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Imam Saeed Writes: The Qur’an, a Book of Guidance Beyond Ramadan

Qur'an

By: Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Chief Imam

All praise and thanks are due to Allah (وتعالى سبحانه), the Lord of all the worlds, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is His final messenger. May peace and blessings be upon him, his family, his noble companions, and all those who follow his righteous path until the Day of Judgment.

The Qur’an is a divine revelation from Allah and serves as a timeless guide for humanity. It is not just a book for recitation but a comprehensive manual that provides wisdom, moral values, and laws that shape human life in all aspects. The Qur’an answers fundamental existential questions: Who created us? Why are we here? How should we live our lives? What happens after death?

Allah affirms in the Qur’an: “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah” (Qur’an 2:2).

Many Muslims increase their engagement with the Qur’an during the month of Ramadan, a month in which the Qur’an was revealed. However, the Qur’an’s message extends far beyond Ramadan; it should be the guiding light in our daily lives, influencing our thoughts, actions, and decisions.

The Meaning and Names of the Qur’an

The word Qur’an comes from the Arabic root “Qara’a”, which means “to read” or “to recite”. The Qur’an is called this because it is meant to be continuously recited, reflected upon, and acted upon. It is not just a book for passive reading but for active learning, understanding, and implementation in all facets of life.

The Qur’an is known by several names in the Islamic tradition, each revealing an essential characteristic of the book:

  • Al-Qur’an (القرآن): Meaning “The Recitation”, emphasizing that it is a book to be recited regularly, in prayer and outside of it.
  • Al-Furqan (الفرقان): Meaning “The Criterion”, which distinguishes between truth and falsehood. It provides moral clarity and guidance on what is right and wrong.
  • Adh-Dhikr (الذكر): Meaning “The Reminder”, because it constantly reminds human beings of their purpose in life and their accountability before Allah.
  • An-Nur (النور): Meaning “The Light”, as it illuminates the path of righteousness and removes the darkness of ignorance.
  • Al-Kitab (الكتاب): Meaning “The Book”, signifying that it is a complete and preserved scripture meant for all time.
  • Ash-Shifa (الشفاء): Meaning “The Healing”, as it provides spiritual, psychological, and even physical healing to those who turn to it with sincerity.

These names indicate that the Qur’an is more than just a collection of verses; it is a divine guide, a moral compass, a source of healing, and a light that dispels darkness.

The Revelation of the Qur’an: A Divine Message for Humanity

The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) over a period of 23 years through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel, السلام عليه). The revelation took place in two distinct phases:

  • The Makkan Phase (13 years): The chapters revealed in this period focused on faith in Allah, monotheism, the resurrection, and moral values. Since the early Muslim community was small and persecuted, these revelations gave them spiritual strength and perseverance.
  • The Madinan Phase (10 years): The revelations during this period were more detailed and addressed laws, governance, social justice, and community life. The Muslim community had grown in Madinah, and legal rulings on marriage, inheritance, and commerce were introduced to regulate societal affairs.
The Structure of the Qur’an

The Qur’an consists of 114 chapters (Surahs), classified into Makkan and Madinan chapters:

  • 86 Makkan Surahs – Revealed in Makkah before migration, primarily focusing on faith, monotheism, and the Hereafter.
  • 28 Madinan Surahs – Revealed in Madinah, covering laws, governance, and societal justice.

Each chapter contains divine instructions, addressing spiritual, moral, and legal matters.

The Qur’an itself testifies about its revelation:

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion…” (Qur’an 2:185).

The first revelation occurred in the Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was commanded:

“Read in the name of your Lord who created—Created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous—Who taught by the pen—Taught man that which he knew not” (Qur’an 96:1-5).

This event marked the beginning of divine communication between Allah and His final messenger.

The Quran as a book of Justice and Morality

“Indeed, Allah commands you to act with justice, to do good, and to give to relatives, and He forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed.” (Qur’an 16:90)

This text is often recited in Friday sermons (Khutbah) as a reminder to believers about the core values of Islam: justice, kindness, family ties, and avoidance of immorality and wrongdoing. It serves as a comprehensive command for ethical and moral behavior in both personal and societal affairs.

The Quran Commands Modesty in Dress code

“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down

over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 33:59)

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse was revealed as a directive for Muslim women to wear the jilbab—a long, loose- fitting outer garment—that covers their bodies when they go out in public.

Allah commands the Prophet (ﷺ) to instruct his wives, daughters, and all believing women to adopt a modest dress code to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments) instructs Muslim women to cover themselves in a way that distinguishes them as modest and chaste women.That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. This means that modest dress helps

identify believing women as respectable and pious, preventing harassment or harm from ill- intentioned people.

Allah’s Mercy in the Command

The verse ends with (And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful), showing that Allah’s commands are for the protection and honor of women, and those who struggle with observing them can seek His forgiveness and guidance.

The Qur’an as a Guide for All of Humanity

The Qur’an is not restricted to any race, nationality, or social class. It is a universal book meant to guide all of humanity—men and women, the rich and the poor, Arabs and non-Arabs. Allah says:

“And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?” (Qur’an 54:17).

“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107).

This means that no one is excluded from the mercy of the Qur’an. It is a guide for the lost, a source of hope for the despairing, and a moral code for all societies.

