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In today's fast-paced world, it is a must for
manufacturers of almost every product - from state-of-the-art
microwave ovens to space age automobiles, from sophisticated
sewing machines to powerful fighter jets, and from highly
functional refrigerators to intelligent mainline computer
systems - to provide a manual for the users' benefit. In light
of that, it is impossible to conceive that the Maker of mankind
did not equip him with any form of guidance for his life on
Earth.
It is unlikely that early man, with his limited knowledge about
anything, groped about the planet and endeavoured to understand
his alien surroundings and circumstances. We know for a fact
that a child is always full of questions, and never stops asking
to satisfy his/her curiosity.
Without an adult's aid, he/she is helpless. The same applies in
the case of the first man, Adam. His Creator, Almighty Allah ,
became his Teacher. After him, Divine inspiration continued to
be revealed upon selected human beings with the command to guide
their brethren towards enlightenment and truth.
Of the Divine Revelations, there are two types: the Holy Books
and the Holy Scrolls (suhuf). Some of the Holy books revealed to
the Prophets are the Taurah (Torah) revealed to Prophet Moses;
Zaboor to Prophet Dawood ; Injeel (Bible) to Prophet Jesus; and
the Holy Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
These revelations were sent to many different nations in many
different tongues, and formulated according to the needs of the
times and the understanding of the people.
This third Article of the Islamic Faith i.e. Belief in the Books
of Allah stipulates that Muslims must believe in the earlier
Holy Books and the Prophets who received them. This command is
contained in the Holy Qur'an:
"Say: We believe in Allah Almighty, and
that which has been sent down on us, and sent down on Ibraheem
and Ismaa'il, Ishaq and Ya'qoob, and the Tribes, and in that
which was given to Musa and Isa, and the prophets, of their
Lord; we make no division between any of them." [Al-Baqarah:
136]
This verse infers that the Holy Qur'an sums up all the messages
found in the earlier books and scrolls. It is the final book of
guidance from Allah to mankind sent through His final Prophet,
Muhammad (pbuh) Revealed over a period of 23 years, it contains
a total of 114 chapters covering a vast range of topics and
subjects. It is the complete guide for living one's life in this
world and seeking the pleasure of Allah.
The teachings of the Qur'an are universal and suitable for all
times and places. Indeed, it is the shining beacon that guides
humanity to overcome the darkness of ignorance. Almighty Allah
also informs us that He in His Absolute Power will substitute
His revelations when He so wishes. He expressedly puts this
forth in the following Qur'anic verse:
"None of Our Revelations do We abrogate
nor do We cause to be forgotten, but We substitute with
something better or similar. Do you not know that Allah has
power over all things?" [Al-Baqarah: 106]
The Qur'an is the Word of God par excellence. It is the eternal
miracle that Allah in His All-encompassing Mercy and Grace will
preserve forever so that mankind, as long as we are here, will
be able to uphold it and abide by its teachings, hence elevating
ourselves to the noblest of destinies.
(Taken from IslamVision) |
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