Moral Message of the Qur'an
om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a .ja w w ww w w
Translated and Compiled by
Dr. Shehzad Saleem
Š "All rights of this book are reserved for the publisher and the author. This copy is for reading purpose only. This copy cannot be uploaded on any website except those of the publisher and the author."
Contents
om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w
Innate Knowledge of Good and Evil 1 Usurping the Wealth of Orphans 1 Honesty in Weighing 2 Forgiving Others 2 Humility 3 Kindness to Parents 3 Condemnation of Pride and Vanity 4 Selflessness 5 Refraining from Showing Off 5 Sympathy 6 Truthfulness 6 Wisdom 6 Two Types of People 7 If the Unexpected Happens 8 If I Keep Sinning 11 If I am Born Deprived of a Talent 11 Being Just to Enemies 12 Sanctity of Human Life 12 Punishment for Popularizing Vulgarity 12 Spiritual Advancement 13 Loyalty to God 13 Spending in Charity 14 Punishment of Arrogance 17 Better than the Best 18 Winning over your Enemies 18 Are the Finer Pleasures of Life Prohibited? 19 Qualities of a Muslim 19 What I should always try to Avoid 22 The Three Do’s and the three Don’ts 23
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Innate Knowledge of Good and Evil
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And the soul bears witness and the perfection given to it, then [God] inspired it with its evil and its good that he succeeded who purified it and he failed who contaminated it. (91:7-10)
(+C.+D :-C) > ?@4A B 9 # 12 345 6 4748 9 " : ; 8 4< = 6 In fact, man himself is a witness upon his own self however much he may put forth [lame] excuses. (75:14-15) Usurping the Wealth of Orphans
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Indeed, those who unjustly devour the wealth of orphans swallow nothing but fire into their bellies; and soon they shall be cast into Fire. (4:10)
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
Honesty in Weighing
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om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w Forgiving Others
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
Humility
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And the servants of the Merciful are those who walk humbly on the earth. And when people overcome with frenzy converse with them, they say: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peace.â&#x20AC;? And [they are those] who spend their nights before their Lord prostrating and standing. And [are ones] who keep praying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Lord! Protect us from the punishment of Hell.â&#x20AC;? Indeed, its punishment is ever-clinging. (25:63-65) Kindness to Parents (I)
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
and tenderness and pray: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lord! Be merciful to them the way they cared for me when I was an infant.â&#x20AC;? Your Lord best knows what is in your hearts. If you remain good to them, [then be informed that] He will forgive those who turn to Him. (17:23-25) (II)
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L H46 r4? o ; # 9" : r $ \ ;4I 345 H 4I f @ $4 4 H4 ? Q S & # =L4U 4U z ? B L c$ H4 U4p ] B4G " iF "4: 4746 f (+D.+C:[+) ; " B F KT 46 F Q `^U F Q B4\ ? H 4I F Â&#x20AC; H 4I And We have advised man regarding his parents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; His mother carried him with [such hardships as resulted in] weakness upon weakness, and his weaning takes two years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be grateful to Me and to your parents. And towards Me alone is the return.â&#x20AC;? And if they [your parents] force you to ascribe to Me partners of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them; however, treat them kindly in this world, and follow the way of those who turn to Me. Then to Me shall you return, and I will inform you everything you had been doing. (31:14-15) Condemnation of Pride and Vanity
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
(+*.+Z :[+) 434 e Â&#x201A; 5 And do not rudely turn away from people nor walk arrogantly in the land because God does not like the arrogant and the conceited. And be humble in your gait and lower your voice because the most hideous of voices is the braying of donkeys. (31:18-19) Selflessness
om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an Sympathy
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om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w
Have We not blessed him with two eyes, a tongue and two lips and not shown him the two ways? But he did not climb the steep path. And what do you think this steep path is? [It is:] freeing of a slave or feeding, in days of famine, of an orphan near of kin or a needy in misery. Then he be of those who accepted faith and who urged one another to patience and who urged one another to sympathy. (90:8-17) Truthfulness
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
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om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w
Have you not seen the person who argued with Abraham about his Lord merely because God had bestowed sovereignty upon him when Abraham said [to him]: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Lord is the One who grants life and death.â&#x20AC;? He replied: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I also give life and death.â&#x20AC;? Abraham at once remarked: â&#x20AC;&#x153;God brings out the sun from the East; you bring it out from the West.â&#x20AC;? The disbeliever was bewildered [at this argument]. And [in reality] God does not guide such evil-doers. (2:258) Two Types of People
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(X/-.X/D :X) 4( U4B 46 And there are some whose conversation pleases you in the life of this world and they even make God witness to what is in their hearts; whereas, in fact, they are the deadliest among the enemies. [As soon as] they leave you, they strive to spread anarchy in the land, ruin crops and destroy generations [of mankind]. And God does not like anarchy. And when they are told: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Have fear of God,â&#x20AC;? with an inclination towards sin, their arrogance prevents them [from doing so]. So, sufficient for them is Hell. And it is an evil Š "All rights of this book are reserved for the publisher and the author. This copy is for reading purpose only. This copy cannot be uploaded on any website except those of the publisher and the author."
