Godly behavior from the Bible and Quran

[55:26–27] Everyone on earth perishes. Only the presence of your Lord lasts. Possessor of Majesty and Honor.

God is the only constant in this world and the next. No matter the time period or location in this world or even in the universe, God’s presence is the only thing that is constant (2:115, 55:26–27). And just as He is constant so are His laws and the rules He sets for us on how to live our lives in a manner that best pleases Him.

The god of the Bible and the god of the Quran are one and the same God. From the time of Adam—the  start of the human race—there has only ever been the one Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent God. From the beginning, God gave us specific words to utter (2:37), and guidelines for how to behave if we are to claim that we are His servants. Throughout His scriptures and His final testament, God advocates that we behave in a righteous manner.

In the Bible’s Galatians 5:13, 16, 19–23 we are told that we are free to choose in this life how to be and how to live but we are advised not to “use [our] freedom to indulge in the flesh”; not to commit such sins as sexual immorality, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,

jealousy, envy, or breaking up into sects or factions (Galatians 5:19–21). We see the same principles in Quran 5:5, 24:30–31, 2:102, 30:32. Galatians 5:21 also makes us aware that the people who choose to behave in such a way “will not inherit the kingdom of God” (as does Quran 10:27). In the same passage we are then told that the qualities we should endeavor to achieve, or rather, the qualities that stem from God are those of “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” This principle of freedom and consequent responsibility is also seen in the Quran.

Freedom of Choice
[33:72] We have offered the responsibility (freedom of choice) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. But the human being accepted it; he was transgressing, ignorant.

Absolute Freedom of Religion
[18:29] Proclaim: “This is the truth from your Lord,” then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve. We have prepared for the transgressors a fire that will completely surround them. When they

scream for help, they will be given a liquid like concentrated acid that scalds the faces. What a miserable drink! What a miserable destiny!

The righteous strive to rise above their greed, envy, and arrogance. They strive to avoid gossip, slander, and boasting, and they strive to show mercy and honor their parents (Romans 1:28–31; Quran 25:72, 28:55, 104:1, 31:18, 2:83, 6:151, 49:12). These are behaviors that God encourages and appreciates in His servants.

[68:10–14] Do not obey every lowly swearer. A slanderer, a backbiter. Forbidder of charity, a transgressor, a sinner. Unappreciative, and greedy. Even though he possessed enough money and children.

[57:23] Thus, you should not grieve over anything you miss, nor be proud of anything He has bestowed upon you. GOD does not love those who are boastful, proud.

In Leviticus 19:11–16, 35–36 God goes on to list a number of other behaviors from which He enjoins us. The righteous strive to obey His commands.

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