In the previous episode we presented a brief discussion on some of the domains of Qur’anic teachings. Today we will continue the discussion.

The divine purpose of appointment of the Prophet of Islam and sending down of the Qur’an is to build a society that will act as an example for other societies and nations. In part of ayah 143 of surah Baqara God says, “Thus We made you a middle nation that you may be witness to the people and that the Apostle may be a witness to you.”

To materialize such a nation it requires sticking to all divine values and merits and warding off vices and anti-values. This is in need of public presence in the scene of society. Everybody should feel responsible. That’s why the holy Qur’an speaks of bidding what is right and forbidding what is wrong. To portray this social responsibility, the holy Qur’an says in ayah 104 of surah Ale Imran, “There has to be a nation among you summoning to the good, bidding what is right and forbidding what is wrong. It is they who are the felicitous.”

Another index is establishment of justice which is one of the most important values. Justice is the gateway where everybody can march in. In the light of justice everybody gains access to the position he deserves. There is no discrimination and meritocracy will prevail everywhere. God says in ayah 90 of surah Nahl, “Indeed Allah enjoins justice and kindness and generosity toward relatives, and He forbids indecency, wrong and aggression. He advises you so that you may take admonition.”

Another important principle in the Islamic culture is consolidation of relations. In this culture any kind of goodness, forgiveness, love, affection, cooperation and mutual respect which can help cement relations among individuals have been stressed. In ayah 200 of surah Ale Imran we read, “O you who have faith! Be patient, stand firm, and close your ranks, and be wary of Allah so that you may be felicitous.”

One of the things that can bolster social relations is the materialization of rule of monotheism which is founded on two pillars: negation of rebels and stabilization of God’s rule. By rebels here it is meant those rulers who rise against the rule of God, trespass all boundaries, put fellow humans under dominance, fight against freedom and independence and sow the seeds of discord. The holy Qur’an elaborates the mission of the divine messengers in part of ayah 36 of surah Nahl, “Certainly We raised an apostle in every nation to preach, ‘Worship Allah, and keep away from the Rebels.’

One of the requisites of the monotheistic rule is to materialize economic justice. A monotheistic system of governance should rely on internal capacities with a calculated and comprehensive plan. Islam confirms the trade which is only a means to gain justice rather than the end.

Another principle for the establishment of monotheistic rule is the political system. In a monotheistic system of governance the dignity and power exclusively belongs to God and those who are approved by him. So there is no place for domineering and being domineered. The holy Qur’an stresses this towards the end of ayah 141 of surah Nisa, “Allah will never provide the faithless any way over the faithful.”

And, for Muslims, in order not to be intimidated by the pomp and trappings of the arrogant powers, God says in ayah 139 of surah Ale Imran, “Do not weaken and do not grieve: you shall have the upper hand, should you be faithful.”

The last principle on the ruling system is the issue of jihad and military defence. The arrogant systems are enhancing their military might day by day and are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons to suppress free nations and massacre independent peoples. In view of this the holy Qur’an says in part of ayah 60 of surah Anfal, “Prepare against them whatever you can of power and war-horses, awing thereby the enemy of Allah and your enemy.”

 In part of ayah 75 of surah Nisa also, reads, “Why should you not fight in the way of Allah, and the abased men, women and children who say, ‘Our Lord, bring us out of this town whose people are wrongdoers?”

RM/SS