeated the Persians. A few months later, the Persians had to make an agreement with Byzantium, which obliged them to return Byzantine territory. At the end, "the victory of the Romans" that Allah promised miraculously came true. This one example alone provides evidence that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah.

Another attribute of the Qur'an is that it contains key facts about many subjects (e.g., astronomy, physics, and biology), at a time when people knew very little about such things. The Qur'an was revealed to the inhabitants of seventh-century Arabia, whose society contained many superstitious and groundless beliefs that were considered "scientific." Lacking the technology to examine the universe and nature, they believed in legends inherited from past generations. For example, they thought that the mountains supported the sky, that Earth was flat and had high mountains at both ends, and that these mountains served as pillars to kept the vault of heaven high over their heads. The Qur'an removed such superstitions, as we read in:

Allah raised up the heavens without any support - you can see that... (Surat ar-Ra'd: 2)

Several scientific truths only recently uncovered by technology were stated in the Qur'an 1,400 years ago. Such facts are further evidence that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah. (For detailed information, see Harun Yahya, Miracles of the Qur'an, Al-Attique Publications, 2000)

The Qur'an is written in a language of such surpassing beauty and richness of reference that it transcends ordinary speech. At the time of its revelation, the poets of Arabia competed with each other to produce the best literary works. However, the Qur'an's uniquely beautiful style earned their admiration, and they could not help themselves from accepting its wondrous nature in the literary sense.

This aside, an intricate mathematical code, far beyond the ability of human intelligence, is imbedded in the Qur'an's fabric. Some related words are repeated the same number of times throughout the Qur'an. For instance: day is repeated 365 times, days is repeated 30 times, month is repeated 12 times, satan and angel are repeated 88 times, world and hereafter are repeated 115 times, summer-hotness and winter-coldness are repeated 5 times, punishment is repeated 117 times, forgiveness is repeated 234 times (twice as much as punishment), wealth is repeated 26 times, and poverty is repeated 13 times.

Such facts clearly show the Qur'an is the Word of Allah, not of humanity. It is Allah's revelation to Prophet Muhammad (saas), and has remained unaltered since it was revealed.

Allah expresses this superior attribute as follows:

If you have doubts about what We have sent down to Our servant, produce another surah equal to it, and call your witnesses, besides Allah, if you are telling the truth. If you do not do that - and you will not do it - then fear the Fire whose fuel is people and stones, made ready for the unbelievers. (Surat al-Baqara: 23-24) 

Say: "If both humanity and jinn banded together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could never produce anything like it, even if they backed each other up." (Surat al-Isra': 88)

Only Allah Judges

Do they then seek the judgment of the Time of Ignorance? Who could be better at giving judgment than Allah for people with certainty? (Surat al-Ma'ida: 50) 

Allah's Messengers and the Qur'an are the only guides for believers, as we read in: "Say: 'Am I to desire other than Allah as Lord when He is the Lord of all things?'" (Surat al-An'am: 164) 

Unbelievers, however, find and adhere to guides and chiefs other than Allah, follow unjust ideologies and movements, and so live in complete delusion. But when they die and see Hell's eternal torment, they will confess this great delusion, "And they will say: 'Our Lord, we obeyed our masters and great men, and they misled us from the Way" (Surat al-Ahzab: 67) and express their regret.

The factors that determine the attitudes and beliefs of the majority of these people, who feign ignorance about what will happen to them after death, are society's rules, principles, and customs. Following their ancestors, the surrounding society, or their leaders, these people go astray, for any thought and attitude that disagrees with the Qur'an is flawed.

Believers, on the other hand, abide by Allah's commands and meticulously avoid all forbidden thoughts and attitudes, regardless of time and place. Whenever doing something or making a decision, they refer to the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas), and consider Allah's command related to that particular situation. They conduct themselves according to the Qur'an's commands, and not according to their own whims and desires, unjust societal traditions, or ancestral customs. Indeed, Allah tells believers:

And this is a Book We have sent down and blessed, so follow it and do your duty so that hopefully you will gain mercy. (Surat al-An'am: 155) 

People who do not admit Allah as the sole Judge, oppose His commands, or fabricate judgments other than His stray from the right path. They hold their society's norms and mores more dear than Allah's commands, and remain tenacious and strict in this attitude. Even though their conscience admits the truth, they reject Allah's commands out of arrogance and bigotry. In the Qur'an, Allah informs us about such people as follows:

When they are told: "Follow what Allah has sent down to you," they say: "We are following what we found our fathers doing." What, even though their fathers did not understand a thing and were not guided! (Surat al-Baqara: 170) 

Similarly We never sent any Warner before you to any city without the affluent among them saying, "We found our fathers following a religion, and we are simply following in their footsteps." Say: "What if I have come with better guidance than what you found your fathers following?" They say: "We reject what you have been sent with." (Surat az-Zukhruf: 23-24) 

This stance only hinders people from embracing Islam and having faith in Allah. For instance, Pharaoh and the chiefs of his people said: "Have you come to us to turn us from what we found our fathers doing, and to gain greatness in the land? We do not believe you" (Surah Yunus: 78), when Prophet Musa (as) and his brother Prophet Harun (as) called them to worship Allah and subject themselves to Him.

In the same manner, the people of Prophet Shu'ayb (as) asked: "Shu'ayb, do your prayers instruct you that we should abandon what our fathers worshipped or stop doing whatever we want to with our wealth?" (Surah Hud: 87), and then rebelled. As these verses maintain, people summoned to Allah's path by the Prophets always reply: "Your argument disagrees with the path that our fathers and forefathers followed."

At all times, people reacted to the Prophets' guidance with enmity and rebellion, and insisted upon their own stance. Yet, all Prophets summoned people to worship Allah, submit themselves to Him, follow His religion sincerely, and to worship Him alone by seeking only His good pleasure.

Our Prophet (saas) also summoned people to submit to Allah alone and to comply with His commands. The Qur'an tells us that on the Day of Judgment, people will be held accountable for obeying or disobeying Allah's commands. In the Qur'an, Allah warns those who take deities other than Himself and fabricate a new and distorted religion based upon their fancies in the following terms:

Or do they have partners who have laid down a religion for them for which Allah has not given any authority? Were it not for the prior Word of Decision, the judgment between them would already have been made. The wrongdoers will have a painful punishment. (Surat ash-Shura: 21) 

In another verse, our Lord commands: 

Is it not enough for them that We have sent down to you the Book that is recited to them? There is certainly a mercy and reminder in that for people who believe. (Surat al-'Ankabut: 51) 

As these verses maintain, some of those who reject the Messengers' guidance do so on behalf of their false man-made religion, and accuse the Messengers of distorting this religion. Alternatively, considering Allah's argument and His Messenger inadequate, they fabricate a false religion. However, the fact remains that the Qur'an Allah sent down to us is enough for people.

People of faith are not concerned about the faith and faith-related practices of other people, for they pay attention only to Allah's commands and our Prophet's (saas) practices. The Qur'an's revelation ended the unjust beliefs and practices of many people. Our Prophet (saas), disregarding the people's accusations and enmity, held fast to Allah and the Qur'an. In our own day, believers must hold fast to Allah, the Qur'an, and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas), and never seek a path other than that of the Qur'an.

