INTRODUCTION TO THE QURAN

The Message of the Quran The Quran, the true word of God, is an eternal guide for the whole of mankind. It answers all such questions as: ’Why has God placed humanity on earth? What is His scheme of things in creating such a vast universe? How should we lead our lives? What will happen to us after death?’ etc. In it, man meets his Lord, beholds His promises and rejoices in His good tidings. It opens with the words: “Praise be to God, Lord of the Universe.” This is a way of saying: “Thank You, God, Maker and Sustainer of all the creatures in the world.” That is, He is One who, truly caring for His subjects, provides for all their needs. The Quran, the true word of God, is an eternal guide for the whole of mankind. One who discovers the Almighty in all His power and glory, suddenly finds the Lord forever in his heart and thoughts. This leads to a spontaneous outpouring of thanksgiving and adoration: Inspire me, Lord, to render thanks for the favours. You have bestowed on me and my parents, and to do good works that will please You. THE QURAN, 27: 19 The Divine Scheme of Things The Quran was revealed to give glad tidings to the righteous and a warning to transgressors: We have revealed to you this Book so that, by their Lord’s will, you may lead men from darkness to the light; to the path of the Mighty, the Glorious One. THE QURAN, 14: 1 Indeed, the Quranic mission is to make human beings fully understand God’s plan. Although upright by nature, everyone must still undergo a period of testing during his short time on this earth, so that in the next world he may be justly rewarded or punished for his deeds or misdeeds in this life. For this trial to be valid, everyone has been given the freedom to choose either the right path, as is shown in the divine scriptures, or the wrong path—that of his own desires.