Introduction to the Study of The Holy Quran — Page 5
5 Need of the Quran In the presence of all these books and teachings, did the world need another book? This is the question which should occur to everyone who starts upon a study of the Quran. Its answer will take many forms: First, was not this division between religion and religion reason enough for the coming of yet another religion to unite all? Secondly, was not the human mind to undergo a process of evolution similar to that which the human body had already gone through? And, just as physical evolution had ultimately become established, were not mental and spiritual evolution destined towards an ultimate perfection which was the very end of human existence? Thirdly, had not earlier books become so defective that a new book had now become a universal necessity which was met by the Quran? Fourthly, did earlier religions regard their Messages as absolutely final? Did they not believe in continued spiritual progress? Did they not continuously assure their followers of a coming Message which would unite mankind and lead them to their ultimate objective? The answer to these four questions is the answer to the question concerning the need of the Quran in the presence of earlier books and Messages. We proceed to answer these questions one by one. Was not division between religion and religion reason enough for the coming of a new Teaching which would unite all earlier teachings? God of the Bible-A National God Religion has a twofold purpose: (i) it enables man to meet his Maker; and (ii) it teaches him his duty towards his fellowmen. All religions existing at the advent of Islam were not only different but mutually contradictory. The Bible talked not of God, but of the God of Israel. We read in it again and again: And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me. 3 And also thus said the king, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it. 4 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord. 5 And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David, saying. . . 6 God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 7 Jesus also regarded himself as a Teacher for Bani Isra’il. If others approached him, he would send them away. In Matthew 15:21-26 we read: Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his