Fruits of Holding by the Qur'an

Reforming the Individual






When one evaluates the conditions of the Arabs before the mission of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and their conditions upon his death, one will clearly realize that such a society witnessed a boom in all economic, political, and social fields. The only new thing introduced into that society was the revelation of the Noble Qur'an to the Prophet, who perfectly memorized, understood, and acted upon it. He also taught Muslims to lead a new life according to this noble book. Almighty Allah says,
(Do not move your tongue with it to make haste with it; surely on Us (devolves) the collecting of it and the reciting of it. Therefore when We have recited it, follow its recitation. Again on Us (devolves) the explaining of it. ) (Al-Qiyamah 75:16-19)

He also says,

(Alif Lam Ra. (This is) a Book which We have revealed to you that you may bring forth men, by their Lord's permission, from utter darkness into light - to the way of the Mighty, the Praised One. ) (Ibrahim 14:1)

The Noble Qur'an is just like the water sent down from the clouds by the command of Almighty Allah bringing life back to the earth after its death. Almighty Allah says,

(And Allah has sent down water from the cloud and therewith given life to the earth after its death; most surely there is a sign in this for a people who would listen. ) (An-Nahl 16:65)

Muslims' Duty Toward the Qur'an

Almighty Allah unequivocally promises to preserve the Qur'an:

(Surely We have revealed the Reminder, and We will most surely be its guardian. ) (Al-Hijr 15:9)

In today's world, there are pressing questions that the Muslims need to ask: How can Muslims be in such a dismal state while the same Noble Qur'an is still in their hands, and not a single letter is missing? How come that the Muslim Ummah of today does not have a generation that is guided by the Qur'an in the way the generation of the Companions was or even in a way close to it?

The answer to this question lies in perceiving the duties of Muslims toward Allah's Book. Indeed, the attention Muslims pay to the Qur'an at present is mostly restricted to memorizing it, listening to Qur'anic recitations, and learning the tajweed (rules of Qur'anic recitation). These are only some of the duties the Muslims are required to fulfill with regard to the Noble Qur'an.

Other duties toward the Qur'an include:

1. Memorizing it, mastering tajweed, and reciting it in the way it should be recited. Almighty Allah says,

(Those to whom We have given the Book read it as it ought to be read. These believe in it, and [as for] whoever disbelieves in it, these are the losers. ) (Al-Baqarah 2:121)

2. Pondering over, reflecting on, and apprehending it, and dedicating one's mind, heart, and talent to it in order to derive maximum benefit. Almighty Allah says,

((This is) a Book that We have revealed unto you, full of blessing, that they may ponder over its revelations, and that men of understanding may be mindful. ) (Saad 38:29)

He also says,

(Do they not then reflect on the Qur'an? Nay, on the hearts there are locks. ) (Muhammad 47:24)

3. Acting upon its rulings and adopting it as a constitution in all walks of life, public and private, so that one would not be like the Children of Israel, who were entrusted with the obligations of obeying Allah's commandments and applying the laws of the Torah but did not fulfill them. Almighty Allah says about them,

(The likeness of those who were charged with the Torah and then they did not observe it is as the likeness of the donkey bearing books; evil is the likeness of the people who reject the revelations of Allah, and Allah does not guide the unjust people. ) (Al-Jumu`ah 62:5)

(And recite to them the narrative of him to whom We give Our revelations but he withdraws himself from them, so the Satan overtakes him, so he is of those who go astray. And if We had pleased, We would certainly have exalted him by means of those [revelations], but he clung to the earth and followed his low desire, so his parable is as the parable of the dog; if you attack him he lolls out his tongue, and if you leave him alone he lolls out his tongue; this is the parable of the people who reject Our revelations; therefore relate the narrative that they may reflect. Evil is the likeness of the people who reject Our revelations and are unjust to their own souls. ) (Al-A`raf 7:175-177)

(O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? It is most hateful to Allah that you should say that which you do not do. ) (As-Saff 61:2-3)

4. Calling people to act upon it, turn to it for judgment, and seek its guidance. Almighty Allah says,

(Say, "Come; I will recite what your Lord has forbidden to you: That you do not associate anything with Him, and show kindness to your parents, and do not slay your children for (fear of) poverty - We provide for you and for them - and do not draw nigh to indecencies - those of them which are apparent and those which are concealed - and do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except for the requirements of justice; this He has enjoined you with that you may understand. And do not approach the property of the orphan except in the best manner until he attains his maturity, and give full measure and weight with justice - We do not impose on any soul a duty except to the extent of its ability - and when you speak, then be just though it be (against) a relative, and fulfill Allah's covenant; this He has enjoined you with that you may be mindful. ) (Al-An`am 6:151-152)

5. Being endurant, patient, and perseverant in this call. Almighty Allah swears,

(By the time, most surely man is in loss, except those who believe and do good and enjoin on one another truth and enjoin on one another patience. ) (Al-`Asr 103:1-3)

The Qur'an's Impact on the Individual

If these duties are carried out, a great change will undoubtedly occur to the individual and society. Regarding the individual, one can notice the role of the Qur'an in the following aspects:

