The Fundamentals of the Quran

The fundamentals of the Quran refer to the core beliefs and principles that form the foundation of Islamic faith and practice. These fundamentals are derived from the teachings of the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the word of Allah (God) revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Here are some of the key fundamentals of the Quran:

Monotheism: 

The Quran emphasizes the belief in one God (Allah) and rejects the notion of associating partners with Allah.

Here are some Quranic verses that emphasize the concept of monotheism:

"Say, He is Allah, [who is] One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent." (Quran 112:1-4)

"He neither begets nor is born." (Quran 112:3)

"And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful." (Quran 2:163)

"Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence." (Quran 2:255)

"And We have not sent before you any messenger except that We have revealed to him that there is no deity except Me, so worship Me." (Quran 21:25)

"O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous - [He] who made for you the earth a bed [spread out] and the sky a ceiling and sent down from the sky, rain and brought forth thereby fruits as provision for you. So do not attribute to Allah equals while you know [that there is nothing similar to Him]." (Quran 2:21-22)

These verses make it clear that there is only one God who is the creator and sustainer of the universe, and that He is the only one worthy of worship. The Quran emphasizes that there are no partners or equals to Allah, and that all other deities are false. The concept of monotheism is central to Islamic belief and is considered one of the core teachings of the Quran.

Oneness of God (Tawheed): 

The Quran emphasizes the absolute oneness of God and declares that there is no deity except Allah. Muslims believe that God is the only creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe, and that all worship and devotion should be directed towards Him alone.

Tawheed, which means the oneness of Allah, is a fundamental concept in Islam. Here are some Quranic verses that emphasize Tawheed:

"Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" (Quran 112:1-4)

"Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance." (Quran 20:14)

"Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep." (Quran 2:255)

"And [mention, O Muhammad], when Luqman said to his son while he was instructing him, 'O my son, do not associate [anything] with Allah. Indeed, association [with him] is great injustice.'" (Quran 31:13)

"And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful." (Quran 2:163)

These verses make it clear that there is only one God who is the creator and sustainer of the universe, and that He is the only one worthy of worship. The Quran emphasizes that there are no partners or equals to Allah, and that all other deities are false. The concept of Tawheed is central to Islamic belief and is considered one of the core teachings of the Quran.

Prophethood (Nubuwwah): 

The Quran teaches that Allah sent prophets and messengers throughout history to guide humanity, including Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad.

Nubuwwah, which means prophethood, is another fundamental concept in Islam. Here are some Quranic verses that emphasize Nubuwwah:

"Indeed, We have sent to every nation a messenger [saying], 'Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.'" (Quran 16:36)

"And We have certainly sent messengers before you [O Muhammad]. Among them are those whose stories We have related to you, and among them are those whose stories We have not related to you." (Quran 40:78)

"And [mention] when We took from the prophets their covenant and from you and from Noah and Abraham and Moses and Jesus, the son of Mary; and We took from them a solemn covenant." (Quran 33:7)

"Say, [O believers], 'We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him.'" (Quran 2:136)

"And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them, and Allah sends astray [thereby] whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise." (Quran 14:4)

These verses make it clear that Allah sent messengers to guide humanity and teach them about the worship of Allah and the path of righteousness. These messengers were chosen from among the people and were sent to teach the message of Islam in a language that the people could understand. The Quran teaches that all the prophets were sent with the same message of Tawheed (oneness of Allah) and that they are to be respected and followed as role models for Muslims.

Judgment and the afterlife: 

The Quran teaches that there will be a day of judgment where all individuals will be held accountable for their actions and will be rewarded or punished accordingly in the afterlife.

Belief in the Judgment and the afterlife is another fundamental concept in Islam. Here are some Quranic verses that emphasize this:

"And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do." (Quran 16:97)

"Then indeed you, O those astray [who are] deniers, will be eating from trees of zaqqum and filling with it your bellies and drinking on top of it from scalding water and will drink as the drinking of thirsty camels." (Quran 56:51-55)

"And the people of the right - what are the people of the right? [They will be] among lote trees with thorns removed and [banana] trees layered [with fruit], and shade extended and water poured out and fruit, abundant [and varied], neither limited [to season] nor forbidden, and [they will be] on beds raised high. Indeed, We have produced the women of Paradise in a [new] creation and made them virgins, devoted [to their husbands] and of equal age." (Quran 56:27-38)

"And those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will surely admit them among the righteous [into Paradise]." (Quran 29:9)

"And indeed, the Hour is coming, so forgive with gracious forgiveness." (Quran 15:85)

These verses emphasize the belief in the afterlife, where people will be judged according to their deeds in this world. The righteous will be rewarded with Paradise, while the wrongdoers will face punishment in Hell. The Quran teaches that the afterlife is a reality that all people must prepare for, and that the Day of Judgment is certain to come. Muslims are encouraged to do good deeds and seek forgiveness for their sins in order to attain Paradise in the afterlife.

Social justice: 

The Quran encourages believers to care for the less fortunate, to help those in need, and to strive for social justice and equality.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of social justice and treating others with fairness and compassion. Here are some verses that highlight this concept:

"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do." (Quran 5:8)

"Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful." (Quran 4:36)

"And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully." (Quran 17:26)

"And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful]." (Quran 2:188)

"And those who, when an oppressive wrong is done to them, they defend themselves. And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers." (Quran 42:39-40)

These verses call for Muslims to uphold justice and fairness in all their dealings with others, including their family members, neighbors, and those in need. They also warn against oppression and corruption, and encourage forgiveness and reconciliation in the face of wrongdoing. Overall, the Quran emphasizes the importance of treating others with compassion and respect, and calls for social justice and equality for all.

