Power of the Holy Quran
Prior to learning this course, I had very little knowledge concerning other religious beliefs. I had formed opinions about them, which have been proven wrong by the class. I have found out that religious beliefs, despite the people following it, are all aimed at shaping an individual’s behaviour and stipulating guidelines on how to handle life issues. The Muslim religion, which is guided by the Quran, has not been any exemption. Their Quran teaches on the way of life and behaviour to portray, including their dress codes and different roles of every gender in the society. Furthermore, it outlines attributes that guide their behaviour as they interact, which is exemplary.
I have learned that Muslim teachings promote the use of decent speech as they portray information. It has been depicted from the Quran 23:1-4, “Successful indeed are the believers who are humble in their prayers and who show vain conversations, and who are active in deeds of charity.” The verse outlines the goodness of using decent language in daily life conversations. It has changed my approach to speaking in that I consider what I say before I can speak to ensure it is decent enough.
The teachings of practicing kindness to every living creature whether men or animals, helped me understand why their believers behave in a humane way. It is according to Sahih Muslim, 32: 6272, “He who is deprived of kindness is in fact deprived of goodness” it continues to teach the current generation to portray kindness in everything to obtain goodness in their life. The virtue of kindness is essential to human life as it does not cost anything and enhances a peaceful way of life.
The Quran furthermore encourages their followers to behave in an upright manner and portray a good character as they interact with people. This teaching is familiar to me as it is a similar one from my religion Christianity. It is quoted from Sahil al-Bukhari, 8:73:56 “The best among you are those who have best manners and character” it brings out the similarity between the two religions. The teachings encourage all generations on the importance of ethical behaviour, I also picked up the aspect of proper functioning as I am in support of it.
I was also impressed by the teaching that encourages people to do good to others and treat them fairly for them to receive similar teaching. I had a different idea about this before coming across this teaching. According to Surat al Zalzalah 99: 7-8, “So whoever does an atoms weight of good will see it and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it” the verse states that the amount of good people receive is equated to the similar amount of good they give out. The verse encouraged me to continue doing good as there is a reward for it.
The Muslim teachings also touch on the aspect of respect to Allah and people in authority by seeking for forgiveness whenever they go wrong. It is depicted by Quran 2:263 “A kind word of forgiveness is better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants and most fore bearing”. I lied the teaching as I related to other religions where people are urged to practice respect and always ask for forgiveness for their wrongdoings. Allah is still ready to forgive them, but they have to seek for forgiveness where they have done wrong. I had forgotten the aspect of asking for forgiveness from God, but the verse brought me back to give it meaning.