The Practices of the Majority Are Mostly Flawed

One of the greatest misconceptions of those who follow the majority's opinion, disregard Allah's judgments, and thus are far from Islam's values is the mistaken belief that "the majority always represents the truth." As we read in the Qur'an, most people are not on the true path: "If you obeyed most of those on Earth, they would divert you from Allah's Way. They follow nothing but conjecture. They are only guessing" (Surat al-An'am: 116). 

Unless the majority's decisions agree with the Qur'an, they do not represent the truth, for the just nature of a movement is not determined by how many people follow it. This verse also maintains that most people's judgments rest upon conjecture and therefore divert many people from the right path.

Turning away from Allah's commands in order to adhere to the majority's decisions makes such people losers in both this world and the next, for they are left all alone: "They have lost their own selves, and what they invented has forsaken them" (Surat al-A'raf: 53). Exchanging a fabrication for Allah's revelation causes people to suffer great frustration:

Who could do greater wrong than those who invent lies against Allah? Such people will be arrayed before their Lord, and the witnesses will say: "Those are the ones who lied against their Lord." Yes indeed! Allah's curse is upon the wrongdoers. (Surah Hud: 18) 

Who could do greater wrong than someone who invents lies against Allah or denies the truth when it comes to him? Is not the unbelievers' abode in Hell? (Surah al- 'Ankabut: 68) 

On the other hand, believers submit themselves wholeheartedly to Allah's command. Their subsequent moral excellence is explained in the following verses:

Our Lord encompasses everything in His knowledge. We have put our trust in Allah. Our Lord, judge between us and our people with truth. You are the best of judges. (Surah A'raf: 89) 

But I cannot save you from Allah at all, for judgment comes from no one but Allah. In Him I place my trust, and let all those who place their trust place it in Him alone. (Surah Yusuf: 67) 

Say: "O Allah, Originator of the heavens and Earth, Knower of the Unseen and the Visible, You will judge between Your servants regarding that over which they differed." (Surat az-Zumar: 46)

Those Who Judge On Allah's Behalf

Or do they have partners who have laid down a religion for them for which Allah has not given any authority? (Surat ash-Shura: 21) 

As discussed earlier, some people make unjust judgments that have nothing in common with Islam, determine what is lawful and unlawful, and proclaim what Allah has declared lawful to be unlawful and vice versa.

Meanwhile, they change religion's originality and essence and devise a "false man-made religion" with its set of beliefs and practices. Many people, who do not know the Qur'an and Islam, fail to recognize this "religion's" unjust nature and thus are deceived into following it unconsciously. This is how those who lay down commands on Allah's behalf lead people into sin and rebellion. The Qur'an describes their condition as follows:

Among them is a group that distorts the Book with their tongues, so that you think it is from the Book when it is not from the Book. They say: "It is from Allah," but it is not from Allah. They tell a lie against Allah, and they know it. (Surah Al 'Imran: 78) 

Some communities who do not embrace Allah's just religion and insist upon their inherited beliefs even go so far as to slander Allah. Since they neither employ their wisdom and conscience nor appreciate the extent of Allah's knowledge, they remain bereft of any understanding that will guide them to the truth. And so they invent many beliefs that are incompatible with the Qur'an and lead ignorant people in the ways of injustice. They make what is lawful unlawful and vice versa, and make ungrounded accusations, as we read in the following verses:

They say: "These animals and crops are sacrosanct. No one may eat them except those we wish," - as they allege - and animals on whose backs it is forbidden to ride, and animals over which they do not mention Allah's name, inventing falsehood against Him. He will repay them for the things they have invented. They say: "What is in the wombs of these animals is exclusively for our men and unlawful for our wives. But if it is stillborn, they can share in it." He (Allah) will repay them for their false depiction. He is All-Wise, All-Knowing. Those who kill their children foolishly without any knowledge and make what Allah has provided for them unlawful, inventing lies against Allah, such people are lost. They are misled. They are not guided. (Surat al-An'am: 138-140) 

Therefore, those who engage in such activities are informed of how they will be punished in the Hereafter and of the fact that they cannot avoid it. In Surat al-An'am, Allah gives the following example regarding the cruelty that these people commit "without any knowledge":

And a pair of camels and a pair of cattle - Say: "Is it the two males He has made unlawful, or the two females, or what the wombs of the two females contain? Were you then witnesses when Allah gave you this 

instruction?" Who could do greater wrong than someone who invents lies against Allah, thus leading people astray without any knowledge? Allah does not guide the people of the wrongdoers. (Surat al-An'am: 144) 

These verses also make clear that most people tend to judge on Allah's behalf and attribute those things about which they have no knowledge to religion. This being the case, our Lord, Who has the best knowledge of human nature, warns humanity thus: "Do not say about what your lying tongues describe: 'This is lawful and this is unlawful,' inventing lies against Allah" (Surat an-Nahl: 116) In Surat as-Saffat, on the other hand, Allah asks these people:

What is the matter with you? How do you reach your judgment? Will you not pay heed? Or do you have some clear authority? Bring your Book, then, if you are telling the truth! (Surat as-Saffat: 154-157) 

Only Allah judges, and the Qur'an conveys His judgments in the most explicit and comprehensible form. Allah draws an absolute line between what is lawful and unlawful, and explains everything related to these judgments so that nothing is left open to question. People can determine if a judgment is correct or not by referring to the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas). This is a great mercy and ease Allah granted to humanity.

Indeed, our Prophet (saas) states that the Qur'an is the only guide and resource that humanity needs:

I have left with you that which, as long as you uphold it, shall never let you stray after me: Allah's Book, a Rope extending from heavens to Earth, and my Ahl al--Bayt. (Tirmidhi)

The Qur'an addresses people of all times. For this reason, its statements that only Allah judges and that those who claim to judge on His behalf are doomed deserve deep thinking. The Qur'an provides a detailed account of past people's false man-made religions and beliefs. In our own day, some people formulate flawed judgments and irrational reasoning on behalf of religion, since they do not adhere to the Divine guidance of the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas). Instead, they tend to base their judgments upon what they hear or see. For example, many people lie in their daily conversations, even though the Qur'an states that such a practice is a sin that will be punished in the Hereafter. Alternatively, they conclude that "white lies" are forgivable. But this is a great delusion, for Allah proclaims any type of lie to be a sin.

Or, someone who urges people to actions that displease Allah may unjustly claim to bear the responsibility for the resulting sin. Yet Allah makes clear that this is not possible: "No burden-bearer can bear another's burden." (Surah Fatir: 18) Consequently, those who claim to live by Allah's judgments must comply with this command and avoid any belief or attitude that contradicts the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas). Furthermore, the Qur'an informs us that those who adhere to their own fabricated religion and abandon Allah's revelation also accuse His Messengers of distorting the religion and being liars. One verse reads as follows:

They are surprised that a Warner should come to them from among themselves. The unbelievers say: "This is a lying magician. Has he turned all the gods into One Allah? That is truly astonishing!" Their leaders went off saying: "Carry on as you are! Hold fast to your gods. This is clearly something planned. We have not heard of this in the old religion. This is merely something contrived. Has the Reminder been sent down to him out of all of us?" They are in doubt about My Reminder. They have yet to taste My punishment. (Surah Sad: 4-8) 

Such people generally assert they act so in the name of religion, for they are not knowledgeable about Islam. Those who disregard Allah's judgments or change them because they conflict with their personal interests disrespect Allah and His Book. Such people fail to appreciate that our Lord, Who created everything from nothing, can do anything He wills, that His Knowledge encompasses everything, and that He knows a person's secrets and what is even more concealed. Their "knowledge," however, is limited to prejudice and superstitions.

