A Simple Guide to ISLAM
The Qur’an
~ 63 ~
of being tested. The freedom he is given here is not as a matter of
right, but as a matter of trial. On its outcome rests the eternal fate
of man. The Qur’an asserts that human beings are eternal
creatures, yet only an extremely small part of their lifespan has
been assigned to this present world, the remainder ordained for
the Hereafter. As we learn from the Qur’an, all the revealed books
were sent by God so that man might be informed of the nature of
his life.
The teaching of the Qur’an can be summed up under two basic
headings: (1) believing in One God and worshipping Him alone;
(2) regarding all human beings as equal and according equal rights
to all.
These two kinds of precepts can be expressed as monotheism and
justice.
The teachings of the Qur’an can broadly be divided into two parts
— abstractions and practicalities. The Qur’an, revealed as
circumstances demanded, and not in a purely theoretical way,
enshrines only the basic teachings of Islam. The detailed
application of these teachings is to be found in the
hadith
(sayings
and doings of the Prophet Muhammad).
Regarding social life, the essence of Islamic teaching is that God
has granted freedom to everyone. This freedom in itself demands
that people should lead their lives with restraint. Because, if
freedom is exercised without restraint, it will inevitably result in
clash and breakdown, destroying social life in their wake.