Establishing Monotheism and Eradicating Polytheism


Having the firm belief that no one has the right to be worshipped but the One and Only God - Allah, Who alone has the power to grant benefit and to inflict harm and to bestow gifts and favors and to withhold them - the Muslim should behave in a manner that is consistent with that belief.
The Noble Qur'an abounds with verses that embody this meaning. It is no wonder that the Prophet declared that reciting Surat Al-Ikhlas equals, in reward, reciting one third of the whole Qur'an. In spite of its shortness, this surah is conclusive in consolidating the pillars of monotheism. Almighty Allah says,
(Say, "He, Allah, is One. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And none is like Him." ) (Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4)

There are other verses that carry the same meanings:

(And your God is One (Allah)! There is no God but He; He is the Beneficent, the Merciful. ) (Al-Baqarah 2:163)

(Certainly they disbelieve who say, "Surely Allah is the third (person) of the three," and there is no god but the one Allah, and if they desist not from what they say, a painful chastisement shall befall those among them who disbelieve. ) (Al-Ma'idah 5:73)

(Surely Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with Him, and forgives what is besides that to whomsoever He pleases, and [for] whoever associates anything with Allah, he indeed devises a great sin. ) (An-Nisaa' 4:48)

This monotheism has a manifest impact on people's life. Having the firm belief that no one has the right to be worshipped but the One and Only God - Allah, Who alone has the power to grant benefit and to inflict harm and to bestow gifts and favors and to withhold them - the Muslim should behave in a manner that is consistent with that belief. If one unquestioningly believes that Allah is Merciful to His servants and that He forgives their sins and evil deeds should they sincerely repent, this belief will surely be manifested in one's conduct.

Certainly, such people will be good and beneficial individuals to their societies. They will be productive and will be certain that their sustenance and life are secured. They will not feel sad over the things they fail to get, and they will not unduly rejoice at the things given to them. Instead, they will completely focus on the work they have to do and the effort they have to make.

Almighty Allah says,

(Allah puts forth a parable: a man belonging to many partners at variance with one another, and a man belonging entirely to one master; are those two equal in comparison? Praise be to Allah! But most of them have no knowledge. ) (Az-Zumar 39:29)

This belief in Almighty Allah entails a belief in all His Prophets, from Adam to Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them all). It also connotes a conviction that the purpose behind sending these Prophets has been to enlighten the humans about the truth and help them adhere to it. This is revealed in the Qur'an as follows:

((We sent) Messengers as givers of good news and as warners, so that people should not have a plea against Allah after the (coming of) Messengers; and Allah is Mighty, Wise. ) (An-Nisaa' 4:165)

This monotheism also conduces to belief in the Day of Judgment, fate, and predestination. This helps Muslims lead a stable and tranquil life in this world and helps them move to a better life in the hereafter.

Confirming the Human Dignity

The Noble Qur'an also establishes the pillars of human dignity and makes Muslims, in particular, and humanity, in general, realize that sense of dignity.



Among the most conspicuous proofs of this fact is that Almighty Allah created Adam with His Two Sublime Hands and commanded the angels to prostrate themselves before him. He, Almighty, provided the humans with means that carry them on the land and the sea and preferred them to many of His creatures with a marked preferment. Almighty Allah says,
(And surely We have honored the children of Adam, and We carry them in the land and the sea, and We have given them of the good things, and We have made them to excel by an appropriate excellence over most of those whom We have created. ) (Al-Israa' 17:70)

He also says,

(And (remember) when We said unto the angels, "Prostrate yourselves before Adam," and they fell prostrate, all save Iblis. He demurred through pride and so became a disbeliever. ) (Al-Baqarah 2:34)

Refining the Human Soul

The Noble Qur'an was also revealed with the aim of refining the soul, raising it above the rock bottom of mundaneness and vain desires, and elevating it to the signs of sublimity and perfection. This is clearly illustrated in the following Qur'anic verses:

(And by the soul and Him Who made it perfect; then He inspired it to understand what is right and what is wrong for it; He will indeed be successful who purifies it, and he will indeed fail who corrupts it. ) (Ash-Shams 91:7-10)

(Certainly Allah conferred a benefit upon the believers when He raised among them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His revelations and purifying them and teaching them the Book and the wisdom, although before that they were surely in manifest error. ) (Aal `Imran 3:164)

(He it is Who raised among the inhabitants of Makkah a Messenger from among themselves, who recites to them His revelations and purifies them and teaches them the Book and the Wisdom, although before that they were surely in manifest error. ) (Al-Jumu`ah 62:2)

These are only a few examples of what the Noble Qur'an has implanted in the hearts of Muslims. Hence, anyone seeking to get many of the good things lying in the Qur'an must attentively and thoughtfully recite this noble book in its entirety in order to grasp its teachings and instructions and see how they can elevate all human beings spiritually, materially, and intellectually.

By comparing the life of any of the Prophet's Companions before Islam with their life in Islam, Muslims will perceive the great difference the message of Islam brought about. Indeed, the Noble Qur'an reshaped the characters of the Companions and fashioned them under the guidance and the protection of Almighty Allah.