| However, we can not claim that
the Central Theme of the Holy Qur'an is only legislation and spirituality; as
human life is more complex and multi-dimensional. Since Islam is a complete way
of human life and Qur'an being its source of guidance, to ascribe the Qur'an to
be just the book of legislation and spirituality only will be misleading, because
the Qur'an has dealt with a vast range of subjects.
Contrary to the opinion
of some people who consider the Holy Qur'an to be of spiritual benefit only, or
to be confined to worship, prayers and morals, we should point out that only one-twelfth
(500 verses) relates to problems of Jurisprudence; while the larger part of it
deals with matters pertaining to various issues including social, political,administrative,
historical, cultural, faith and other related matters.
Among the recurring
themes of the Qur'an is about the universe itself and its Creator. Another theme
treated by the Qur'an is the purpose of the universe and its creation. Among the
other general issues dealt by the Qur'an is the question about human being:
Is man a despicable creature, or a personality with nobility and dignity etc.?
The
other subject dealt with in the Qur'an is the issue of human society: Is the society
considered to be primary and the individual as secondary, or whether it subordinates
the society to the individual? Are societies, according to the Qur'an, subject
to laws governing their life and death, their rise and decline, or are these conditions
applicable to individuals alone? The Qur'an deals with numerous other issues.
One of them is the point of view of the Qur'an about itself. The other issue is
related to the Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) and its
manner of introducing and addressing him. Another issue is its definition of a
believer (mu'min) and his characteristics and so on.
Furthermore, each
of these general issues possesses various branches and divisions. For example,
when discussing mankind and its situation, it is natural to speak about morality.
Or, when speaking about society, the problem of human relationships also unavoidably
enters the discussion. The same is true of such notions as "enjoining good
and forbidding evil," and the problem of social classes.
Now the question
is: What is then the Quran's general theme? If pondered upon the multifaceted
contents inside the Qur'an, one can safely reach to the conclusion that the central
theme and aim pursued by the Qur'an is the 'training of the human being' as a
being conscious of his duties. The main aim of the Qur'an is therefore to reinforce
and accelerate the spiritual ascension, together with all the qualities of human
being, toward a state of true loftiness and the dignity of which the human being
is worthy.
In another words, we can say that the main purpose of Qur'an
is to expound truths that are relevant to the 'life of the human being' and the
exaltation of his being and conducive to his attaining a life of true happiness.
Imam Amirul Mu'miniin `Ali bin Abitalib (peace be upon him) narrated the following
dua, from which we can derive very clearly that the Holy Qur'an is the 'chart
of life for man'.
He prayed: "O Allah! expand my breast with Qur'an, actuate
my body with Qur'an, enlighten my sight with Qur'an, liberate my tongue by
Qur'an, and help me to mould my life according to Qur'an, so long as You make
me live".
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