Mercy and compassion: 

The Quran emphasizes the importance of showing mercy and compassion towards all of Allah's creation, including other humans, animals, and the environment.

The Quran is full of verses that emphasize mercy and compassion. Here are some examples:

"And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds." (Quran 21:107)

"Indeed, Allah is merciful and compassionate to the people." (Quran 2:143)

"And lower your wing to the believers who follow you." (Quran 26:215)

"So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you." (Quran 3:159)

"And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient." (Quran 16:126)

These verses, and many others like them, emphasize the importance of showing mercy, compassion, and forgiveness towards others. They also emphasize the importance of patience and restraint in the face of adversity or conflict. For Muslims, these values are essential parts of their faith and are seen as a way to live in harmony with others and to promote peace and understanding in the world.

Revelation: 

Muslims believe that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. The Quran is considered to be the word of Allah and is believed to be a direct message from Him to humanity.

The Quran itself is considered a revelation from Allah (God) to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). However, there are also verses in the Quran that mention other revelations that were sent down to other Prophets in the past. Here are some examples:

"Say, [O believers], "We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him." (Quran 2:136)

"Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him." (Quran 4:163)

"And We certainly sent Moses with Our signs, [saying], "Bring out your people from darknesses into the light and remind them of the days of Allah." Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful." (Quran 14:5)

"And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, "There is no deity except Me, so worship Me." (Quran 21:25)

These verses emphasize the continuity of the message of Islam and the belief that Allah has sent down revelations to all of His Prophets throughout history, with the Quran being the final and complete revelation to humanity.

Unity of Allah: 

The Quran emphasizes the oneness of Allah and declares that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. This is one of the most fundamental beliefs in Islam and is known as tawheed.

The unity of Allah, or Tawheed, is a fundamental belief in Islam. Here are some Quranic verses that emphasize the unity of Allah:

"Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him." (Quran 112:1-4)

"And your God is One God: there is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful." (Quran 2:163)

"He is Allah, besides Whom there is no god; the Sovereign, the Holy, the One with no blemish, the Giver of security, the Watcher over, the Mighty, the Compeller, the Proud; Glory be to Allah, beyond what they associate." (Quran 59:23)

"Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin." (Quran 4:48)

These verses make it clear that Allah is the one and only God, and that there is no one like Him. The belief in Tawheed is a cornerstone of Islam, and is emphasized throughout the Quran.

Accountability (Ma'ad): 

The Quran emphasizes the concept of accountability and states that every individual will be held responsible for their actions in the Hereafter. This includes both rewards and punishments based on one's deeds in this life.

The concept of Ma'ad, or the belief in the afterlife, is a fundamental part of Islamic belief. Here are some Quranic verses that address this concept:

"Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing)." (Quran 3:185)

"And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: 'Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.'" (Quran 2:155-156)

"And those who believe and do righteous deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they will abide therein forever." (Quran 2:82)

"And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine." (Quran 65:2-3)

These verses emphasize the idea that this life is temporary and that there is a Day of Resurrection where people will be rewarded or punished based on their deeds in this world. Belief in the afterlife is a motivating factor for Muslims to do good deeds and live their lives in a way that is pleasing to Allah.

Ethics and Morality: 

The Quran provides guidance on ethical and moral behavior, emphasizing the importance of justice, compassion, kindness, and other virtues. It also prohibits immoral and unethical behavior such as lying, stealing, and killing.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of ethics and morality in many of its verses. Here are some examples:

"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do." (Quran 5:8)

"And [they are] those who do not testify to falsehood, and when they pass near ill speech, they pass by with dignity." (Quran 25:72)

"And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allah likes not any arrogant boaster." (Quran 31:18)

"And let not your hatred of a people lead you to act unjustly. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness." (Quran 5:8)

"And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful]." (Quran 2:188)

These verses promote values such as justice, honesty, humility, and compassion. Muslims are expected to uphold these values in their interactions with others and in their daily lives. These values help create a just and harmonious society and are a reflection of a person's faith in Allah.

Spiritual Development: 

The Quran provides guidance on how to develop a strong relationship with Allah through prayer, remembrance, and other spiritual practices. It emphasizes the importance of having a pure heart and good intentions.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of spiritual development and encourages Muslims to focus on their inner selves and relationship with Allah. Here are some verses that speak to this theme:

"Indeed, he succeeds who purifies his own self (his soul), and indeed he fails who corrupts his own self (his soul)." (Quran 91:9-10)

"O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Quran 2:153)

"And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind." (Quran 20:124)

"So verily, with the hardship, there is relief, verily, with the hardship, there is relief. Therefore, when you are free (from your immediate task), still labor hard. And to your Lord turn (all) your attention." (Quran 94:5-8)

"Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgment] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged." (Quran 6:160)

These verses encourage Muslims to engage in self-reflection, seek help through prayer and patience, and maintain a positive outlook even during difficult times. They also emphasize the importance of good deeds and the rewards that come with them in the afterlife. By focusing on spiritual development and leading a righteous life, Muslims aim to attain closeness to Allah and to ultimately be rewarded in the hereafter.

Overall, the Quran serves as a guide for Muslims in their personal and social lives, providing guidance on how to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to humanity.