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abode. And there are others among these very people who would give away their lives in order to find favour with God. [It is to such people that] God is compassionate. (2:204-207) If the Unexpected Happens (I)
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And it may well be that you may dislike a thing even though it is better for you, and it may well be that you like a thing even though it is bad for you. And God knows [the reality], but you do not. (2: 216) (II)
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w
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om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w
bored a hole in it? You have done a very strange thing.” “Did I not tell you that you would not be able to bear with me?” he replied. “Forgive my forgetfulness, and do not be stern with me,” said Moses. They then journeyed on until they met a boy. Moses’ companion killed him. Moses said: “You have killed an innocent person who has killed no one. You have done something very wicked.” “Did I not tell you that you would not be able to bear with me?” he replied. Moses said: “If, after this, I question you again, abandon me; you [now] have justification of this.” Then they journeyed on until when they came to the dwellers of a city, they asked them for some food. However, they declined to host them. So, there they found a wall that was about to fall. His companion restored it, and Moses said: “Had you wished, you could have asked to be compensated for your labour.” He replied: “The time to part has now arrived; but first I will explain to you those acts on which you could not bear with me. As for the ship, it belonged to some poor people who earned their livelihood in the sea. I wished to damage it because at their rear, there was a king who was snatching every ship. As for the youth, both his parents were true believers. We feared that defiance and ingratitude may make him exceed bounds against them when he grows up. It was thus our wish that their Lord should grant them another child in his place, more pious and compassionate. As for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys of the city. Beneath it their treasure was buried and their father was a righteous person. Your Lord intended that they should dig up their treasure when they grow up. This happened because of your Lord’s mercy. This is the explanation of what you could not bear with patience.” (18:60-82) © "All rights of this book are reserved for the publisher and the author. This copy is for reading purpose only. This copy cannot be uploaded on any website except those of the publisher and the author."
Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
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If I Keep Sinning
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It is incumbent upon God to forgive those who commit a sin in frenzy and then immediately repent. It is they then who are forgiven by God. God is All-knowing and Wise. But the repentance of those is not acceptable who sin all their lives and, when death comes to them, say: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I repent now!â&#x20AC;? nor of those who die as disbelievers. It is for these for whom We have prepared a dreadful punishment. (4:17-18) If I am Born Deprived of a Talent
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([X:D) E L4" : And do not desire that through which God has made some among you superior to others. Men shall be rewarded according to what they earn [through their deeds], and women shall be rewarded according to what they earn [through their deeds]. [So, the real sphere to outdo one another is righteous deeds]. And ask God for His favours [in this real sphere]. Indeed, God has knowledge of all things. (4:32) Š "All rights of this book are reserved for the publisher and the author. This copy is for reading purpose only. This copy cannot be uploaded on any website except those of the publisher and the author."
Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
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Being Just to Enemies
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Believers! Adhere to justice by bearing witness for God. Your enmity for some people should not induce you to be unjust [with them]. Be just; this is nearer to piety. And fear God. Indeed, God is well aware of what you do. (5:8) Sanctity of Human Life
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
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Muslims there is a grievous torment in this world and in the next. And God knows [them], but you know not. (24:19) Spiritual Advancement
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[In the Hereafter,] successful shall be he who purified his soul, and remembered his Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, then prayed. [No], in fact, you give preference to this worldly life even though the life to come is better and more lasting. (87:14-17) Loyalty to God
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Loyalty to God does not [merely] consist in facing the East or the West [in the prayer] but loyalty is the loyalty of those who believe in God, in the Last Day, in the angels of God, in [divine] Books and in the prophets [of God] and who, though they love it dearly, give away their wealth to the kindred, the orphans, the needy, the traveler and to those who ask and for the liberation of necks and who are diligent in their prayer Š "All rights of this book are reserved for the publisher and the author. This copy is for reading purpose only. This copy cannot be uploaded on any website except those of the publisher and the author."
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and pay zakÄ h; [and of those who] stand by their word when they give it and specially [of those] who are steadfast in scarcity, illness and war. These are the people who are truthful [to God in fulfilling the promise of loyalty to Him] and these are the ones who are in fact God-fearing. (2:177) Spending in Charity
(I)
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Believers! Spend from the pure wealth you have earned and from that which We have brought out from the earth for you. And do not even think of spending something worthless [in the way of God] which you yourselves would not receive except after reducing its price. And you should know that God does not need [such charity from you] and has all worthy attributes. (2:267) (II)
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Š "All rights of this book are reserved for the publisher and the author. This copy is for reading purpose only. This copy cannot be uploaded on any website except those of the publisher and the author."
