Quran Garden

Session 25

Chapter 2

Verse 2

A continuation

This is the Book in which there is no doubt, containing guidance for those who are mindful of God.

(Chapter 2: Verse 2)

In this verse, God described the Quran as "Guidance."  This word refers to instructions that one can follow to reach a goal.  First, however, you need a clear goal and then a guide to show you the way.  The critical question is, what is the best way to set a goal and choose the best guide?

People set goals and draw plans for themselves daily; let's see if this is a good model.  If you want to build the house of your dreams, you will start by calling an architect, explaining your vision and goal to him or her, and then he or she will draw the plans for your house.  Initially, the design the architect lays out for you may not align with your vision.  This is why, in any project, there is a first draft, a second, and many revisions until the desired design is reached.  You may even call a more skilled architect to fine-tune the project.  In fact, as you consider different ideas, your own vision of your dream house may change along the way.  Once the design is perfected and the construction is scheduled, you may find that some of the required materials are not available.  Once again, you go back and modify your plan.  In addition, the city municipality may not approve the project, resulting in more delays and yet other changes to be made. 

Do you see how your own goal, your own dream house, has changed and evolved many times through the process?  Why?  Because at the beginning, you lacked some fundamental knowledge and experience, and then circumstances outside your control forced you to make changes.   

How about your path to Paradise?  Do you want to run into similar problems as you map your way to the ultimate goal of life?  Of course not!  We are all in need of someone who has complete knowledge, who sees the entire picture, who has ultimate wisdom to determine for us the best and shortest path to heaven: He Who is Competent over all things, the Owner of all things, and by Whose will the universe functions. 

Even in the best-run governments, the laws set by humans are often deficient.  These laws are in constant need of amendments and changes.  This is because whoever initially set them had either an incomplete knowledge of the present, a limited vision of the future, or was self-serving.  God, on the other hand, is All-Knowing and free from inclinations.  He has selected the ultimate goal for you and shown you the best way towards it.  Following God's guidance is the only way to ensure that your goal of being in His Company in Paradise will be achieved and the path you follow will have no detours.  God Almighty says:

Say, "Indeed it is the guidance of Allah which is the true guidance." (2:120)

If you want sure success, follow God's path to the goal He set for you.  If you desire what is firm and everlasting, then take it from Him, Who is eternal and absolute.  Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to make your goal and actions align with God's guidance.

In many instances, we find that guidance in the Quran comes by way of narrating the stories of former Prophets and past events:

Alif, Laam, Ra.  Those are the Signs of the Clear Book.  We sent it down as a Quran in Arabic so that you may reflect and understand.  We tell you the best of stories in revealing this Quran to you.  Before this, you were one of those who knew nothing about them. (12:1-3)

These stories are not for entertainment and pastime; rather, they are a sermon and reminder for the believers.  As you know, history tends to repeat itself; thus, for example, the story of Pharaoh applies to every ruler who transgresses and abuses.  Similarly, the story of Qarun (قارون) applies to every ungrateful person who abuses their material wealth to belittle people and act in arrogance and impunity.  If you experience animosity and conspiracy from your siblings, you will find solace and wisdom in Prophet Joseph's story.  Again, the events of the people of the cave show us how the Lord showers with mercy on those who hold steadfast on His path in the face of overwhelming odds.    

Perhaps it is worth noting that most of these stories have anonymous, unnamed characters or characters only identified by their first name.  Since these events are common and many of us may experience them at some level, God wants you to identify with the characters and apply these lessons to life.  The exception to this rule is in the story of Mary, daughter of 'Imran, and Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon them).  Both are identified by their full names because their story is a miracle that will never be repeated.

In other instances, the Quran highlights God's signs in the universe as a guidance for people towards the Creator, as the following verse illustrates:

Alif, Laam, Meem, Ra. These are the signs of the Scripture.  What your Lord has sent down to you is the truth, yet most people do not believe.  It is God Who raised up the heavens with no visible supports and then established Himself on the throne.  He has subjected the sun and the moon, each to pursue its course for an appointed time.  He regulates all things and makes the revelations clear so that you may be certain of meeting your Lord. (13:1-2)

In fact, the mission of the Quran is to take people out of the darkness of ignorance, disbelief, and polytheism into the light of faith.  The sun, moon, and earth are here for the service of humankind, yet no one can claim that he or she has created them.  If anyone takes the time to contemplate these signs' meticulous, built and precise movement, it will surely lead them to the Creator.  Sadly, many people get caught up in their day-to-day problems, lure, and enjoyment of worldly life.  These distractions often eat up our time and blind us from God's signs.  Allah revealed the Quran to shine its light through life's distractions and guide us towards Him and the Hereafter.  God Almighty states:

Alif, Laam, Ra.  This is a Book We have sent down to you so that you can bring mankind from the darkness to the light, by the permission of their Lord, to the Path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy.  God, to Whom everything in the heavens and earth belongs.  How terrible will be the torment of those who ignore! (14:1-2)

If a person lives his or her life immersed in the moment, occupied by eating, drinking, and short-sighted material goals, how are they different from livestock who live to eat and drink?  Life can be alluring in its false hopes and the constant illusion that happiness is around the corner: if only you had a little bit more money, a little bit more power… God Almighty says:     

Alif, Laam, Ra.  These are the verses of the Scripture, a Quran that makes things clear.  The disbelievers may well come to wish they had submitted to God, so leave them to eat and enjoy themselves.  Let hopes distract them: soon, they will come to know. (15:1-3)

Thus, we should use the knowledge, insight, and guidance God gave us in the Quran to work towards the Hereafter before it is too late.  This cannot be attained by wishful thinking or by only reciting the Quran: work and action are required.