This is Why the Quran Remains an Everlasting Blueprint for Success
Guide us to the straight path: The path of those upon whom You have bestowed Your favor, not of those who have earned Your anger, or of those who have gone astray. Qur’an 1[Al-Fatiha]:6–7
Have you ever had a non-Muslim make jest of you for praying to Allah to guide you onto the straight path? If you’ve been a Muslim for decades and you engage in comparative religious talks, then there’s a chance you might have experienced this. It’s a way to mock Muslims that they don’t even know that they’re on the right path and they’re still seeking guidance. This is a supplication we recite at least seventeen times daily when we observe our prayers.
In Surah Al-Fatiha, three categories of people are described without mentioning their details. Each of them lays claim to Allah thinking they’re rightly guided. The sunnah and tafsir-exegesis of the scholars gave clear details of these categories vis-a-vis:
- The first category are those whom Allah has favored, the Muslims
- The next category is those who have earned Allah’s anger, the Jews
- And lastly, those who have gone astray are said to be the Christians.
Our focus here is on the Muslims and why Allah has chosen them to be favored.
- They’re favored because Allah has guided their hearts to faith. It’s not everyone who heard the message of Islam that received the guidance.
- They’re favored by being followers of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ whose exemplary lifestyle fits perfectly as a way of life.
- They’re favored because they have a perfect blueprint — the Qur’an.
A man came to Umar ibn Al-Khattab may Allah be pleased with him and the following scenario ensued between them:
Narrated ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab: Once a Jew said to me, “O the chief of believers! There is a verse in your Holy Book Which is read by all of you (Muslims), and had it been revealed to us, we would have taken that day (on which it was revealed as a day of celebration.” ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab asked, “Which is that verse?” The Jew replied, “This day I have perfected your religion For you, completed My favor upon you, And have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (5:3) ‘Umar replied,”No doubt, we know when and where this verse was revealed to the Prophet. It was Friday and the Prophet ﷺ was standing at ‘Arafat (i.e. the Day of Hajj)” — Saheeh Bukhari
This Jewish man felt remorseful as he wished those beautiful verses were revealed in their scripture. He has seen how encompassing the Qur’an is serving as a blueprint for the Muslim. It is a guide for leading a meaningful life and a pattern that can be followed to attain felicity both in this world and the next.
So why is the Quran a blueprint?
I think this is a question best answered by the Quran itself but before diving into those details, it’s important to note:
Everything related to the Quran is about greatness. A book brought down by Jibril the greatest of angels. Revealed to Muhammad the greatest of prophets. Sent down in the month of Ramadan the greatest of months. On the night of Laylatul Qadr, the greatest of nights. To the ummah of Muhammad – the greatest of mankind since time immemorial.
So these are ways that the Quran describes itself as a blueprint using other synonyms.
- An-Noor — The Light: The Qur’an serves as a light that guides you through darkness. It brightens your heart, self, and senses. It helps you navigate through the murky waters of life.
O People of the Scripture, there has come to you Our Messenger making clear to you much of what you used to conceal of the Scripture and overlooking much. There has come to you from Allāh a light and a clear Book— Qur’an 5[Al-Ma’idah]:15
2. Al-Basoheer — The Enlightenment: The Qur’an is a means of enlightenment that shows you the clear path distinguishing between truth and falsehood.
There has come to you enlightenment from your Lord. So whoever will see does so for the benefit of his soul, and whoever is blind does harm against it...— Qur’an 6[Al-An’am]:104
3. Al Huda — The Guide: The Qur’an is a blueprint that guides the seeker of truth and increases the wrongdoers in nothing but loss.
This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allāh — Qur’an 2[Al-Baqarah]:2
4. At-Tasbeet — means of strength: Allah revealed the Quran distinctly at a spaced pace to strengthen the hearts of the believers and keep them steadfast.
The disbelievers also say, ‘Why was the Quran not sent down to him all at once?’ We sent it in this way to strengthen your heart [Prophet]; We gave it to you in gradual revelation — Qur’an 25[Al-Furqan]:32
5. Ash-Shifaa — The Cure: The Qur’an serves as a cure for diseases of the heart. Not only that, even physical and spiritual illnesses can equally be treated using the Quranic therapy.
And We send down the Qur’an as a healing and mercy to those who believe; as for those who disbelieve, it only increases their loss. — Qur’an 17[Al-Isra’]:82
6. Adh-Dhikr — The Reminder: As humans, we are bound to forget. And this is what the blueprint does for you; it reminds you when you lose touch.
It (this Qur’ân) is only a Reminder for all the ‘Âlamîn (mankind and jinn) — Qur’an 38[Sad]:87
7. Al-Barakah — A Blessing: — Many people complain about the lack of blessings in their lives. Trust me, if you explore the blueprint to the fullest, you will taste the sweetness and blessings that come with it.
And this is a blessed Book (the Qur’ân) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allâh (i.e. do not disobey His Orders), that you may receive mercy (i.e. be saved from the torment of Hell). — Qur’an 6[Al-An’am]:155
Action Points
There are three key things for us to implement to utilize this blueprint to the fullest benefit:
- Make space in your heart for the Qur’an: Learn it with good intention, memorize it, recite it, contemplate its meaning, and teach it to others. This is the only book in the world that you will recite and get rewarded for every alphabet you pronounce.
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will receive one good deed as ten good deeds like it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is one letter, but rather Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter.” — Tirmidhi
2. If you’re finding it difficult: When things become tough like they sometimes will, it may be that there are locks in your heart that are stopping you from harnessing this beautiful miracle of the Qur’an. The locks could come in different forms. It could be an illicit relationship that you’re keeping. It could be something that you’re consuming or the friends you mingling with. So it’s up to you to identify it and open it up with the key of taubah- repentance back to Allah.
Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh forgives all sins.1 Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” — Qur’an 39[Az-Zumar]:53
3. Gather your family around the Qur’an: You should dedicate your life to the Qur’an. And don’t be selfish on this path, invite your spouse and kids along as well. Guide your children to memorize the book of Allah at an early age. They will thank you for it later in life and this will be a source of joy for you in the afterlife.
Abu Hurairah and Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “When a group of people gather for the remembrance of Allah, the angels surround them (with their wings), Allah’s mercy envelops them, tranquillity descends upon them and Allah makes a mention of them before those who are near Him.” — Muslim
These gatherings bring the mercy of Allah and build love amongst your household. You’re blessed with enormous rewards through this simple action. We ask Allah to make us among the people of the Qur’an because they are indeed the people of Allah.
PS: Success comes only by the will of Allah! If you find this piece beneficial, it’s by Allah’s Grace. It’s no scholarly work and we accept our mistakes. Suggestions are welcomed in making this effort better as well. You are free to share by any means for enlightenment purposes. Kindly give a “click-clap” to enable other readers on Medium to see this post. We ask Allah to keep us guided and steadfast upon the right path. Do subscribe to Jum’ah Nugget to get our subsequent publication in sha Allah!
Yaumul Jum’ah 18th Jumadal ‘Ula 1445H // Friday 1st December 2023.
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