Allah shows His True Path in the Qur'an:

Follow what has been revealed to you from your Lord - there is no god but Him - and turn away from the idolaters. (Surat al-An'am: 106)

Taking The Qur'an As A Guide

He brought it down upon your heart, by Allah's authority, confirming what came before, and as guidance and good news for the believers. (Surat al-Baqara: 97) 

The Qur'an presents certain facts, and in every instance includes the most accurate information revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saas). For this reason, people who take it and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas) as their sole criteria in life are guided to Allah's Mercy. This attribute of the Qur'an is related as follows:

This Qur'an guides to the most upright Way and gives good news to the believers who do right actions that they will have a large reward. (Surat al-Isra': 9) 

This (the Qur'an) is clear insight for humanity and guidance and mercy for people with certainty. (Surat al-Jathiyya: 20) 

Those who adopt the Qur'an and the way of our Prophet (saas) as a guide have a far different lifestyle than others. For example, they do not feel despair, restlessness, hopelessness, gloom, or desperation, and do not suffer from trouble or panic when facing unexpected events, for the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas) guide them at all times. Remembering that they live according to the destiny that Allah has chosen for them, they submit to Him and thus live in peace and respond to all events with Allah's commands in mind. Every decision, spoken word, and written line indicates their adherence to the Qur'anic values. This being the case, they always have a clear conscience and experience the spiritual peace brought about by this state. Allah relates this in Surah Yunus as follows:

O mankind! Admonition has come to you from your Lord, and also healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers. (Surah Yunus: 57) 

The Qur'an lays down what is right and what is wrong. Therefore, people who are inclined to guidance, follow their conscience, avoid the selfish whims and desires of their lower selves, and are committed to live by Allah's judgments easily find their way to the true path. Everyone can understand the Qur'an, a Book of Divine Wisdom, for its descriptions of moral perfection and judgments are extremely clear, intelligible, and easy. Every sincere person guided by Allah can readily comprehend the Qur'an and feels no difficulty in living by its dictates, as we read in:

The Qur'an was sent down as guidance for humanity, with Clear Signs containing guidance and discrimination. (Surat al-Baqara: 185) 

However, only those who love and fear Allah, submit wholeheartedly to Him, and prefer the Hereafter to this life pay attention to the Qur'an and ponder its verses. In another verse, Allah commands us as follows:

We did not send down the Qur'an to you to make you miserable, but only as a Reminder for those who stand in awe (of Allah). (Surah Ta Ha: 2-3) 

This issue is also an important secret of the Qur'an. To understand it, all that is needed is a firm intention, a profound faith, and sincerity, as opposed to a high level of intelligence, for Allah guides His sincere servants to the truth, ensures that they benefit from the Qur'an, and attain salvation. However, this Revelation of Allah to humanity only guides those who love and fear Him and observe His limits. Some of the related verses are as follows:

On that Day We will raise up among every community a witness against them from among themselves, and bring you as a witness against them. We have sent down the Book to you making all things clear, and as guidance and a mercy and good news for the Muslims. (Surat an-Nahl: 89) 

Say: "The Purest Spirit has brought it down from your Lord with truth, to make those who believe firm, and as guidance and good news for the Muslims." (Surat an-Nahl: 102) 

Those are the Signs of the Wise Book - a guidance and mercy for the good-doers. (Surah Luqman: 2-3)

O mankind! Admonition has come to you from your Lord, and also healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers. (Surah Yunus: 57)

As these verses state, the Qur'an admonishes humanity and guides all Muslims who are humble and observe Allah's limits. Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, a great Turkish Islamic scholar, writes that the Qur'an is a guide for Allah's devoted servants: "The All-Wise Qur'an is the leader to the aware and the conscious, the guide of jinn and men [and women], the teacher of those attaining to perfection, and instructor of those seeking reality." (Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, The Risale-i Nur Collection, "The Letters: The 26th Letter")

The Qur'an Is A Reminder To All The Worlds

It (the Qur'an) is simply a reminder to all the worlds. (Surah Sad: 87)

The judgments of the Qur'an, a unique Book of wisdom that Allah sent as a reminder to all the worlds, will apply until the Day of Judgment. However, some insincere people who make up excuses not to comply with its judgments unjustly assert that the Qur'an addresses only a certain period and only the Arab society of that time. According to their shallow outlook, some of its judgments can be ignored.

Given that the Qur'an is beyond all time and place, it is a reminder to all people about their eternal life and calls them to the right path. As we read: "It is certainly a reminder to you and to your people, and you will be questioned" (Surat az-Zukhruf: 44), and therefore people will be called to account for their deeds in the Hereafter.

With its unique and superior wisdom, the information it conveys about the past and future, as well as its style, which removes forgetfulness and customary behavior, the Qur'an is a matchless Book. This unique feature applies to all people who have been created since its revelation and who will be created until the Day of Judgment.

The following quotation from Bediuzzaman Said Nursi states that the Qur'an's wisdom is eternal:

The people of truth and the exacting scholars. They say: "The Qur'an is an unending, inexhaustible treasury. In addition to submitting to and accepting its established and incontestable matters, each age also receives its share of its hidden truths, in the form of a supplement; it cannot trespass on the share of another which is concealed." (Ibid., "The 29th Letter")

Bediuzzaman, who also mentioned the Qur'an's impact on people, describes this impact as follows:
This is the Qur'an's youth. It preserves its freshness and youth every age as though newly revealed. In fact, the Qur'an has to have perpetual youth since, as a pre-eternal address, it addresses at once all the levels of mankind in every age. (Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, The Risale-i Nur Collection, "The Words: The 25th Word")

The rulings and laws of the Qur'an are so firm and well-founded that they increase in strength as the centuries pass. (Ibid.)

Bediuzzaman states further that the Qur'an is a matchless Book that cannot be replaced by any other book:
The Qur'an by no means has - nor can have - any equal. Absolutely nothing can take the place of this greatest miracle. (Ibid., "The 13th Word" ) 
 
Moreover:

It shows its exalted, beautiful, and original style, which no one can imitate, although it pleases everyone. The passage of time does not cause its style to age; it always remains fresh and new. Its prose and word-order are so well-ordered that it is both elevated and pleasant. To soothsayers and other diviners of the Unseen, it displays its miraculousness in its extraordinary reports concerning the Unseen. To historians, it demonstrates its miraculousness by giving information concerning events of past ages, as well as those of the future, and of the Intermediate Realm, and of the Hereafter. To social and political scientists, it shows the miraculousness in its sacred principles... To those occupied with knowledge of Allah and cosmic truths, it shows the miraculousness of the sacred Divine truths in the Qur'an, or else it indicates the existence of that miraculousness. To the Sufis and saints, it shows the miraculousness in the hidden mysteries of its verses, which constantly rise and fall like waves in the sea of the Qur'an. And so on. To each of forty classes of men, it opens up a window and shows its miraculousness. The ordinary people even, who only listen to the Qur'an understanding a little of its meaning, confirm that it does not resemble any other book. (Nursi, "The 19th Letter")

