Indian Newslink: Holy Quran sets the standard for life

Holy Quran sets the standard for life
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Sayyid Qutb  on 14/09/2009 22:22:00
 
The Surah begins with a clear, emphatic statement: “This book is bestowed by
God, the Almighty, the Wise.” As He is Almighty, He knows the purpose of
bestowing it, ensuring that it is done in accordance with wise and elaborate
planning.
The Surah, however, does not dwell on this fact. It is only a prelude to its
main theme, which this book has been revealed to establish, namely, God’s
Oneness, addressing all  worship to Him alone, ensuring sincerity in faith,
eliminating all traces of any alleged  partnership with God and establishing
direct contact with Him without any intermediary or need for intercession.
“It is We who have bestowed on you this revelation from on high, stating the
truth.”
The essence of the truth with which the book has been revealed is the absolute
oneness of God, which forms the foundation of all existence.
In verse Five the Surah states: “He has created the heavens and the earth in
accordance with the truth.”
The same truth makes up the foundation of the universe and provides the purpose
for revealing the Holy Quran. It is a single, consistent truth, confirmed by the
unity of the system that controls the heavens and the earth, and expressed in
human language.
It is the truth that puts the seal on everything made by the only Creator.
“Therefore, worship God alone, sincere in your faith in Him.”
The address here is to the Prophet, the recipient of the book as it is bestowed
from on high. It embodies the constitution, which he advocates, calling on all
mankind to adopt it:  to worship God alone, sincere in our devotion, and to
conduct human life, in all spheres, on this basis. These are not mere
statements. It is a complete system, starting with a firm belief that is
translated into an all-embracing way of life for both the individual and the
community.
A believer in God’s oneness submits only to God, bowing his head to none
other, and asking nothing from others. For him only God is powerful and holds
sway.
Indeed, all other creatures are weak, unable to do him, or themselves, harm or
good. It is God alone who gives, bestows favours or withholds them. What is the
use, then, of turning to anyone other than God for help when all are weak and
God alone holds all power?
Unity of System
A true believer recognises the unity of the system that conducts all affairs in
the universe, realises that the code of living God has chosen for mankind is
part of that system, specially moulded to achieve harmony between human life and
the universe.
Hence, a believer does not choose any system or legal code other than that which
God has laid down. A believer in God’s oneness also feels that there is a bond
between him and all that God has created in this universe, and that all
creatures are friendly toward him.
He feels that all around him have been put in place by God’s hand.
Hence, he warms to everything that comes his way of God’s creation.
He does not hurt, destroy or waste anyone or anything, or use it in any way
other than what God has sanctioned.
Similarly, the effects of believing in God’s oneness are apparent in
believers’ concepts and feelings just as they are reflected in their actions
and behaviour.
Thus, belief in God’s oneness is not merely a verbal utterance.
Why it is given such emphasis in God’s book, and hence why it is repeated and
explained in a great variety of ways. Each of us needs to study and reflect upon
God’s oneness so that this truth is perfectly ingrained in our own essence.
“True devotion is due to God alone.” In Arabic, this statement has added
emphasis provided by certain characteristics of the sentence structure, which is
peculiar to Arabic and difficult to capture in translation.
It gives the statement the sense of a declaration producing a loud but clear
echo.
Thus, sound, structure and meaning combine to strongly emphasise this basic
truth upon which all life, throughout the universe, is based.
By arrangement with Arab News, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia