QURAN: A GUIDE TO LIFE AND BEYOND

The Quran bears verbal witness to the sovereignty of God. It describes, with great force and clarity, the great, hidden, determinative force at work throughout the entire cosmos, and gives us definitive information on those metaphysical realities, which elude the hand and the eye. Not only does it spell out the facts of existence, but it also builds up an astonishing gallery of word-pictures. Thus, it brings a hitherto unseen world before our very eyes. The Quran shows us where strength in this world really lies, giving us a handhold on a rope that never breaks. Without this, we have no real support in life. Moreover, it is only through attachment to God that human beings can retain their hold on the cord that binds each to each. The Quran explains that it is God alone who sustains us throughout our lives here on Earth. Through Him our hearts are set at ease, for it is He who provides true warmth in life. He rescues us in times of peril, assists us in the hour of need. All power rests in His hands. Honour and glory will be the reward of any nation that looks to Him for support, while only disgrace and humiliation will be the lot of those who abandon Him. To know this is to hold the key to all the treasures in life. He who possesses this key gains all; he who loses it, loses all. The Quran, first and foremost, is the Proclamation of God. Just as every individual and society possesses a set of guidelines for its optimal functioning, so is the Quran a ‘Guidebook’ for entire humanity revealed by the Almighty, Master of Man, King of kings. To put it very simply, the Quran is a book of directions, showing man the right path to tread. It is a Light which guides his faltering steps, giving him timely reminders of God’s will, awakening his sleeping nature and conveying the Lord’s admonition. It is a book that, in giving him the moral sense to distinguish right from wrong, cures him and his society of all ills. In this sense, it is a book of wisdom, full of every expression of correct understanding. It lays down for us the very foundations on which to build and organize society. In short, it provides everything that man as an individual and as a member of society will ever need. Without this, man can never be the gainer, no matter how hard he tries. The Quran, first and foremost, is the Proclamation of God. Just as every individual and society possesses a set of guidelines for its optimal functioning, so is the Quran a 'Guidebook' for entire humanity revealed by the Almighty, Master of Man, King of kings.