The primary responsibility of every person is to serve Allah. Only turning to Allah with a sincere heart and taking the Qur'an as a guide makes this possible. Every person must assume this responsibility and firmly embrace the Qur'an. In Surat al-Hashr, Allah relates the Qur'an's superiority and explains what a great responsibility it is to adopt the Qur'an as a guide:

If We Had sent down this Qur'an onto a mountain, you would have seen it humbled, crushed to pieces out of fear of Allah. We make such examples for people so that hopefully they will reflect. (Surat al-Hashr: 21)

The Qur'an Is The Criterion That Discriminates Between Right And Wrong

As guidance for humanity, and He has sent down the Furqan (the Standard by which to discern the true from the false). Those who reject Allah's Signs will have a terrible punishment. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. (Surah Al 'Imran: 4) 

In the Qur'an, Allah admonishes people and shows them the true path. The Qur'an is the sole resource that leads people to the correct knowledge of Allah, the values of Islam, how to live in a way that pleases Allah, and an absolute criterion that distinguishes right from wrong. For this reason, one of the Qur'an's names is "Furqan": one that discriminates right from wrong.

In this world, people have their own beliefs, goals, values, thoughts, and outlook on life. However, the judgments that Allah proclaims in the Qur'an are the only values that can be considered just and right. As Allah states in the Surat al-Baqara: 120: "Allah's guidance is true guidance." Therefore, the goals and ways devised by people to realize their own interests can never lead them to the truth and salvation. The purpose of humanity's existence and how to attain it, the ideal morality and good conduct that must be shown throughout one's life, how to lead a physically and spiritually healthy life, the moment of death and what will happen to one's soul on the Day of Judgment - all of these are related in the Qur'an.

A person must read the Qur'an carefully in order to benefit from it and be rightly guided:

Those to whom We have given the Book, who recite it in the way it should be recited, such people believe in it. As for those who reject it, they are the losers. (Surat al-Baqara: 121) 

Reading the Qur'an as it should be read becomes possible when people have love and fear of Allah and adhere to it. Those who read the Qur'an in this way submit themselves to every judgment in the Qur'an and commit themselves fully to the meticulous observation of every verse.

Given this, those who adhere to it base all of their decisions upon light of the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas). Thanks to this attribute, believers can discriminate between right and wrong and make the best decision. As the verse: "Right guidance has become clearly distinct from error" (Surat al-Baqara: 256)
 
also makes clear, people of faith do not attempt to find a middle way between the Qur'anic values and the life of ignorance; rather, they are committed fully and assuredly to the Qur'an, which is the straightest path. Allah commands believers to hold fast to the Qur'an, as follows:

So hold fast to what has been revealed to you. You are on a straight path. It is certainly a reminder to you and to your people, and you will be questioned. (Surat az -Zukhruf: 43-44)

Those who distance themselves from Allah's revelations and insist upon disbelief have chosen trouble and torment both in this world and the next, for the type of life that Allah commands us to live is the one that most suits human nature. Therefore, people who do not comply with the Qur'an can never attain true peace and happiness, for they have abandoned a lifestyle that agrees with their very nature. To attain salvation and bliss both in this world and the next, people need to learn the true religion, the commands of our Lord, and comply meticulously with the Qur'an. Indeed, Allah warns people thus:

Do they then seek the judgment of the Time of Ignorance? Who could be better at giving judgment than Allah for people with certainty? (Surat al-Ma'ida: 50) 

Is it not enough for them that We have sent down to you the Book that is recited to them? There is certainly a mercy and reminder in that for people who believe. (Surat al- 'Ankabut: 51) 

The diagnosis, comments, reasoning, and recommendations of people who abide by the Qur'an and their ability to find solutions to the problems they face stem directly from the Qur'an. For this reason, they are always right, just, and wise.

The state of those who fail to comply with the Qur'an is stated as follows:

Is it other than the religion of Allah that you desire, when everything in the heavens and Earth, willingly or unwillingly, submits to Him and to Him you will be returned? (Surah Al 'Imran: 83) 

If anyone desires anything other than Islam as a religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers. (Surah Al 'Imran: 85) 

The religion with Allah is Islam. Those given the Book only differed after knowledge had come to them, envying one another. As for those who reject Allah's Signs, Allah is swift at reckoning. (Surah Al 'Imran: 19)

For these reasons, people must abandon all fallacious beliefs and take only the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas) as an example. Otherwise, they will be overwhelmed by grief and great regret in the Hereafter and receive a severe punishment.

Allah Explains Everything In The Qur'an

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) 

To bring all people out of the darkness and into the light, Allah sent us the Qur'an to explain every issue and provide every solution. As we read:

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, Allah states: "We have not neglected anything in the Book - then they will be gathered to their Lord" (Surat al-An'am: 38). In the Qur'an, Allah explains everything in the most perfect, wise, and concise manner. This is a manifestation of Allah's Mercy to His servants. In the Qur'an, He informs us of the basic tenets of true faith, many issues related to life in this world and the next, the ideal morality for people of faith, and many other issues that guide humanity. Allah introduces Himself to us through the Qur'an, explains that He created everything from nothing, that He is exalted above anything, that He sees and hears secrets and what is even more concealed, and that He knows everything.

The Qur'an gives a detailed account of why and how man was created, the type of life that earns Allah's good pleasure, the forms of worship, a description of moral excellence, ways to remain mentally and physically healthy, and how to deal with problems, emergencies, and various people in society. It also contains signs of scientific facts, knowledge related to daily life, social problems, the Day of Judgment, Paradise and Hell, and many other issues. In other words, the Qur'an provides all of the basic knowledge that people may need at any time. As we read:

And thus We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an and have diversified thererin the warnings that perhaps they will avoid (sin) or it would cause them remembrance. (Surah Ta Ha: 113) 

We have displayed throughout this Qur'an all kinds of examples for people, but most people spurn anything but disbelief. (Surat al-Isra': 89)

We have displayed throughout this Qur'an all kinds of examples for people. (Surat al-Kahf: 54)

In the Qur'an, Allah informs all people that they must comply unconditionally with His judgments, take Him as their sole friend and guardian, and make earning His good pleasure and Paradise their only goal in life. For those who live in compliance with the Qur'an, the Qur'an is the sole criterion and our Prophet's (saas) path is the only path worth following. The Qur'an informs us that true Muslims of all eras have abandoned their society's fallacious religion and turned to Allah and His commands. For instance, the Qur'an relates how the Companions of the Cave, a group of young believers, were condemned and threatened with death because they rejected their forefathers' religion and sought refuge in a cave (Surat al-Kahf: 13-16). Prophet Yusuf's (as) turning to Allah is an example of this:

For I have left the religion of a people who clearly have no faith in Allah and are unbelievers in the Hereafter. I hold fast to the creed of my forebears Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Ya'qub. We do not associate anything with Allah. (Surah Yusuf: 37-38)

In the spiritual sense, abandoning society's fallacious religion means to separate oneself entirely from that religion's adherents. In other words, it means that a person has been entirely purified of his or her former form of worship, belief, value judgments, manner of reasoning, moral codes, customs and traditions, modes of behavior and lifestyle that conflict with the Qur'an, although their society still adheres to such things, and has embraced Allah's revelation as the basic point of reference.

