Essence of the Holy Qur’an — Page 6
Essence of the Holy Qur’ ā n 6 The next two sections dispense with the objections of the Israelites as to why the Holy Prophet has given up the Qiblah of all the former Prophets in favour of the Ka‘bah. They are told that in the first place facing a certain direction in Prayers or fixing a particular place as the Qiblah cannot be an object to be sought after, it only serves to bring about and maintain unity among a people. Secondly, in the prayers which Abraham had offered for the sons of Ishmael, it was prophesied that Mecca would one day become a place of pilgrimage for them and the Ka‘bah their Qiblah. In the 19th section it is mentioned that the Holy Prophet will meet strong opposition from disbelievers in the discharge of his onerous mission, and this opposition will continue till the Fall of Mecca. The 20th section draws attention to the supreme truth that all that is stated above is not an idle guess or conjecture; the very creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of day and night and other natural phenomena bear incontrovertible testimony to its truth inasmuch as, on the one hand, the law of nature points to the existence of a spiritual law and to a process of progressive evolution in it and, on the other, the whole universe seems to be working in support of the Holy Prophet. With the 21st section begins a description of the ordinances of the Shar i ‘ah and the wisdom underlying them; and first of all directions have been laid down for using lawful ( H al a l ) and wholesome ( T ayyib ) food, because human actions are governed by man’s mental condition and his mental condition is strongly influenced by the food he eats. In the 23rd section substance of Islamic teaching is given which consists of belief in God, Life after death, revealed Scriptures and Divine Messengers. Doing good to others, worship and contributions to national funds are also mentioned as constituents of righteous conduct. To these, observance of patience under trials and fulfilment of solemn promises are added. Maintenance of justice, legitimate help of relatives and observance of social laws, of which the law of inheritance occupies a most prominent place, are also regarded as important. In the next section stress is laid on devotional exercises which purpose is fulfilled by the Islamic Fast. Sections 24th and 25th deal with rites and laws pertaining to Pilgrimage which plays a very important role in bringing about national unity and solidarity among Muslims. In section 26th light is shed on the philosophy of ordinances of the Shar i ‘ah which should be shown due regard because outward acts have a very potent effect on inward purity. Then it is stated that the laws of the Shar i ‘ah are disregarded because men generally do not like to spend their time and money in the cause of God and they adduce lame excuses to shirk their duty in this respect. In fact, no progress is possible without sacrifice and believers are exhorted to spend their hard-earned wealth in the way of All a h so that full religious freedom may be established. In section 27th we are told that when religious freedom is interfered with, fighting becomes obligatory and sacrifice of life and money necessary. Then it is stated that, in order to while away their time and to seek mental relief, people indulge in