The Holy Qur'an

The Qur'an being the guide for mankind contains within it pearls of wisdom that not only guides man in attaining the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala by treading on the correct path but also teaches them a total way of living and passing their time in this world as mere traveller or passer by.

The Qur'an, being in a book form, was sent down to the final Messenger, Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. It is he who took this book and conveyed its message to his people, both verbally and physically.

Therefore, the connection between the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam and Qur'an is immense. The Qur'an was in a form of a book, whilst the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam was the walking talking model of the Qur'an; the Qur'an being the guidance and the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam was the guide; the Qur'an being the light and the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam being the lantern containing that light.

It is for this reason that if anyone wishes to be the beloved of Allah Ta'ala he has to follow the steps of the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam.

Allah Ta'ala has proclaimed in the Holy Qur'an:

"Say (O Muhammad): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful".

(Aal Imran - 3:31-32)

We can deduce for this verse that in order for us to attain salvation and the love of Allah Ta'ala we need to follow the Qur'an and the Sunnah, both being the guide for mankind.

The Qur'an being the word of Allah Ta'ala can never be understood by us, mere mortals. For that reason Allah Ta'ala sent down His beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam to explain to us the meanings and aim of the Holy Qur'an. The method in which the Qur'an changed mankind from the state of animals to the state of being Humans.

Before the revelation of the Qur'an men would kill their own daughters, people would drown themselves in intoxication and live a barbaric life.

It was the mercy and compassion of Allah Ta'ala through which he sent down the best of creation Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam amongst this nation to guide them and save them from the eternal hellfire.

The efforts exercised by the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam is known to every believer; the events of Taif and being stoned by the people; the scorching sun in the battlefields; the swelling of the feet whilst asking for the forgiveness of his Ummah; the sacrificing of his family for our sake; the cursing of the people and the hardships given by them only for because he was the messenger that came to save us.

Despite knowing this many chose to disbelieve in him, yet his mercy was such that despite this he prayed for their guidance and forgave their torturing acts.

Allah Ta'ala states in the Holy Qur'an:

"And We did not send you (O Muhammad) except as a mercy to the world."

(al-Anbiyaa - 21:107)

What is our duty to such a Prophet? How are we actually expected to follow the Qur'an?

to be continued...