Allah is pleased with Islam as a religion for His servants. For that reason, He sent down the Qur'an as a guide to them and set the life of our Prophet (saas) as an example. The only right and just path is Allah's path, as described in the Qur'an. All other paths are unjust and wrong, and are based upon bigotry, heresy, and conjecture. Therefore, people may hope to be treated well in Allah's sight, provided that they comply meticulously with His commands, perform good deeds to earn His good pleasure, and follow in our Prophet's (saas) footsteps.

As Allah informs us in the Qur'an, the Words of our Lord are "perfect in truthfulness and justice," and only those who adhere to the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas) can attain to the truest and most accurate knowledge. There is no "judge" other than Allah, as stated in the following verse:

(Say), "Am I to desire someone other than Allah as a judge when it is He Who has sent down the Book to you clarifying everything?" Those We have given the Book know that it has been sent down from your Lord with truth, so on no account be among the doubters. The Words of your Lord are perfect in truthfulness and justice. No one can change His Words. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Surat al-An'am: 114-115) 

Also, our Prophet (saas) said that it is the unique source to which all people should refer. We find some of his admonitions in the following prophetic traditions:

The Qur'an is a strong rope of Allah, meaning that it is a reliable means of linking with Allah and a firm charter of guidance. It is the straight path. The Qur'an is the clear truth that keeps thoughts from straying. (Tirmidhi)

The Messenger of Allah said: "These hearts become rusty, just as iron becomes rusty when water gets into it." Someone asked: "O Messenger of Allah, how can these be cleared?" He said: "A great deal of remembrance of death and recitation of the Qur'an." (Bayhaqi; Manzoor No'mani, Ma'ariful Hadith [Pakistan], 85.)

Rejoice, for verily this Qur'an - one part of it is in the hands of Allah and the other part is in your hands. Therefore, hold on to it, for you will never be destroyed nor go astray after it! (Musnad Ahmad).
 

Living By The Qur'an's Values Is Easy

We have made the Qur'an easy to remember. But is there any rememberer there? (Surat al-Qamar: 17)

Allah sent down the Qur'an as a guide to humanity and conveyed the simplest and the best way to lead one's life. The verses give us the good news that Islam is easy to practice: "Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire difficulty for you" (Surat al-Baqara: 185). 

The Qur'an is a clear admonition to people of all ages and cultures. However, some people refer to unreliable sources, rather than the Qur'an, that cause them to believe mistakenly that Islam is difficult. The basic reason behind this attitude is their incomplete knowledge of Islam.

In our own day, many people remain utterly unaware of the facts conveyed by the Qur'an, such as the existence of the Hereafter, eternal life in Hell, Paradise's matchless blessings, and our Lord's admonitions and warnings to humanity. However, the Qur'an was sent down so that people could read it and take admonition. The Qur'an reveals that Allah told the Prophet (saas) to say: "(I have been ordered) to recite the Qur'an" (Surat an-Naml: 92).


To read and comply with the Qur'an is one of a Muslim's most important responsibilities. Allah causes people to grasp the Qur'an, and only those who are guided by Him can understand the full meaning of its verses. He also promises guidance to the sincere servants who turn to Him.

Those who assert that the Qur'an is hard to understand seek to prevent people from reading it, turning to Allah, and living by its values. However, Allah states in many parts of the Qur'an that it is easy to understand:

We have sent down Clear Signs to you, and no one rejects them except the deviators. (Surat al-Baqara: 99)

O humanity, a clear proof has come to you from your Lord. We have sent down a Clear Light to you. (Surat an-Nisa': 174) 

Apart from the Qur'an, its judgments and practices are also very easy. The following verse is self-explanatory:

We did not send down the Qur'an to you to make you miserable, but only as a reminder for those who have fear. (Surah Ta Ha: 2-3) 

The Qur'an's morality is the only way of life that befits human nature. Allah, the Creator of man from nothing, is the One Who best knows people's needs, the forms of worship they can perform, and the ways that lead to a tranquil and peaceful life. For this reason, Allah informs us that He does not impose upon people more than they can bear:

Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against it, what it has merited. Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake! Our Lord, do not place upon us a load like the one You placed upon those before us! Our Lord, do not place upon us a load that we have not the strength to bear! And pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy upon us. You are our Master, so help us against the disbelieving people. (Surat al-Baqara: 286) 

Out of His infinite Mercy and Compassion for His servants, Allah gives a detailed account of what type of life will give happiness, peace, and tranquility to people. For instance, people are innately fond of love, respect, mercy, and compassion, and expect such treatment from others. They avoid cruelty, evilness, and immorality, and innately fear to be exposed to them. Such feelings and expectations are the inspiration of Allah to a person's soul.

As this is how Allah created human nature, the type of life that complies with Islam's morality is the life that offers the utmost pleasure to humanity. Allah states this fact in Surat ar-Rum, as follows:

So set your face firmly toward the Religion, as a pure natural believer, Allah's natural pattern on which He made humanity. There is no changing Allah's creation. That is the true Religion - but most people do not know it. (Surat ar-Rum: 30) 

The Qur'an states in several places that the religion described in the Qur'an is the easiest one in many respects, as follows:

Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire difficulty for you. (Surat al-Baqara: 185)

But as for him who has faith and acts rightly, he will receive the best of rewards, and We will issue a command, making things easy for him. (Surat al-Kahf: 88)

We have made the Qur'an easy to remember. (Surat al-Qamar: 17)

He has selected you and not placed any constraint upon you in the religion - the religion of your forefather Ibrahim. (Surat al-Hajj: 78) 

The Sunna of our Prophet (saas) is also easy to practice. Our Prophet (saas), who adopted the Qur'an as his guide, said: "Facilitate (religious matters to people) and do not make (things) difficult. Obey each other and do not differ (among yourselves)." (Bukhari and Muslim). 

All Muslims are responsible for presenting the easiness of Islam (which is its very essence), reconciling people's hearts to the Qur'an and Islam, instructing people in the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas), and making them the sole guide of one's life.

Complying With The Qur'an Removes Man's Burden

Allah desires to make things lighter for you. Man was created weak. (Surat an-Nisa': 28)

Each person comes into existence and grows into an adult by Allah's Will, and needs His protection in every phase of life. The sole protector, guide, and supporter of all people is Allah, the Living, Who is the Creator of everything. The following verse states this fact:

O mankind, you are the poor in need of Allah, whereas Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the Praiseworthy. (Surah Fatir: 15) 

Allah, the Creator of the universe and all beings, whether living or non-living, sent down the Qur'an as a mercy to humanity. However, some people make up various excuses not to live by its values. One of these is the mistaken idea that Islam's morality somehow limits their chosen lifestyle. Yet this is a great delusion, for people who live in societies that do not follow the Qur'an's morality encounter great distress, difficulties, and limitations, whereas the Qur'an's morality presents a blissful, peaceful, and secure life. The Qur'an is a mercy that relieves the pressure that people inflict upon each other, removes strict rules and all unnecessary and restricting principles, relieves people's trouble, and ensures a peaceful life.

