One and Only - Quranic Code of Life

Thursday, July 26, 2007.

- Islaam.org

It is a matter of faith with every Muslim that the Quran is a complete code of life. One can attain the highest purpose in this life as well as the Hereafter, and also enjoy the benefits of peace and tranquility by following the Quran faithfully. This is a claim which needs to be explained in great detail. Voluminous books have been written on this subject. The purpose of this article is to discuss briefly only the more important aspects of this code.

The glorious Quran itself epitomized in four brief words the code of life which it enjoins upon mankind for its salvation. It says, The decision belongs to none but Allah. (6:57)

This is the first, yet the most vital as well as the most comprehensive clause of the Quranic code of life. It encompasses Quranic teachings and precepts concerning each and every aspect of human life. It follows, therefore, that whosoever wishes to be guided by the way of life shown by the Quran will have to accept as a matter of faith the concept that sovereignty and supreme authority of the universe belongs only to Allah, and all his votaries should bow their heads in submission to all His Commands. Allah's Sovereignty is so supreme, pervasive and eternal that the authority and power of worldly rulers can bear no comparison to it. For instance, the worldly rulers govern only the visible actions of human beings, and have no control over their secret lives. Therefore there is no man-made law anywhere in the world which can regulate a man's secret life, and conduct his behavior and the working of his mind. On the other hand Allah's Sovereignty omniscience encompasses all aspects of human life, from his open and visible action to his conduct and behavior as well as what passes in the remote recesses of his heart and mind. Not a breath of human life is out of His Reach. In consequence, it is expected that an individual, whether in power or in public life, whether in the company of his family members or in solitude should regard himself subject to the Will of Allah in all aspects of his life, whether they be in his words and deeds or in thinking and views. One should have total faith in the verse,


 

"Verily one will be answerable for everything-the ears, the eyes and the heart." (17:36)

Therefore, the command given by Allah through the Quran and His Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam may be divided into five major headings as follows:

1. Belief
2. Worship / Rituals
3. Dealings
4. Social Obligations
5. Morality

1. Under the heading 'Beliefs', Allah has taught some fundamental truths, and their understanding and acceptance for a proper comprehension of the purpose of man's creation. For instance, Unity of Allah (Tawheed), Prophethood (Risaalat), the Hereafter (Aakhirat), Predestination (Taqdeer), Angels (Malaa'ikah) and such other basic Islaamic beliefs not only constitute acceptance of the metaphysical truths but also lead to the serene and contended worldly life. Once these beliefs take roots in one's heart, and one starts believing that the real power in the universe belong only to Allah the Almighty, and that he is constantly and incessantly watching all our utterances and deeds, and that one will be answerable for each and every act before Him, then automatically one feels revulsion for evil and gets drawn closer towards good deeds gradually.
2. The second heading is 'Worship', which includes Salaat, Sawm, Hajj, Zakaat and sacrifice of animals. The purpose of all these rituals is to develop a special relationship and tie with Allah, the Almighty. Through 'beliefs' man accepts certain things as eternal truths and 'worship' enable them to take such a firm root in his heart and soul that in time they lead to total faith in, and adoration of Allah. Human nature craves that man should love adore his Creator and Master, bow before Him, call him in his miseries and sufferings and surrender himself completely to His Will. These worships then, by satisfying his natural instinct, give him a spiritual joy. As a result of this he does not accept Allah's Supreme Authority as something forced upon him but voluntarily with eager love and devotion. And in a state of extreme love and devotion he calls out, "My prayer, my offering, my life and my death are for Allah the Lord of al the worlds " (6:162)

Continued in next issue

Source: http://www.readmirror.com/religion/story.asp?ID=162