dialog islam

DOES THE QURAN INCLUDE EVERYTHING?

Name of Questioner Krista - India
Title Does the Quran Include Everything?
Date 20/Oct/2009
Question I am Hindu; and I am reading about Islam. I have a question for you. It might seem simple for you. Does the Quran include everything?
Topic Qur'an & Scriptures, New to Islam, Islamic Creed
Name of Counselor Ahmad Saad

Answer
Salam, Krista.

Thank you very much for your question, which is meaningful and important, although it looks simple.

Muslims believe that the noble Quran is the final word of God revealed to humankind to guide its ways, and show people how to get close to their Creator by fulfilling what He has ordained on them, and how to fulfill their mission on earth by taking care of their responsibilities towards others.

It is the beacon to guide humanity to the path of its Creator, and show them the way to save themselves in the turmoil of this life, and enjoy the pleasure of Allah in this life as well as in the hereafter.

According to Islam, one of the unique characteristics of the Quran is that it is the book of all times and space. This means that the rulings and the teachings of the Quran are not restricted by time and space. They are universal and trans-time. They can be applied today as they were applied 1400 years ago, and can still be applied till the end of time.

Regardless of the change of our methods, knowledge, and approaches, this does not affect the validity of the teachings of the Quran. The Quran speaks of itself; and we are told that it is also a comprehensive book. Allah the Almighty says in the Quran what means:

[We have not neglected anything in the Book.] (Al-An`am 6:38)

The comprehensiveness of the Quran is necessary to enable people to function in their lives according to its guidance, and apply its teachings in their lives. The Quran tells us that it was revealed to be followed and applied with the intention of achieving guidance and leading a proper, God-pleasing life. In order for this purpose to be fulfilled, the Quran has to be comprehensive and all-embracing.

But what does this comprehensiveness mean? Does it mean that the Quran should include every tiny detail of life?

Of course not, because this will mean that we are expecting a book of huge size; something that will make the Quran inaccessible for people, who will be shocked by its size and will refrain from reading it. If that was the case, it will also mean that people will become so lazy, as they will find information about every little small thing in their lives easily provided in this Divine book.

This will mean that Quran will lead people to be lazy, and will cancel any chance of innovation and intellectual excellence, something which will violate one of the main purposes people are created for; that is, to construct the earth, worship Allah, and serve Him in the best of manners.

It is because of this that we can say, "Yes, the Quran is comprehensive, but its comprehensiveness means it gives general guidelines to people on how to find solutions to their problems and make their life better. It tells them how to plan their life in a way that makes it more fruitful, meaningful, and God-oriented.

Therefore, the Quran contains prescriptions for people on how to lead a happy life that brings them closer to Allah. It tells them generally what they should do and what should they avoid.

Also, it provides them with guidelines to find solutions for their problems, and create progress in their life in a way that pleases Allah and leads to happiness in the next life. Almighty Allah says in the Quran what means:

[Whoever does good whether male or female and he is a believer, We will most certainly make him live a happy life, and We will most certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did.] (An-Nahl: 16:97)

When we take Quran in this way, we will realise that the Quran is not there only to be recited and kept on shelves. Rather, it is there to become a source of guidance for everything we do in our life.

It contains guidance on how to solve personal, family, and community problems. It tackles the issues of economy and politics in the same way it deals with social problems and psychological diseases.

Of course it is not going to give us a detailed description of psychological problems, because this is not its job, but it will tell us generally about them, and guide us on the importance of seeking medication and leading a healthy life shaded by the pleasure of Allah.

In this way, we can relate the Quran to our lives, discover its comprehensiveness, and benefit from the light that has been embedded in it. May Allah enable us all benefit from the Quran and follow its teachings in every minute of our life.

I hope I have answered your question. Please, keep in touch.

Salam.