Indeed, Allah states that by communicating His message, the Messenger relieves people of their heavy loads and the chains around them. In addition, those who answer the Messenger's call and then support, help, and protect him and follow Allah's true path will attain salvation: peace, happiness, and blessings. As we read:

Those who follow the Messenger, the Ummi, whom they find written down with them in the Torah and the Gospel, commanding them to do right and forbidding them to do wrong, making good things lawful for them and bad things unlawful for them, relieving them of their heavy loads and the chains that were around them. Those who believe in him and honor him and help him, and follow the Light that has been sent down with him, they are the ones who are successful. (Surat al-A'raf: 157) 

In societies where people do not abide by the Qur'an's principles, some needlessly strict rules make people's lives hard and cause many problems to remain unsolved. The principles and outlook harbored by people impose new rules and prohibitions and, through these limitations, subject people to needless pressure. Some lawful food, for instance, may be prohibited. Or, the people's behavior may be restricted because certain acts are declared unlawful. Every society has some rules and practices stemming from its own culture and interests. Although they are not expressed verbally, they are practiced and implemented, in general, by all members of the society.

After all, people try to prove themselves to others and present themselves as having superior qualities. Consequently, under society's repressive rules and limitations, people cannot speak, laugh, or live as they desire, for they live under the constant social threat of humiliation, condemnation, or gossip.

People who do not know Allah, place their trust in and submit to Him, and live by the Qur'an's principles harbor countless fears: fear for the future, of being left alone, growing old, having an accident, dying, seeing their children's health threatened, losing possessions, failing in business or marriage, being deprived of a good education, and so on.

All of these are a source of sheer unmitigated anxiety. No doubt, the Qur'an's morality enables people to avoid such fears, for people who are far from Islam's values are unaware that everything occurs by Allah's Will and that everything is predestined. They fail to think that the good and the bad events in life are tests, and that Allah provides and owns all blessings and beauties. For this reason, societies made up of such individuals are characterized by tension, chaos, unrest, distress, and insecurity.

A society composed of people who adhere to the Qur'an's morality is immune to such negativity, as can be seen by its members' moral excellence. Such people place their trust in Allah and persevere, and also show mercy, compassion, and love. Inherently humble and contented, they feel the peace and comfort of living according to the religion described by Allah. As the Qur'an commands, they fear no one but Him and pursue His good pleasure over and above everything else. They know that every blessing they enjoy is from Allah and that the loss of any thing or value is a test from Allah, and so retain their composure when they achieve success or face an unexpected event. Also, they do not react thoughtlessly when confronted with hardship or trouble.

The Qur'an clearly explains what is lawful and unlawful, and gives a detailed account of the morality that pleases Allah. For this reason, the only rules that govern the believers' life are those mentioned in the Qur'an, for it introduces judgments that befit human nature by ensuring an ease of conscience and bringing peace and security. Allah states that He intends to relieve people of their heavy burdens, as follows:

Allah desires to make things clear to you, guide you to the correct practices of those before you, and turn toward you. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. Allah desires to turn toward you, but those who pursue their lower appetites desire to make you deviate completely. Allah desires to make things lighter for you. Man was created weak. (Surat an-Nisa': 26-28) 

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi explains the spiritual paradise that will be enjoyed by those people, in this very life, who abide by the Qur'an and its commandments:

The moment I saw this world in the midst of the darkness, my heart, spirit, and mind, and all my human faculties, indeed, all the particles of my being, were ready to weep and cry out in pain. But suddenly, Almighty Allah's Name of All-Just rose in the sign of All-Wise, and the Name of Most Merciful in the sign of Munificent, the Name of All-Compassionate in the sign of (that is, in the meaning of) All-Forgiving, the Name of Resurrector in the sign of Inheritor, the Name of Giver of Life in the sign of Bountiful, and the Name of Sustainer rose in the sign of Owner. They gilded and filled with light many worlds within the world of humanity. Opening up windows onto the luminous world of the hereafter, they scattered lights over the dark human world. (Nursi, "The Letters: The 29th Letter")
Allah endowed humanity with a nature that never finds peace and tranquility in a non-Islamic system. Underlying the difference between believers and unbelievers, this quality of the believers becomes more apparent in the Hereafter. People who do not comply with the Qur'an are depressed, while people of faith experience great joy:

When that Day (of Judgment) comes, no self will speak except by His permission. Some of them will be wretched and others glad. (Surah Hud: 105)

Allah Warns Humanity With The Qur'an

He (Allah) has made it (the Qur'an) straight, to warn of severe punishment from Him and to give good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a good reward. (Surat al-Kahf: 2) 

The verses that warn humanity about Hell's torment are one of the Qur'an's most important attributes. Those who are warned fully understand how to discriminate between right and wrong, good and evil. This attribute is related as follows:

He (Allah) has made it (the Qur'an) straight, to warn of severe punishment from Him and to give good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a good reward. (Surat al-Kahf: 2) 

We have made it (the Qur'an) easy on your tongue so that you can give good news to those who have fear, and warn stubbornly hostile people by it. (Surah Maryam: 97)

As the verse suggests in: "This Qur'an has been revealed to me so that I may warn you by it, and anyone else it reaches" (Surat al-An'am: 19), our Prophet (saas) assumed the responsibility of warning everyone he could reach. In another verse, Allah states that He revealed the Qur'an to our Prophet (saas) so that he could warn people:

Accordingly We have revealed to you an Arabic Qur'an so that you may warn the Mother of Cities and those around it, and give warning of the Day of Gathering, about which there is no doubt: one group in the Garden, the other in the Blazing Fire. (Surat ash-Shura: 7) 

As the verses maintain, in the Qur'an Allah describes the moment of death, how angels will remove the deceased person's soul, how humanity will be gathered together, how the reckoning will take place, events related to the Day of Judgment, how people will be driven to Hell in companies after the reckoning, what each soul will experience on that day, eternal torment in Hell, the spiritual and material torment and pain that its inhabitants will suffer there as well as the unprecedented beauty of the blessings in Paradise, and warns people about the Day of Judgment.

Indeed, many verses describe how the people in Hell talk to each other, their social life, and how they will continue to argue despite all of their suffering. Some verses even mention their arguments, as follows:

Warn mankind of the Day when the punishment will reach them. Those who did wrong will say: "Our Lord, reprieve us for a short time. We will respond to Your call and follow the Messengers." (It will be said to them) "But did you not swear to Me before that you would never meet your downfall?" (Surah Ibrahim: 44)

He (Allah) will say: "Do not argue in My Presence. Indeed, I gave you advance warning of the Threat. My Word, once given, is not subject to change, and I do not wrong My servants." On the Day He says to Hell: "Are you full?" It will ask: "Are there no more to come?" (Surah Qaf: 28-30)

Those who disbelieve say: "We will never believe in this Qur'an, nor in what came before it." If only you could see when the wrongdoers, standing in the presence of their Lord, cast accusations back and forth at one another! Those deemed weak will say to those deemed great, "Were it not for you, we would have been believers!" (Surah Saba: 31) 

Once they are engulfed by torment, there will be no salvation for those who turned their faces from the Qur'an's admonitions. They will repent when they see the Angels of Death coming for them. However, such a great regret will not benefit them, for these people chose the path of disbelief when the Messengers communicated Allah's message. One verse reads:

They will shout out in it: "Our Lord! Take us out! We will act rightly, differently from the way we used to act!" Did We not let you live long enough for anyone who was going to pay heed to pay heed? And did not the Warner come to you? Taste it then! There is no helper for the wrongdoers. (Surah Fatir: 37) 

