THE QURAN AND SUNNAH

In this verse the believers are commanded to follow those teachings of religion which were given to all prophets. These are: monotheism, developing sincerity, inculcating good virtues, having a noble character, and doing good deeds for the Hereafter. We learn from this verse that there are four parts of religious teachings sent down by God. One part encompasses all that is common to all the prophets sent to any part of the world. These teachings do not change with the changing times. These are the basic essence of religion. If we have to follow this real part of religion, the question of relevance or irrelevance does not arise, whatever the age, for its tenets are based on eternal values. Another part of God’s religion covers Shariah (Law) and Minhaj (Method). In this second part of the teachings some concessions had to be made according to the age and situation in which the teachings were revealed. That is why the prophets were given different Shariah at different times. In the above verse, Shariah means detailed law and Minhaj means its method. Since these two things relate very much to circumstances, they change with the changing situations. For instance, the principle of marriage between Adam’s sons and daughters was different from the principles given to other prophets. Similarly, the respective political methods followed by the Prophets Joseph and Moses were different from one another. This difference was due to the difference in time and circumstances. If we look at the teachings of Islam from this angle, we shall find that there is no conflict between these teachings and the demands of modern times and that Islam is practicable in the modern age in the full sense of the word. The real and basic demand of Islam is that man should believe in one God. He should worship Him alone. He should embody truth, honesty, justice and other moral values. In short, within his own private sphere, he should fully obey God. Obviously, these teachings of Islam do not clash with the demands of modern times, which are equally practicable today. Another part of Islam pertains to social laws, for instance, deterrent punishments. These kinds of laws similarly do not clash with the demands of modern times. For commandments such as these do not mean that Muslims should start implementing these commands There is no conflict between the teachings of Islam and the demands of modern times. Islam is practicable in the modern age in the full sense of the word.