The Holy Qur'an, the Book of Guidance

Compiled By: Syed Ali Shahbaz
The holy Qur'an is the Book of Guidance, and for the seekers of truth, its ayahs enlighten the mind, open new vistas of thought, and give the power to ponder on the wonders of creation and of the world within the human being itself. In ayah 16 of Surah Maidah we read: “With it Allah guides him who will follow His pleasure into the ways of safety and brings them out of utter darkness into light by His Will and guides them to the right path.”
The holy Qur'an has used various ways to stimulate the mind and guide the readers towards the ultimate truth. It presents parables, it relates exemplary accounts, it sharpens the power of reasoning on the phenomena of nature, it gives tidings of paradise, it warns of the misery of hell, and removes any idea of despondency by keeping the doors of divine mercy and forgiveness, always wide open for those ready to repent, reform and return.
The anecdotes mentioned in the holy Qur'an have remained remarkably fresh over the past millennium and four centuries. It urges us to see and reflect on the life of the past generations, and how they achieved salvation or plunged into the abysmal depths. The first part of Ayah 111 of Surah Yusuf says: “There is certainly a moral in their accounts for those who possess intellect."
Ayah 11 of Surah An'aam, reads: “Say: Travel in the land, then see what was the end of the rejecters.”
Whatever the holy Qur'an presents are real events and not myths. For instance, after providing us glimpses from the life of Prophet Joseph (AS), says in the next part of ayah 111 of Surah Yusuf: “This [Qur'ān] is not a fabricated discourse; rather it is a confirmation of what was [revealed] before it, and an elaboration of all things, and a guidance and mercy for a people who have faith.
By presenting exemplary accounts from the life of the prophets the holy Qur'an opens up for us the ways of guidance.
These anecdotes inspire us to lead a meaningful life and avoid aimlessness since life and creation are not without purpose. For instance in the account of Prophet Abraham (AS), we see how after observing the cycle of night and day and the wonders of creation, he invited people to the worship of the One and Only God, Who is the Creator of the entire universe, including the stars, moon, and sun, and Who manages all affairs on an orderly basis. It also endows us with the power to discern between good and evil by reflecting on the tyrannical ways of Nimrod and Pharaoh. The arrogant who waxed proud met humiliating ends, while the paths of the virtuous have remained immortal as lights of guidance. The Prophets are indeed worthy of emulation.
For instance, the story of Ishmael teaches how his firm and steadfast faith made him accept the fate decreed for him by God through revelation to his father, Abraham, without the least doubt. It is God Alone Who rescues His obedient servants. In the account of Prophet Joseph we learn the benefits of purity of purpose, chastity of character, sincerity, wisdom, knowledge and forbearance without feeling the least spite for those that had wronged him.
As we said the main objective of the holy Qur'an is guidance, and all ayahs lead towards this end. Therefore there is no account in the Qur'an that has been mentioned without reason. One of the wonders of the holy Qur'an is that in its accounts no improper or immoral lessons are imparted. It emphasizes on moral principles and politeness. In short, this unique presentation of the accounts of the Prophets and the virtuous persons, is indeed an undeniable miracle of the holy Qur'an.