Chapter 1: Acquainting with al-Qur’an.

6. al-Qur’an introduces Allah to us

Yet of mankind is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge or guidance or a Book giving light!

[Lukman 31:20]

This role of al-Qur’an is the most important one even though the author has listed it as the final role. In essence the author is saving the best for the last. Based on the above verse, Allah reminds us only to discuss about Him with knowledge, guidance or based on an illuminating Book. All these characteristics are encompassed in al-Qur’an.

Below are a few illustrations on how al-Qur’an introduces Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala to us:

• Al-Qur’an teaches us the genuine essence of tawheed (oneness of god):

Say: “He is Allah, (the) One. Allah-us-Samad [Allah - the Self Sufficient master, whom all creatures need].

He begets nor was he begotten. And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.”

[al-Ikhlas 112:1-4]

• Al-Qur’an helps us identify the names and characteristics of Allah. In addition, al-Qur’an also teaches us that these names and characteristic do not mean that Allah has physical qualities like His creation. For example, Allah is Most Seeing, Most Hearing. However Allah does not see with eyes like us and He does not hear with ear like us. He sees and hears but not like us because Allah is exalted from having any similarities to His creation:

There is nothing like Him, and He is All- Hearer, the All-Seer.

[asy-Syura 42:11]

• Al-Qur’an also explains to us that Allah accepts our supplement (do’a) without any intermediaries (wasilah). Thus there is no need for us to make do’a to another creation of His or use any form of intermediaries in order for our supplement to reach Allah:

And your Lord said: “Invoke Me, I will respond to your (invocation).”

[al-Mu’min 40:60]

• Al-Qur’an also illustrates that Allah is Most Merciful, Most Loving and Most Forgiving. This should motivate us not to despair from Allah’s Mercy and Love regardless of the wrongs and sins that we have committed in life:

Say: “O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)!

Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily, Allah forgives all sins.

Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

[az-Zumar 39:53][1]

• Al-Qur’an informs us that Allah will not change the condition or fate of a nation unless the nation puts effort to initiate the change:

Verily Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves.

[ar-Ra’d 13:11]

• Al-Qur’an educates us that Allah has forbidden us from transgressing the boundaries He has set forth. The prime prohibition is to speak about Allah without knowledge:

Say: “The things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are al-Fawahish

(great evil sins and every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly,

sins, unrighteous oppression, joining partners with Allah for which He has given no authority,

and saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge.”

[al-A’raaf 7:33]

With the above warning we would not dare to innovate new worships (bid’ah) and make it halal with the excuse “Isn’t it something good?” or “Well… Allah and His messenger did not prescribe it however they also did not prohibit it.” This is very important because worship is the right of Allah. Only He can determine how. He wants us to worship Him. He has completed this through His messenger. Anyone who innovate new worship activities and recommends it to others, he has actually deprived Allah’s right. No one would have the courage to do so unless he barely knows the Lord he is worshipping.

The above points are few examples of how al-Qur’an introduces Allah to us. However, it is not limited to these examples. In actuality, the whole al-Qur’an introduces Allah to us either from tawheed (oneness of god) point of view, His Names and Characteristics, His right to be worshipped and many more. This is the prime role of al-Qur’an in a Muslim’s life.

Explained in this chapter are few characteristics and role of al-Qur’an that the author has summarised in introducing al-Qur’an. These inputs would not be beneficial if we do not analyse and practice the teachings of al-Qur’an. The author hopes with this brief introduction to al-Qur’an the readers would be interested to further analyse al-Qur’an. In the next chapter, the author will explain few guidelines and tips to help us analyse al-Qur’an insha-Allah.

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CHAPTER 1 : CONTENTS

Hafiz Firdaus Abdullah