It is more than probable that one of the main reasons for...

It is more than probable that one of the main reasons for their negative attitudes and lack of appreciation of this ‘Untarnished Word of God’ is to be found in that aspect of the Qur’an which differentiates it fundamentally from all other sacred scriptures: its stress on reason as a valid way to faith as well as its insistence on the inseparability of the spiritual and the physical (and, therefore, also social) spheres of human existence: the inseparability of man’s daily actions and behaviour, however “mundane”, from his spiritual life and destiny.

This absence of any division of reality into “physical” and “spiritual” compartments makes it difficult for people brought up in the orbit of other religions, to appreciate the predominantly rational approach of the Qur’an to all religious questions.

Consequently, its constant interweaving of spiritual teachings with practical legislation perplexes the Western reader who is suddenly confronted with the claim of the Qur’an to being a guidance not only towards the spiritual good of the hereafter but also towards the good life attainable in this world. Another reason may be found in the fact that the Qur’an itself has never yet been presented in any Universal language in a manner that would make it truly comprehensive.

The attempt here is to at least highlight certain verses which are revealed in the form of directives and which touch the daily lives of every human being.

This is definitely not exhaustive and am aware could not really ‘do justice’ to the Qur’an and the layers upon layers of its meaning, for, “if all the sea were ink for my Sustainer’s words, the sea would indeed be exhausted before my Sustainer’s words are exhausted.” (Surah al-Kahf, 18:109) Ayatullah Sayyid Abul Qasim al-Khui writes in his book ‘Al-Bayan fi Tafsiril Qur’an [^1] ’: "I was enamoured by Qur'an from the childhood, always keen to unravel its secrets and to discover its meaning.

It behoves every true Muslim, and even non‑Muslim thinkers to ponder over the Qur'an, to unfold its hidden meaning and to benefit from its light. For it is a Book which has a message for human welfare and guides it to success and salvation. Qur'an is a reference for the linguist, a guide to the grammarian, an authority for the jurist, an example for the refined, a lost treasure for the wise. It even guides those who admonish and shows the goal in life.

It is a source of social as well as political sciences, and upon it rest the sciences of Islam.