Whether you are a muslim or not, the Quran[1] is a compelling read. The Quran is one of the most influential books in the world, and therefore deserves careful consideration. Previously a challenging read, this exposition makes it easy to understand especially for those who are unable to appreciate it in its original language. This is an exposition, not a translation, therefore the phrasing used is to convey the meaning of the many-faceted words of the original Arabic. For example verse 50:43 states “We are the ones who control life and death, to Us is the final return.” It is impossible to present in English (or perhaps any other language) the force of the five-times repeated ‘We’ in the one sentence of the original.
This exegesis is a far better rendition than those currently available as it provides added clarity and accuracy; the values and concepts, however, are entirely as originally expounded when the Quran was first revealed. Also the Quranic thought process, known as taqlid, that had deteriorated, stagnated and stunted progress has been reconstructed and strengthened on its original foundations.
The Quran outlines that people develop by the measure of their endeavour and that is why it puts human beings at the centre of a moral outlook that is the very fabric of society. Individuals, communities and the world are the focus of its attention to progress and; to lead a prosperous life, it encourages all men and women to develop their Self by facing up to the inevitable challenges of this world. The Quran says that life is continuous and that by developing the Self, the human being makes himself fit, not only for this life but also for the life yet to come. From a modest being he has the potential and opportunity to become an eminent creation ready to take on greater and more rewarding challenges.
To enable this the Quran provides the means through the Social System it terms as Deen-Islam. This is the optimum system that offers something no religion, alternative belief or political ideology can ever give.
The Quran draws attention to man’s fantastic surroundings. It pushes each person to search, discover and know his world, to harness and manage nature for his own benefit and for the benefit of the world at large. To explore by science and reason is at the heart of all discovery and the Quran inspires man to stretch his mind and imagination.
Championing human rights is a duty, the Quran proclaims. Indeed all who are fit and able are not exempt from striving with their money and their lives. Promoting, flourishing and giving life to the natural and human system is an act of great virtue, the Quran stresses, time and time again.
But a good deed or any act of virtue is of no value if its worth is not realised, that is why the Quran underpins all activity with accountability. And it is this that puts the Quran’s Permanent Values and Absolute Laws over and above any other.
The Quran vehemently champions the cause not only against religion, but also the erroneous innovations and banal traditions appended to it.
To develop and progress the world needs Permanent Values; the optimum, unchanging principles for changing times. This is exactly what the Quran gives
This book is a first in presenting Islam the Deen in such a forthright, refreshing and objective manner. Issues that are usually swept under the carpet are now brought to the forefront, opening up topics often considered undebatable, in a daring, challenging and thought-provoking manner.
[1] The Quran, often wrongly transliterated as the Koran, for muslims, is the revealed word of God. Originally conveyed in Arabic by the malaika Gabriel to Muhammad, as God’s message to mankind, Muhammad being the last of the messengers and the Quran as the complete and final testament of God.
