Heavenly Bliss of the Holy Quran
by Waqar Hussain Malik
The Light (Pakistan), 24th May 1984 Issue (Vol. 64, No. 9–10, pp. 15–16)
Spiritual Bankruptcy:
In this era of materialism, man has become the victim of spiritual bankruptcy. The man is betrayed by his knowledge and swindled by science and has adopted the pattern of life in which the mathematics of 2×2=4 is applied. He has become a self-centred ego-maniac. But the dazzling lights of the atomic dawn has made it clear that if poise and balance are not adopted there will be dust of organic life on earth.
But the application of poise and balance need revolution, which is only possible if practical implementation of the teachings of the Holy Quran is carried through in our working and attitude towards life.
The Quran is a book of God, revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
Man, due to his nature of self-manifestation and slave to self-desires is influenced by false ideology and has adopted unreal behaviour, which takes him to the destiny of dark and doom. The Holy Quran prevents him from doing so and guides him to righteous attitude towards life.
The principal teachings of Islamic system are as follows:
- A belief in unity, immortality, mercy and omnipotence of God.
- A belief in his Prophets, angels, books and the fortune of good and bad actions.
- Subjugation of passions.
- Charity and fraternity.
- Gratitude of God.
- Accountability of human actions in next life.
These beliefs with conviction are of great psychological value as well. Accepting God as an absolute master of this universe gives a purposeful meaning to creation and life on this earth.
Subjugation of the passions as in prayer is good for spiritual and physical health. Recent scientific knowledge has revealed that it is a good exercise for the body, especially the brain and the stomach.
The belief in the results of good and bad actions excites man to outpour a grateful heart to the Giver of all in case of triumph, and encourages him to revive after certain disastrous experiences of misfortune.
Accountability of Actions:
The idea that we have to account for our actions in the life to come before Almighty God has both deterrent and inspirational value.
Charity and brotherhood creates a perfect relationship in any society. Islam dispels aberration of superiority and inferiority on the basis of material possession. The Holy Quran clearly says:
“The more respectable among you are those, who are more righteous, and have a greater fear of God.” (The Holy Quran, 49:13)
The present conflict between East and West is based on ideological and political considerations. Both blocks have a zeal for domination. Both have their own system of life, which they think to be the best. Each one of them presumes that if his system is followed, peace and tranquillity will prevail in the world.
They use aggression and coercion as means to maintain peace and human welfare. Consequently, a blind race for more and more armament and material goods. The Holy Quran condemns this attitude. It believes not in coercion, but in persuasion. It pre-supposes that people who are to be given truth are as good as those who possess it. All creatures are equal before the eyes of God Who says:
“Go to Pharaoh, who has rebelled (against God) yet say to him with leniency, in order that he may understand and cherish true fear of God.” (The Holy Quran, 20:43–44)
These words are addressed to the Holy Prophets Moses and Haroon who were deputed to Pharaoh for the purpose of imparting Divine light to him. Pharaoh is a symbol of cruelty and oppression. Even to such a man God instructs moderation and leniency.
For international relations, the following words of Holy Quran are valuable:
“Let not enmity and ill-will misguide you or make you trespass the limits. Be Just.” (The Holy Quran, 5:8)
Love, amity and good will are the basis of the message of Islam. Human progress, both bodily and spiritually, demands homogeneity, good will, love, fraternity and sacrifices. This could only be achieved under the heavenly guidance of the Holy Quran.