A Valuable Book that Guides Humanity
This is how God describes the Quran: “A Messenger (Muhammad) from God, reciting to them parts of the purified, Holy Book which contain eternal laws of guidance.” (Verses 1-2 of Surah Al-Bayyina)
The word Qayyima in the first verse means straight, firm, valuable and precious. Qayyim is someone who is kind and rises up to uphold others’ interests. Qayyima shows glorifying this firmness and value.
We may say the Quran is a great book. Here we have attributed one feature (greatness) to the Quran. But when we say the Quran is the greatest book I have ever seen, we have attributed two features to it: being a great book and being the greatest of all. This is what the second verse does.
The Quran being Qayyim can be viewed from two aspects:
1- In this verse, Kutub means scriptures and laws ordained by God. Overall, the verse points to the fact that the content of the divine book is free from any deviation.
Other verses of the Quran also point to this fact, including Verse 9 of Surah Al-Hijr:
“We Ourselves have revealed the Quran and We are its Protectors.”
God also says in Verse 42 of Surah Fussilat: “Falsehood can not reach it from any direction. It is the revelation from the All-wise, Praiseworthy One.”
2- The Quran guides the society and people. In addition to personal development and growth, the Quran lays emphasis on the growth and strength of the society. The Holy Book points to many aspects and issues that help to strengthen the society. Adl (justice) is one of them:
“God commands (people) to maintain justice, kindness, and proper relations with their relatives. He forbids them to commit indecency, sin, and rebellion. God gives you advice so that perhaps you will take heed.” (Verse 90 of Surah An-Nahl)
Justice is among issues maintaining which helps to strengthen the society. Having healthy social relations and maintaining the dominance of divine laws are possible only through upholding justice.
Another one is banning Riba (usury). According to Verse 276 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “God makes unlawful interest devoid of all blessings and causes charity to increase. God does not love sinful unbelievers.”
Riba means exploitative gains made in trade or business and is banned under Islamic law.
Preventing the spread of Riba is a principle that protects the society. While Riba causes divisions and discord, charity and almsgiving help to strengthen the society. In Riba, one’s money increases by taking away others’ money whereas in almsgiving, one’s money does not go away but increases with the blessing of God.