Believers who spend every moment of their lives to earn Allah's good pleasure and mercy, and who lead a life in compliance with their conscience, are rewarded with Paradise in the Hereafter. The Qur'an relates that the Angels of Death will take the souls of such virtuous people to Paradise in groups in the following manner:

Gardens of Eden that they enter, with rivers flowing under them, where they have whatever they desire. That is how Allah repays those who guard against evil, those whom the angels take in a virtuous state. They (the angels) say: "Peace be upon you! Enter the Garden for what you did." (Surat an-Nahl: 31-32) 

The Qur'an also conveys the speech of believers, who are granted a honorable and superior rank in Paradise. They always exalt Allah in their conversations, which are always based upon themes of beauty, love, peace, and goodness:

They will say: "Praise be to Allah, Who has removed all sadness from us. Truly our Lord is Ever-Forgiving, Ever-Thankful. He Who has lodged us, out of His Favor, in the Abode of Permanence, where no weariness or fatigue affect us." (Surah Fatir: 34-35) 

They will say: "Praise be to Allah, Who has fulfilled His promise to us and made us the inheritors of this land, letting us settle in the Garden wherever we want. How excellent is the wage of those who work!" (Surat az-Zumar: 74) 

They will say: "Beforehand we used to live in fear among our families. But Allah was gracious to us and safeguarded us from the punishment of the searing wind. Beforehand we certainly used to call upon Him, because He is the All-Good, the Most Merciful." (Surah Tur: 26-28) 

As these verses make clear, believers are aware that they can attain this happy end only by Allah's Will and Mercy. Given their understanding that only Allah's Mercy and protection can guide them to the true path, believers always thank Allah in Paradise, just as they do in this life.

Muslims Fully Live By The Qur'an's Values

This (the Qur'an) is a clear explanation for all humanity, and a guidance and an admonition for those who have fear. (Surah Al 'Imran: 138)

The only criterion upon which the Muslims' lives rest is the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas). Until they die, they meticulously comply with Allah's commands, fear only Allah, ask help only from Him, and never feel fear, panic, or despair. They do not fear the blame of any person. When faced with unexpected events, they always conduct themselves in compliance with the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas). They display the same moral excellence in times of hardship and trouble, just as they do when granted blessings and abundance, for they are aware that only Allah grants more blessings or restricts them for a divine purpose, and that Allah sends difficulties to make people more mature.

However, people who neglect the Qur'an and fail to embrace Islam base their entire lives upon earning people's consent. Their philosophy of life, principles, and viewpoints contradict the Qur'an. Failing to adhere to the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas) as a guide, they formulate rituals, customs, and forms of worship that do not agree with Islamic morality.

As Prophet Shu'ayb (as) told his people, rather than observing Allah's commands, such people adhere to all forms of unjust beliefs and rules as if they were divine judgments: "You have made Him (Allah) into something to cast disdainfully behind your backs!" (Surah Hud: 92). Even if they see the truth in the Qur'an, they cannot abandon their unjust beliefs. Their understanding of what is lawful and unlawful varies according to their distorted rationale and thoughts, their society's value judgments, and what they inherit from their predecessors. They respect people's opinions rather than the Qur'an's judgments.

The worldview of such people is stated in the Qur'an as follows: "We found our fathers following a religion, and we are simply following in their footsteps" (Surat az-Zukhruf: 23). 

The Qur'an, the immutable Word of Allah, conveys the only way to salvation both in this world and the next. Meanwhile, the moral excellence displayed by our Prophet (saas) sets an example for believers.

Our Prophet's (SAAS) Sole Guide Was The Qur'an

Follow what has been revealed to you from your Lord - there is no god but Him - and turn away from the idolaters. (Surat al-An'am: 106) 

Allah chose our Prophet (saas) and revealed to him the Qur'an, which will apply until the Day of Judgment. The Qur'an also informs us that Prophet Muhammad (saas) is the last Prophet. Our Prophet (saas) adhered to the Qur'an and advised people to read it and respect only its judgments. The related verses are as follows:

Say: "I do not say to you that I possess the treasuries of Allah, nor do I know the Unseen, nor do I say to you that I am an angel. I only follow what has been revealed to me." Say: "Are the blind the same as those who can see? So will you not reflect?" (Surat al-An'am: 50) 

Follow what has been revealed to you and be steadfast until Allah's judgement comes. He is the Best of Judges. (Surah Yunus: 109)

Our Prophet (saas) also recommended to his companions that they read the Qur'an and observe its commands:

Why do some people impose conditions that are not present in Allah's Book (Laws)? Whoever imposes a condition that is not in Allah's Laws, then that condition is invalid even if he imposes one hundred conditions, for Allah's conditions are more binding and reliable. (Bukhari)
Allah's Book is Allah's rope; he who follows it has guidance, and he who abandons it is in error. (Muslim)
He who spoke according to the Qur'an spoke the truth, and he who acts in accordance with its directions entitles himself to reward. Again, he who judges according to the Qur'an is just and fair. Then, as for him who invites people to the Qur'an is indeed guided on the Right Path. (Tirmidhi)

While enjoining good or forbidding evil, our Prophet (saas) adhered only to the Qur'an as a guide. All of his words stemmed from it: "I follow only what has been revealed to me from my Lord. This is clear insight from your Lord, and a guidance and a mercy, for people who believe" (Surat al-A'raf: 203). For instance, his people asked him for a fatwa (legal opinion concerning Islamic law) about women. Allah told His Messenger (saas) to say: "Allah gives you a fatwa about them" (Surat an-Nisa': 127). Similarly, when people asked for a fatwa about inheritance, Allah ordered him to say: "Allah gives you a fatwa about people who die without direct heirs" and "Allah makes things clear to you so you will not go astray. Allah has knowledge of all things." (Surat an-Nisa': 176) 

In another verse, Allah reveals our Prophet (saas) to reply as follows to those who say: "Bring a Qur'an other than this or change it."

Say: "It is not for me to change it of my own accord. I follow nothing except what is revealed to me. I fear, were I to disobey my Lord, the punishment of a Dreadful Day." (Surah Yunus: 15) 

Consequently, the Sunna of our Prophet (saas) is to apply the Qur'an to daily life. For this reason, Allah informs us that obeying him is a basic tenet of faith. In one verse, Allah states that such obedience is actually obedience to Him (Surat an-Nisa': 80). Anyone who complies with his words and follows his Sunna also observes the Qur'anic judgments, for every attitude, decision, and word of our Prophet (saas) stems from the Qur'an. In the following prophetic tradition, our Prophet (saas) said:

He who obeys me has obeyed Allah, and he who disobeys me has disobeyed Allah; he who obeys the Amir (the Ruler I appoint) has obeyed me, and he who disobeys the Amir has disobeyed me. (Bukhari)
As the Qur'an states, our Prophet (saas) was a person of moral excellence who was distressed by the believers' suffering. He was deeply concerned about the believers, and was gentle and merciful toward them (Surat at-Tawba: 128); a noble person who enjoined good and forbade wrong, and relieved the believers of their heavy loads and the chains that were around them (Surat al-A'raf: 157); and was a blessing to people, purified them, and taught them the Book and Wisdom (Surah Al 'Imran: 164). 

