Introduction to the Study of The Holy Quran — Page 276
276 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE QURANIC TEACHINGS One special feature that distinguishes the Quran from all other Scriptures is that it deals adequately with all problems arising within the sphere of religion and by stressing the function of religion it directs attention to its proper sphere and the benefits that may be derived from it. A reader of the Old and the New Testaments or of the Vedas or of the Zend-Avesta is left with the impression that somebody appearing at an intermediate stage in the middle of a long drawn-out phenomenon of nature had set out to describe those stages of it of which he had been a witness. That is not the case with the Quran. It expounds the philosophy of creation and all matters connected therewith. It explains why God created the universe and the object of man’s creation and the means to be adopted for the achievement of that object. It sheds light on the nature of the Godhead and its attributes and the manner in which those attributes find their manifestation. In connection with the object of man’s creation it expounds the laws on which the running of the universe is based. It points out that for the physical development and evolution of man God has put into force the laws of nature which regulate the physical and mental conditions of man and that one group of angels is entrusted with the enforcement of these laws. For the development and enlightenment of the human soul God has revealed the Law of Shariah (i. e. Sacred Law) through His Prophets. In some cases the revelation, containing the Sacred Law has been limited in character but there has also been the revelation containing the complete and perfect code of the Sacred Law. In other cases the object of the revelation has been to restore the Sacred Law to its original purity after it had suffered from human misinterpretation. In other words, God raises Prophets among mankind with different objects. Some Prophets are Law-bearers, and through them a new dispensation is revealed. The function of others is limited to the modification of an already revealed Law while still others are entrusted with the duty of sweeping away misinterpretations of the Law. The Quran also explains the need for, and the benefits to be derived from, the Law of Shariah and its function in relation to the evolution of man. Belief in a Living God The Quran points out the distinction between God and His attributes, appreciation of which enables us to judge the error of those who have said, "In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the word was God. " 356 The Quran teaches that an attribute cannot become the substitute of the being and that the two are entirely distinct. The Quran explains to what extent man is left free to determine his course of action and to what extent he is subject to compulsion. It teaches that man has been