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(III)
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If you spend openly then this is a good thing, but to give it secretly to the poor is even better. [Through this spending,] God will blot your sins and God has knowledge of all that you do. (2: 271)
om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w (IV)
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[Believers are] those who spend whether they are in ease or in difficulty. (3:134) (V)
iFL4" : 4746 }b ;4< R H S 4 4 T ; cU4e 4 4 T 9 K p ?4U T (*X :[) You shall never be truly loyal [to God] until you spend [in His way] what you hold dear. And whatever you spend [you will definitely be rewarded for it] because God knows it. (3:92) (VI)
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
They ask you about what they should spend. Tell them: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatever you spend is for your parents, kinsfolk, the orphan, the destitute and the traveler. And [rest assured] whatever good you do [will never go waste] because God is fully aware of it.â&#x20AC;? (2:215) (VII)
om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w
4 }Â&#x2013; H4 E6 ? Â? ; BL4G K 8 @ { 4b 4=L4U H4 ?45p # @4N R ? "4 V O T ; 8 @ { F L4846 F 4? B 4Â&#x2019;v B K 4 R L4T m # =4 F U 8 e @ (X-[ :X) z e 4I This [spending] is [specifically] for the poor who are stranded in the cause of God and are not able to travel in the land to earn their livelihood. The ignorant regard them as affluent on account of their modest behaviour. You can recognize them by their faces â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they are not insistent in asking. (2:273) (VIII)
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(X* :+-) E 8 e And be neither stingy nor extravagant, for then you would either earn reproach or be reduced to poverty. (17:29) (IX)
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
(XZ:+-) And if, while waiting for your Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grace you are hopeful of, you have to overlook these [needy], then at least speak to them kindly. (17:28) (X)
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Those who spend [in the way of God] by day and by night, in private and in public, have their reward with God and for them there shall be no fear [there] and nor shall they be aggrieved. (2:274) Punishment of Arrogance
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
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Better than the Best
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([C:[[) E L4h : Men and women who submit, have faith, serve God, are truthful, patient, humble, who spend in charity, fast, guard their private parts and persistently keep God in remembrance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for them God has prepared forgiveness and a great reward. (33:35) Winning over your Enemies
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Â?Â&#x17E; p A 4I " @ ? U ] @4N 4I " @ iFL4 p Â?H4 7 12 $ : ([Y.[[ :D+) FL4h : Good and evil are not equal. Avenge evil with good, and he with whom you have enmity will become your dearest friend. And none will attain this [wisdom] except those who are patient and none will attain it except the very fortunate. (41:33-36)
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an Are the Finer Pleasures of Life Prohibited?
om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w
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([[.[X :-) Ask them: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who has forbidden the adornments of God that He has provided for His servants and the pure among edibles?â&#x20AC;? Tell them: â&#x20AC;&#x153;These are for the believers in the life of this world [and through their courtesy given to others]; but on the Day of Judgement shall belong to them alone.â&#x20AC;? Thus do We explain Our revelations to those who want to know. Say: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Lord has forbidden all vulgar acts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether hidden or open â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and usurping rights, wrongful rebelliousness, that you worship what He did not sanction and ascribe to God what you know not.â&#x20AC;? (7:32-33) Qualities of a Muslim (I)
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
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Those believers succeeded who humble themselves in the prayer, who avoid absurdities, who pay zakÄ h, who guard their private parts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; except from their wives and slave-girls [in the interim period when slavery was allowed], for they are not blameworthy in their regard; yet those who went after others besides them, then they are the ones who exceed the limits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who are true to their trusts, who keep their promises, who are diligent in their prayer. These are the heirs who will inherit Paradise; they shall abide in it forever. (23:1-11) (II)
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
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om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w
And the servants of the Merciful [God] are those who walk humbly on the earth and when people in rage argue with them, they say: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peace!â&#x20AC;? [and withdraw]; who spend the night standing and prostrating [in the prayer before] for their Lord; who say: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lord! Save us from the torment of Hell, for its punishment is ever-clinging; indeed, it is an evil abode and resting-place;â&#x20AC;? who when spend are neither extravagant nor miserly and are moderate between it; who invoke no other deity besides God, and do not kill any soul held sacred by God except when sanctioned [by the sharÄŤâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ah]; who do not commit adultery; and he who perpetrates these [wrongdoings] shall meet the consequences of his sins. On the Day of Judgement, his torment will be increased gradually and in disgrace he shall abide in it forever â&#x20AC;&#x201C; except those who repent, accept faith and do righteous deeds, for them God will change their vices to virtues, And God is Forgiving and Merciful. And he who repents and does righteous deeds in fact returns to God; who do not bear false testimony; who maintain their dignity when they pass by absurdities; who do not turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to the revelations of their Lord when they are reminded by them; who pray: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lord! Grant us bliss from our spouses and our children, and make us the leaders of those who fear You.â&#x20AC;? It Š "All rights of this book are reserved for the publisher and the author. This copy is for reading purpose only. This copy cannot be uploaded on any website except those of the publisher and the author."
Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
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is these who shall be rewarded for their fortitude with tall mansions in Paradise and they shall be welcomed with peace and congratulations. They shall abide in it forever: a pleasing abode and resting-place. (25:63-76) What I should always try to Avoid
om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w
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Moral Message of the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an
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The Three Doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and the three Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ts
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God directs you to be just and kind and to give to the near ones, and forbids vulgarity, vices and rebelliousness. He counsels you so that you may become heedful. (16:90)
om i.c id am rg gh d.o ad wri hm a da l-m ve .a . ja w w ww w w _______________
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