To be a true Muslim with whom Allah is pleased, a person must obey the Qur'an's commands, embrace the Sunna of our Prophet (saas), and meticulously practice whatever they tell us to do. Since the Qur'an gives a detailed account of our Prophet's life, Muslims are obliged to examine his life, follow in his footsteps, and seek to display his moral excellence. In the Qur'an, Allah explains that the Prophet (saas) sets the best example for believers:

You have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much. (Surat al-Ahzab: 21)

Raising A Model Of Generation That Adheres To The Qur'an

Let there be a community (of people) among you who calls to good, enjoins right, and forbids wrong. They are the ones who meet with success. (Surah Al 'Imran: 104)

Many people take other people as examples and strive to be like them. From their culture to the way they talk or dress, they imitate those people and yearn for their lifestyle. Yet, almost all of these role models have their failings and possess a morality or understanding that lead people to evil. For humanity, the best role model to follow is that of our Prophet (saas), for the origin of his morality and moral excellence is the Qur'an. Our Prophet (saas) and his companions were conscientious, God-fearing people who embodied the Qur'an's morality and had a profound love for Allah.

Allah honored people of faith with the attribute of "overlords (khulafa') on Earth" (Surat al-An'am: 165), and granted them honor both in this world and the next. History witnessed the most perfect forms of peace, happiness, security, justice, love, friendship, brotherhood and sisterhood, compassion, and sacrifice in the lands ruled by our Prophet (saas). Indeed, this period was named the "Era of Bliss." Allah gave the good news of this recompense, which sincere believers will receive while still living in this world:

Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, We will give them a good life and will recompense them according to the best of what they did. (Surat an-Nahl: 97) 

For this reason, it is of great importance for this present generation to raise a new generation made up of people who think, rule, speak, and decide in compliance with the Qur'an and Sunna of our Prophet (saas). The Qur'an gives a detailed account of the attributes of such a Muslim society, one in which genuine believers follow in the Messenger's footsteps and seek only Allah's good pleasure. Some of their attributes are as follows:

- They worship Allah alone. (Surat al-Fatiha: 3)

- They have submitted themselves to Allah. (Surat at-Tawba: 51)

- They are aware that they are weak before Allah's Presence. (Surat al-Jinn: 22)

- They fear Allah, and strenuously avoid any form of morality that is displeasing to Him. (Surat ar-Ra'd: 21)

- They feel grateful to Allah under all circumstances and conditions. (Surat al-Baqara: 172)

- They are forgiving and tolerant. (Surat al-Hijr: 85)

- They are modest. (Surat al-Furqan: 63)

- They are compassionate and merciful. (Surat at-Tawba: 128)

- They enjoin the good and forbid evil. (Surah Al 'Imran: 104)

- They are in a mood of unity and solidarity. (Surah as-Saff: 4)

- They always advocate righteousness and justice, and never support the wrongdoers. (Surat an-Nisa': 58, 105)

- They keep their promises. (Surat al-Baqara: 177)

- They turn away from profane talk. (Surat al-Furqan: 72)

- They are patient; hardships never deter them. (Surah Al 'Imran: 146; Surah Hud: 55)

- They are reliable and courageous. (Surah Yunus: 71)

- They abide by the principles of Islam. (Surat al-A'raf: 89)

- They do not force people to accept their ideas; they only explain them. (Surat an-Nahl: 125)

- They do not seek to gain any interests in return for their efforts. (Surat ash-Shura: 23)

- They do not avoid telling the truth. (Surat al-Ma'ida: 54)

- They take pleasure from arts and aesthetics.
- They are against bigotry and intolerance. 

When these qualities become dominant, the moral degeneration, wars, cruelty, poverty, fraud, social disasters, troubles, and hardships that currently prevail throughout the world will be replaced by peace, security, justice, tolerance, friendship, and charity, for the Qur'an's morality brings spiritual and material wealth and beauty to humanity. In general, living by the Qur'an will create everlasting solutions to all problems.

With the verse: "O You who believe, enter Islam totally. Do not follow in the footsteps of Devil. He is an outright enemy to you" (Surat al-Baqara: 208), Allah summons people to live by the Qur'an's values.

Those who reject their society's unjust customs and traditions and adhere to the Qur'an are, in the Qur'an's terminology, those who "enter Islam." Otherwise, bigoted, insincere, fearful, timid, narrow-minded, ignorant, unwise, and imprudent societies that harbor countless unjust beliefs come into existence. Their members live only to satisfy their whims and desires, pursue mundane goals, see no limits in immorality, and feel overwhelmed by the pressure of the rules and principles that stem from ignorant systems. Surely one would not expect to lead a tolerant, civilized, peaceful, and secure life in such a society.

For this reason, every person of faith must feel grateful to Allah, for He granted sincere faith to all believers, guided them to the truth, and honored them with getting to know our Prophet (saas). The way to show this gratefulness is to display fully the Qur'an's morality and to follow the Sunna of our Prophet (saas). Refusing to do so is ungratefulness toward Allah, an attitude that will be punished severely in the Hereafter.

Conclusion

When people inquire about their religion, most people say that they are Muslims. However, many of them have not read the Qur'an, the just Book of Islam, even once. However, as has been mentioned throughout this book, the Qur'an is the revelation of Allah through which He introduces Himself and explains the real purpose of our life of this world and the next, as well as the attributes of moral perfection.

Leading a life unaware of Allah's expectations and being satisfied with fabricated religions is not befitting to a person's conscience and wisdom. Allah states that He sent down the Qur'an for people to read:

We have sent it (the Qur'an)down with truth, and with truth it has come down. We only sent you (O Muhammad) to bring good news and to give warning. We have divided up the Qur'an so that you can recite it to humanity at intervals, and We have sent it down little by little. (Surat al-Isra': 105-106) 

The Qur'an is unique, and therefore far superior to any other book. For this reason, the information that it contains is far superior to any other information. Every person who reads it with a sincere intention and sees the miracles, unique wisdom, and superiority that its verses convey will be guided to the truth. Whether people believe in it or not, the Qur'an is a reminder to all the worlds and is a miracle of our Lord, as we read in:

Say: "Believe in it or do not believe in it." Certainly, when it is recited to them, those who were given knowledge before it fall on their faces in prostration, saying: "Glory be to our Lord! The promise of our Lord is truly fulfilled!" Weeping, they fall to the ground in prostration, and it (the Qur'an) increases them in humility. (Surat al-Isra': 107-109) 

A person is never too old to read the Qur'an, understand it, and implement its commands in his or her life. This being the case, a person must not be seized by Satan's whispered incitements, such as: "You have not done it until today, so will it be of any use if you do it from now on?" and be cautious about similar satanic advice. Allah will hold people responsible for their most recent state. If a person, seeing the truth, turns to Allah and the Qur'an and starts to lead a life seeking His good pleasure, Mercy, and Paradise, Allah will accept his or her repentance.

Thus, those who know that they will die one day and live an eternal life, and who are aware of Paradise and Hell, must consider their situation by conscience and wisdom and then decide how to conduct themselves. What befits one's conscience and wisdom is to lead one's life by seeking Allah's good pleasure, His Mercy and Paradise, and to comply with His commands. As He states in the Qur'an:

Recite what has been revealed to you of your Lord's Book. No one can change His Words. You will never find any safe haven apart from Him. (Surat al-Kahf: 27)