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The Central Theme of the Holy Qur’an

What is the central theme of Qur’an?

Since the advent of Islam and the revelation of the Qur'an in the early years of the seventh century AD, the Muslim Holy Book has been the subject of many extensive analytical studies. The focus of the great majority of these studies has been the theological and legislative aspects of the Holy Book, for the Qur'an provides Muslims with detailed guidance on their everyday problems. Together with the sayings, actions, and recommendations of Muhammad, the Qur'an has been the ultimate source of legal authority for Muslims over the past fourteen centuries.

Muslim scholars have also painstakingly examined, analyzed and interpreted the various verses of the Holy Book, detailing the requirements the Qur'an imposes on Muslims in order for them to achieve spiritual purity. Thus, in addition to its legislative and theological value, the Qur'an has also served as a source of spiritual guidance for the followers of Islam.

Holy Qur’an is a Complete Code of Life

However, we cannot claim that the Central Theme of the Holy Qur’an is only legislation and spirituality; as human life is more complex and multi-dimensional. Since Islam is a complete way of human life and Qur’an being its source of guidance, to ascribe the Qur’an to be just the book of legislation and spirituality only will be misleading, because the Qur'an has dealt with a vast range of subjects.

Contrary to the opinion of some people who consider the Holy Qur’an to be of spiritual benefit only, or to be confined to worship, prayers and morals, we should point out that ony one-twelfth (500 verses) relates to problems of Jurisprudence; while the larger part of it deals with matters pertaining to various issues including social, political, administrative, historical, cultural, faith and other related matters.

Among the recurring themes of the Qur'an is about the universe itself and its Creator. Another theme treated by the Qur'an is the purpose of the universe and its creation. Among the other general issues dealt by the Qur'an is the question about human being: Is man a despicable creature, or a personality with nobility and dignity etc.?

The other subject dealt with in the Qur'an is the issue of human society: Is the society considered to be primary and the individual as secondary, or whether it subordinates the society to the individual? Are societies, according to the Qur'an, subject to laws governing their life and death, their rise and decline, or are these conditions applicable to individuals alone?



Now the question is: What is then the Qur’an’s general theme? If pondered upon the multifaceted contents inside the Qur’an, one can safely reach to the conclusion that the central theme and aim pursued by the Qur’an is the ‘training of the human being’ as a being conscious of his duties. The main aim of the Qur’an is therefore to reinforce and accelerate the spiritual ascension, together with all the qualities of human being, toward a state of true loftiness and the dignity of which the human being is worthy.

In another words, we can say that the main purpose of Qur’an is to expound truths that are relevant to the ‘life of the human being’ and the exaltation of his being and conducive to his attaining a life of true happiness.

Imam Amirul Mu’miniin ‘Ali bin Abitalib (as) narrated the following dua, from which we can derive very clearly that the Holy Qur’an is the ‘chart of life for man’. He prayed: “O Allah! expand my breast with Qur’an, actuate my body with Qur’an, enlighten my sight with Qur’an, liberate my tongue by Qur’an, and help me to mould my life according to Qur’an, so long as You make me live”.

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