INTRODUCTION

Introduction ~ 6 ~ INTRODUCTION This is the third book in our introduction to Islam series. It comprises excerpts from the Qur’an, arranged in a special sequence under relevant headings. No interpretation or commentary has been added. It provides an introduction to Islam which is derived directly from the original revealed source. The name of this book is taken from a verse of the Qur’an, the full text of which is: Be they men or women those, who believe and do what is right We shall surely endow with a good life: We shall reward them according to their noblest actions (16:97). The meaning of the “good life” mentioned in this verse is clear from the phrase “according to their noblest actions”. A good life is a life of good actions. The commentator of the Qur’an, ad-Dahhak, has defined it as “being content with an honest living and serving God in one’s life.” This is the meaning that the Companions of the Prophet and their followers generally inferred from the phrase.