The Central Theme of the Holy Quran
Since the advent of Islam and the revelation of the Qur’an in the early years of the seventh century AD, the Muslim Holy Book has been the subject of many extensive analytical studies. The focus of the great majority of these studies has been the theological and legislative aspects of the Holy Book, for the Qur’an provides Muslims with detailed guidance on their everyday problems. Together with the sayings, actions, and recommendations of Prophet Muhammad (saws), the Qur’an has been the ultimate source of legal authority for Muslims over the past fourteen centuries. If pondered upon the multifaceted contents inside the Quran, one can safely reach to the conclusion that the central theme and aim pursued by the Quran is the ‘training of the human being’ as a being conscious of his duties. The main aim of the Quran 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.
Since the advent of Islam and the revelation of the Qur’an in the early years
of the seventh century AD, the Muslim Holy Book has been the subject of many
extensive analytical studies. The focus of the great majority of these studies
has been the theological and legislative aspects of the Holy Book, for the
Qur’an provides Muslims with detailed guidance on their everyday problems.
Together with the sayings, actions, and recommendations of Prophet Muhammad (saws), the Qur’an
has been the ultimate source of legal authority for Muslims over the past
fourteen centuries.
Muslim scholars have also painstakingly examined, analyzed and interpreted the
various verses of the Holy Book, detailing the requirements the Qur’an imposes
on Muslims in order for them to achieve spiritual purity. Thus, in addition to
its legislative and theological value, the Qur’an has also served as a source of
spiritual guidance for the followers of Islam.
Holy Quran is a complete code of life
However, we can not claim that the Central Theme of the Holy Quran is only
legislation and spirituality; as human life is more complex and
multi-dimensional. Since Islam is a complete way of human life and Quran being
its source of guidance, to ascribe the Quran 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 Quran to be of
spiritual benefit only, or to be confined to worship, prayers and morals, we
should point out that ony 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 (saww) 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 Quran, one can safely reach to the
conclusion that the central theme and aim pursued by the Quran is the ‘training
of the human being’ as a being conscious of his duties. The main aim of the
Quran 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 Quran 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 (as) narrated the following dua, from
which we can derive very clearly that the Holy Quran is the ‘chart of life for
man’. He prayed: “O Allah! expand my breast with Quran, actuate my body with
Quran, enlighten my sight with Quran, liberate my tongue by Quran, and help me
to mould my life according to Quran, so long as You make me live”.
—
Source: Selected excerpt from the book "Towards better understanding of the
Qur’an" by Sheikh Muslim Bhanji
