A TREASURE TROVE of practical wisdom, beneficial to humans in their every day individual and community life, are preserved in the Holy Qur'an in the form of Divine Commandments. Long before the advent of the Holy Prophet of Islam (sa) in Arabia, God's Prophets addressed their own communities on good and evil, on right living and right conduct, and on how to avoid wrongdoing and mischief in the land, and to preserve justice and peace among different communities in society. Thanks to the Divine Blessing of the advent of the Holy Prophet (sa) and the Holy Qur'an, we have access to those timeless teachings- the universal wisdom of the Ages- originally addressed by Allah (swt) to the ancient communities through their own messengers.
The spiritual guideposts encourage one to adopt the virtues of modesty and balance in personal habits and temperament, beginning from the food we eat and the provisions we seek. We should cultivate humility and the spirit of accommodation as personal qualities in our relations with others. We should neither be domineering, nor high-handed in our engagements involving fellow beings. We should seek to avoid discord in relations with spouses, with the rest of the family, and within the wider community and society. Put differently, strive to be fair and just in fulfilling all your responsibilities; respect the rights and free choices of others; discharge your duties towards relatives as well as strangers, and try to avoid all that can lead to discord and conflicts in social and community relations. Learn to forgive and forbear in times of differences with others. Indeed, Qur'anic ethics, when practiced by real men and women, will lead to both inner peace, community solidarity and social tranquillity.
The Divine Law warns against injustice and domineering attitudes in society as it can lead to disputes and violence and anarchy, destroying the whole edifice from within. Reminding us about those who sold their souls for cheap victories in this life at the price of the Hereafter, the Heavenly Light strongly urge us to consider, prefer and embrace truly-rewarding choices, in weighing the priorities in our moment in this world. Indeed, Qur'an's discerning teachings could work as foundational basis for anyone who seeks to construct a life rooted and nurtured in spiritual values; a life of prayer and utter devotion to God, and of performing good works and of sacrificing and giving for the benefit of fellow beings.
The following commandments are extracted from Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter Two of the Holy Qur’an:
1. ‘Eat the good things We have provided for you.’---(2:58)
2. ‘Enter this land and eat freely there as you will, but enter its gate humbly and say, “God! Forgive us our sins!”. Then We shall forgive you your sins and increase the rewards of those who do good.’ ---(2:59)
3. ‘Strike the rock with your staff’…‘Eat and drink the sustenance God has provided and do not act wrongfully in the land, spreading corruption.’ (2:61)
4. ‘Hold fast to what We have given you and bear its contents in mind, so that you may be conscious of God.’ (2:64)
5. ‘Worship none but God; be good to your parents and kinsfolk, to orphans and the poor; speak good words to all people; keep up the prayer and pay the prescribed alms.’ (2:84)
6. ‘Do not shed one another’s blood or drive one another from your homelands.’ (2:85)
7. ‘Believe in God’s revelations,’ (2:92)
8. Remember when We took your pledge, making the mountain tower above you, and said, ‘Hold on firmly to what We have given you, and listen to [what We say].’ (2:94)
9. ‘Forgive and forbear’ (2:110)
10. ‘Keep up the prayer and pay the prescribed alms. Whatever good you store up for yourselves, you will find it with God: He sees everything you do’. (2:111)
11. Anyone who direct themselves wholly to God and do good will have their reward with their Lord: no fear for them, nor will they grieve. (2: 113)