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To guide us God sent us from time-to-time scriptures, prophets and messengers who preached the best values of faith and conduct.
The Quran enjoins us to uphold the continuity of Submission with previous revelations and prophets and not to make a distinction amongst them. [3:84] Say, “We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters.”
Submission’s non-exclusive spirit is embodied in many Quranic verses, such as: [5:69] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, and the Christians; any of them who (1) believe in GOD and (2) believe in the Last Day, and (3) lead a righteous life, have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
The Quran brings peace, harmony and tranquillity in the world. What it says about equality is: [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.
This order is in general and not just to Submitters alone. Our life is a very treasured gift and mercy from God. Grossness of Murder [5:32] Because of this, we decreed for the Children of Israel that anyone who murders any person who had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered all the people. And anyone who spares a life it shall be as if he spared the lives of all the people.
Our messengers went to them with clear proofs and revelations, but most of them, after all this, are still transgressing. See how the Quran enjoins the sanctity of human life.
The Quran is the genuine defender of peace: [10:25] GOD invites to the abode of peace, and guides whomever He wills in a straight path. Look at our mode of salutation: [6:54] When those who believe in our revelations come to you, you shall say, “Salãmun ‘Alaykum (Peace be upon you). Your Lord has decreed that mercy is His attribute…. This is from the same root word of Submission. God wants unity and harmony. In this worldly life, there is strife and discord but there is a future life which God always calls us to. There is no fear, unhappiness, or disappointment there.
In all societies and families there will be certain people who deserve some status due to their age, knowledge and skills. Others may deserve some considerations due to their peculiar set of circumstances. [2:83] We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: “You shall not worship except GOD. You shall honor your parents and regard the relatives, the orphans, and the poor. You shall treat the people amicably. You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat).” But you turned away, except a few of you, and you became averse. [4:36] You shall worship GOD alone--do not associate anything with Him. You shall regard the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, the related neighbor, the unrelated neighbor, the close associate, the traveling alien, and your servants. GOD does not like the arrogant showoffs.
In both these verses, orphans are placed just after parents and relatives. This displays how much importance is given to them. Their care is a believer’s responsibility. Also, the poor and those in need are deserving of our full support with genuine help. Others mentioned are the neighbors who may or may not be related, the associates and the traveling alien (musafir). They need not necessarily be Muslims. In our social life, we will need to deal with all of them. The Most Merciful has given us this third and final chance to do better.
There will always be haves and have-nots—the economically challenged in society. Some people cannot compete, some are physically challenged and unable to work, others mentally incapable to hold a job. Whatever may be the cause, we are commanded to do something about it. Believers are always motivated to allocate a portion of their earnings for the betterment of the poor. [51:19] A portion of their money was set aside for the beggar and the needy.
We cannot discriminate on the basis of caste, colour or creed. The only basis of differentiation is our taqwa – righteousness.
God gives good news in The Quran that He will forgive any sin provided one sincerely repents. He alone knows our innermost thoughts and every deed which we keep private. He knows whether we are true or not. [17:25] Your Lord is fully aware of your innermost thoughts. If you maintain righteousness, He is Forgiver of those who repent.
After we pass away, it is impossible for us to make up for the mistakes and sins we committed here in this world, unless God wills otherwise. We do not have a single moment to lose. With every passing moment we draw closer to death, and we don’t know when death will confront us. We all will certainly pass away, and we will have to give an account of ourselves to God. Have we carefully considered His commandments? Have we earned the approval of God? If we repent and sincerely make an absolute commitment to do what is most pleasing to God, to follow the wisdom in Quran, then we can hope and pray for God’s forgiveness.
Submission: The Only Religion [2:112] Indeed, those who submit themselves absolutely to GOD alone, while leading a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.