In studying the Quran, one
often finds important lessons “hidden” between seemingly unrelated
subjects. For example, the Quran discusses idolaters who invented dietary
prohibitions and attributed them to God in Sura (Chapter) 6, Verses 138-144.
In the subsequent verses, God not only answers and nullifies people’s
argument by detailing what the real dietary prohibitions are, but He explains
the essence of the matter as only the Creator can. Verses 145 and 146
of the sura specify in no uncertain terms the four dietary prohibitions.
However, God does not stop there. In Verses 151-153, He goes on to point
out what the real prohibitions and commandments are. These can be summarizes
as follows:
- Not to set up idols beside God
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- To honor our parents
- To give Zakat (Obligatory Charity)
- Not to kill the children for fear of poverty (abortion) or any person
(except in the course of justice)
- Not to commit gross sins obvious or hidden
- Not to commit gross sins obvious or hidden
- Not to touch orphans’ money except for their own good
- To give full weight and measure in trade
- To be just when bearing witness
- To fulfill the covenant
- Not to accept any information unless verified
- Not to be arrogant (See also 17:22-39)
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Similarly one can find an important concept illuminated
in many different subjects within the book. This exemplifies another aspect
of the Quran’s beauty. In 2:62 and 5:69, we learn that the three minimum
requirements for anybody’s salvation and eternal happiness are:
- Belief in God
- Belief in the Hereafter
- Leading a righteous life
One cannot attain God’s grace without being righteous. How do we
know how to live a righteous life? Within the Quran, righteousness
Continued on page 2
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