A presentation of the myriad of teachings contained in the Noble Quran could most likely fill up countless volumes of manuscripts. Quran is the speech of Allah SWT. According to Surah Al Kahf, if the sea had been ink for Allah’s speech, the sea would become dry before Allah’s speech concluded, even if it was replaced with a similar sea. So, what are the teachings of the Quran?
Every single Quranic teaching incorporates a moral lesson that has the inherent potential to change lives and stir souls. Even the hardest of hearts have evidently been moved by God’s personal message to mankind. This is an attempt to present five unique teachings of the Noble Quran. Some of the choicest lessons have been particularly selected to inspire readers. For, perhaps they may eventually reconsider their priorities and objectives in life.
A Categorical Rejection of all Religions except Islam
In Surah Ali ‘Imran, Allah declares that anyone seeking a religion other than Islam will have it rejected and be a loser in the Afterlife.
This verse emphasizes Allah’s clear preference for Islam, invalidating all other religions. It serves as a stern warning to those choosing other paths and subtly reminds Muslims to take their faith seriously.
Islam is meant to be lived according to Allah’s terms, not just a label or badge. Claiming to be Muslim without following its teachings is like having a mind but refusing to use it.
A faith that remains dormant and unproductive, even if it acknowledges God’s existence, fails to show His Omnipotence through true servitude. Such faith distances us from our Creator.
Given this lesson, we must ask ourselves: If Allah rejects all other paths in the Afterlife, which direction are we truly following?
Man’s Superiority is only by Virtue of Righteousness (Taqwa)
In Surah Ali ‘Imran, Allah declares that anyone choosing a religion other than Islam will have their faith rejected and be a loser in the Afterlife.
This verse makes it clear that Allah prefers Islam above all other religions. It nullifies all previous faiths and serves as a serious warning to those who choose different paths. It also subtly reminds Muslims to take their faith seriously.
Islam is meant to be lived according to Allah’s terms. Being a Muslim isn’t just a label or identity; it’s a call to action. Simply identifying as Muslim while ignoring its teachings is like having a mind but refusing to think.
A dormant faith, one that acknowledges God’s existence without obedience, serves only to distance us from our Creator. This verse prompts us to reflect: if Allah rejects all paths but Islam, which direction are we heading?
A Muslim’s righteousness is declared the only accurate measure of his superiority over anyone else. We should, therefore, strive to be someone first in Allah’s Eyes. To be this best version of ourselves, we must be Muslims in both word and deed. This Quranic teaching is central to man’s understanding of himself.
In Response to the Myth that ‘Islam Endorses Terrorism’
In Surah Al Ma’idah, Allah says that killing someone, without any valid reason, such as in retaliation for murder, is like killing all of humanity, whereas saving a life is like saving all of humankind.
The teaching in this verse debunks the popular world view of Islam being terrorism friendly. For a religion that forbids the harming of an innocent, that is quite a farfetched accusation.
The rules for warfare set by the Prophet (PBUH) oblige us to not kill old men, babies, kids, or women.
Is it possible for a religion in which a prostitute was promised Paradise for quenching a dog’s thirst, to be a promoter of violence? On the contrary, Islamic compassion considers something as trivial as removing a stone from someone’s path, a charitable act.
Even a fleeting look at the benevolent life of the Prophet (PBUH), is enough to dispel such bigoted claims. The man sent as ‘mercy to all mankind’ could never have propagated, enacted or approved of violent faith. The central teaching of this very telling Quranic verse is indeed a slap in the face of Islam’s vilest foes.
Quranic Teachings on the Status of Women
Allah says in Surah an Nisa that one whichever believer performs good deeds, regardless of gender will be granted Paradise without being wronged to any extent.
What does the Quran teach about the treatment of women? The answer to this may surprise many. The teaching found in the verse itself demonstrates flawless equity displayed by a Just God.
It must be said here that in the pre Islamic era, the Arabs (and the rest of the world) used to treat their women folk as property. Unwanted and easily dispensable. Baby girls would be buried alive. Women could be bought and sold. In more explicit terms, women were treated like cattle.
Islamic teachings addressed this injustice to perfection
It was declared that a mother’s right to be loved, served, and honored by her children, is three times greater than the father’s. It was also made abundantly clear that Paradise lay beneath her feet. A coveted place earned by cherishing her. Children were instructed not to utter even an ‘Uff’ to either parent.
Wives were granted complete freedom from material responsibility. Husbands would be their protectors and providers. No marriage contract would be written without the woman’s consent. And once married, it was her right to be clothed and fed by her husband, with kindness. Her wealth, on the other hand, was forbidden to him.
Islamic Shariah derived from the Quran and Sunnah dictated: that every sister, niece, or aunt, is to be looked after by the men of her household. Even the right to inherit was granted to Muslim women almost 1500 years ago. Unsurprisingly, it was allowed to women in the West and elsewhere, many centuries later. The Quran teaching highlighted by this verse concurs with the equitable treatment of women.
A Reminder that it is Impossible for Man, to Enumerate Allah’s Bounties
Gratitude for Allah’s Uncountable Blessings
In Surah Ibrahim, Allah emphasizes that we cannot count His favors, even if we tried, and mankind is greatly ungrateful and unfair.
This Quranic teaching serves as a reminder of the countless blessings we receive but often overlook. Allah gives generously to all, including disbelievers.
From grand possessions like mansions and limousines to simple items like needles and shoelaces, everything is a gift from Allah. Our senses and intellect are also His bounties.
Health, wealth, well-being, and success are among the greatest blessings. Using these gifts in lawful ways shows gratitude, while their abuse reflects ingratitude. A wealthy Muslim who donates to the poor demonstrates true thankfulness. Gratitude involves more than just saying ‘Alhamdulillah’; it is best shown through acts of obedience.
