The Status of Divine Teachings

Author Shaikh Jawad Habib

The Importance of Upholding Divine Scriptures

Allah, the Almighty, states in the Holy Qur’an:

وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ أَقَامُوا التَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنْجِيلَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِم مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ لَأَكَلُوا مِن فَوْقِهِمْ وَمِن تَحْتِ أَرْجُلِهِمْ
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:66)

“And if they had upheld the Torah and the Gospel and what was sent down to them from their Lord, they would have eaten from above them and from beneath their feet.”

Allah further emphasizes the role of divine guidance:

الٓر ۚ كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ لِتُخْرِجَ النَّاسَ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَمِيدِ
(Surah Ibrahim 14:1)

“Alif, Lam, Ra. [This is] a Book We have sent down to you so that you may bring mankind out of darkness into light, by the permission of their Lord, to the path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy.”

This highlights that following the divine teachings of the prophets is not merely about preparing for the hereafter, but it also significantly impacts human material life.

The Role of Divine Teachings in Human Life

The implementation of divine guidance strengthens societies, unites ranks, mobilizes resources, increases blessings, expands opportunities, and ensures a prosperous and secure life.

Faith and adherence to divine scriptures influence not only human conduct but also the natural order, including the earth, the clouds, rainfall, agriculture, and produce. The Holy Scriptures serve as the Constitution for life, the fundamental guiding principle, and the basis of all human movements.

However, merely reciting the divine book is insufficient; it must be upheld and implemented. Just as a flag in a battlefield must be raised high, the divine commandments must be firmly established in human society. The Qur’an, like light, serves as a means of vision, awakening, movement, and growth, illuminating the path of God.

The Consequences of Ignoring Divine Teachings

The vast material wealth and abundant human resources of today’s world are being squandered due to deviation from divine teachings. Instead of being utilized for the progress of humanity, they are turned into deadly weapons, meaningless conflicts, and destructive efforts.

This is a living proof of the reality that when societies abandon divine principles, they descend into chaos. Today, the wealth spent on warfare and destruction is either equal to or greater than that spent on constructive purposes.

A significant portion of human intellect, which could have been used for progress, is being exhausted on the development of war machinery and colonial conflicts. However, humanity desperately needs these resources to solve its fundamental problems and alleviate suffering.

If these resources were directed toward development and welfare, how beautiful, desirable, and prosperous the world would be!

The Qur’an as the Ultimate Divine Guidance

The full utilization of the blessings of the earth and the sky depends on the establishment of divine laws in society. Among all divine revelations, the Qur’an is the most comprehensive and complete program for humanity.

As Amir al-Mu’minin Imam Ali (عليه السلام) stated:

إِنَّ القُرآنَ ظاهِرُهُ أَنِيقٌ وَباطِنُهُ عَميقٌ، لا تَفنى عَجائِبُهُ وَلا تَنقَضي غَرائِبُهُ، وَلا تُكشَفُ الظُّلُماتُ إلّا بِهِ
(Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 18)

“The outward aspect of the Qur’an is elegant, and its depth is profound. Its wonders never cease, and its marvels never end. Darkness can only be dispelled through it.”

Furthermore, he said:

فَاسْتَشْفُوهُ مِنْ أَدْوَائِكُم
(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 89, p. 23)

“So seek healing from it for your ailments.”

This statement affirms that, contrary to the common attitude of many Muslims today—who see the Qur’an merely as a sacred book for recitation and spiritual reward—it is a manual for life, meant for implementation in every aspect of human existence.

A book of such profound wisdom and guidance must be deeply integrated into the daily lives of Muslims, forming the constitution of their existence. It should always be a subject of study, reflection, and practical application for the betterment of society.

The Tragedy of Neglecting the Qur’an

Forgetting the Qur’an and turning towards misguided ideologies of the East and West has been one of the primary causes of the decline, weakness, and powerlessness of the Muslim Ummah.

Imam Ali (عليه السلام) further emphasized the importance of the Qur’an:

اعْلَمُوا أَنَّهُ لَيْسَ عَلَى أَحَدٍ بَعْدَ الْقُرْآنِ مِنْ فَاقَةٍ وَ لَا لِأَحَدٍ قَبْلَ الْقُرْآنِ مِنْ غِنًى
(Nahjul Balagha, Hikmah 176)

“Know that none of you will ever experience poverty or need after possessing the Qur’an, and no one will ever be truly free of need before possessing it.”

How painful it is that:

• We remain strangers to the Qur’an, while outsiders have become familiar with it.
• The greatest means of salvation is within our own homes, yet we search for it around the world.
• We die of thirst beside the fountain of life or wander in barren deserts chasing mirages.

The Consequences of Distancing from the Qur’an

It is astonishing that the further we distance ourselves from the Qur’anic principles, the more we suffer pain, humiliation, and misery—yet we still fail to recognize the source of our downfall.

Once again, the arrogance and prejudices inherited from pre-Islamic ignorance prevent us from:

• Reflecting on our condition.
• Reassessing our actions.
• Returning to the Qur’an as our ultimate source of guidance.

A Final Prayer

اللَّهُمَّ نَبِّهْنَا مِنْ نَوْمَتِنَا، وَأَيْقِظْنَا مِنْ غَفْلَتِنَا، وَرُدَّنَا إِلَى كِتَابِكَ رَدًّا جَمِيلًا

“O Allah! Awaken us from this deep and dangerous slumber! Remove our heedlessness, and return us to Your Book in a beautiful and blessed manner!”

---

This translation and elaboration highlight the importance of divine teachings, particularly the Qur’an, in shaping individual and societal success. It also underscores the tragic consequences of neglecting divine guidance and emphasizes the urgent need to return to Qur’anic principles.

Let us not merely recite the Qur’an, but uphold it as a living guide in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to revive its teachings. Ameen.