The Qur’an as a Book of Law and Legislation

The Qur’an is not just a book of spirituality; it provides laws that govern various aspects of life. Some of the legal principles found in the Qur’an include:

  • Faith in Allah: The foundation of all laws, where belief in One God (Tawheed) is emphasized as the purpose of human existence (Qur’an 112:1-5).
  • Marriage and Family: The Qur’an lays down clear guidelines for marriage, the rights and responsibilities of spouses, and the treatment of children (Qur’an 4:3, 4:34).
  • Inheritance Laws: The division of wealth after a person’s death is carefully outlined in the Qur’an to ensure fairness and justice (Qur’an 4:11, 4:12, 4:176).
  • Business Ethics: The Qur’an prohibits deception and promotes honesty in trade and contracts (Qur’an 4:29).

These laws provide the framework for a just society where fairness and morality are upheld.

The Quran and Major Prohibitions
  1. Prohibition of Alcohol (Khamr) and Intoxicants

Qur’anic Verses: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219) “They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, ‘In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.'”

Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:90-91) “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling,

[sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid them that you may be successful. Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?”

Explanation:

  • Initially, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219) acknowledges that alcohol has both benefits and harms but emphasizes that the harms outweigh the benefits.
    • Later, Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:90-91) categorically prohibits alcohol by calling it an act of Satan, leading to enmity and distraction from worship.
    • The Quran and Islam promote self-control, mental clarity, and a healthy society, all of which are undermined by intoxication.
2.  Prohibition of Gambling (Maisir)

Qur’anic Verses: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219) “They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, ‘In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.'”

Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:90-91) (As mentioned above, prohibiting both intoxicants and gambling.)

Explanation:

  • Gambling is addictive and leads to loss of wealth, social harm, and emotional distress.
    • The verse warns that, like alcohol, gambling leads to enmity and hatred among people, diverting them from spiritual duties.
    • Islam encourages earning wealth through honest work, not through chance-based games that exploit others.
3.  Prohibition of Interest (Riba) on Loans

Qur’anic Verses: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:275) “Those who devour usury (riba) will not stand except as stands one whom Satan has driven to madness by (his) touch. That is because they say: ‘Trade is just like usury,’ but Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury.”

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:278-279) “O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers. And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your capital— [thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged.”

Surah Al-Imran (3:130) “O you who have believed, do not consume usury, doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah that you may be successful.”

Explanation:

Interest-based transactions exploit the poor and create economic injustice.

The Qur’an makes it clear that Allah and His Messenger declare war against those who persist in usury.

Islamic finance promotes ethical investment and risk-sharing, ensuring fair economic transactions.

4.  Prohibition of Fornication and Adultery (Zina)

Qur’anic Verses: Surah Al-Isra (17:32) “And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is an immorality and an evil way.”

Surah An-Nur (24:2) “The woman and the man guilty of fornication—flog each one of them with a hundred lashes. Let not pity for them make you lenient in (the execution of) the law of Allah, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment.”

Explanation:

Islam protects family structures and promotes modesty to maintain social harmony.

Surah Al-Isra (17:32) does not just prohibit zina—it even forbids coming close to it (e.g., through inappropriate interactions, pornography, etc.).

Surah An-Nur (24:2) prescribes legal consequences to deter fornication.

Marriage is encouraged as the lawful means of fulfilling desires in a responsible way.

5.  Prohibition of Pork

Qur’anic Verses: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:173) “He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit]—then there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”

Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3) “Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah.”

Explanation:

Pork is prohibited because of its impurity and harmful health effects. However, if a person is starving and has no other food, they may consume it only to survive.

6.  Prohibition of Backbiting and Slander

Qur’anic Verses: Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12) “O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of Repentance and Merciful.”

Explanation:

Backbiting is equated to eating the flesh of one’s dead brother, showing how detestable it is. Islam emphasizes honesty, sincerity, and respect in social relations.

7.  Prohibition of Eating Dead Animals and Blood

Qur’anic Verses: Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3) “Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah.”

Explanation:

  • Eating dead animals (carrion) and blood can lead to diseases and spiritual impurity.
    • Islam promotes halal slaughter to ensure that food is ethically sourced and pure.
The Qur’an’s Guidance on Worship

The Qur’an instructs Muslims on how to worship Allah correctly:

  • Salah (Prayer): Establishing regular prayers five times a day is a direct command from Allah (Qur’an 11:114).
    • Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of one’s wealth to the poor purifies one’s wealth and soul (Qur’an 2:110).
    • Sawm (Fasting): The obligation of fasting in Ramadan is emphasized to cultivate self- discipline and gratitude (Qur’an 2:183).
    • Hajj (Pilgrimage): Performing Hajj is an obligation upon those who can afford it (Qur’an 2:196).

These acts of worship strengthen the believer’s connection with Allah.

The Quran Shows the Boundless Mercy of Allah

“Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Qur’an 39:53

Explanation of the Verse: A Call to All Sinners

Allah addresses His servants who have committed excessive sins and urges them not to despair. The phrase (O My servants) reflects Allah’s love and care, even for those who have sinned greatly.

Hope and Mercy

Do not despair of the mercy of Allah) is a direct command from Allah, instructing believers never to lose hope in His forgiveness, no matter how many sins they have committed.

Allah Forgives All Sins

(Indeed, Allah forgives all sins) means that no sin is too great for Allah’s mercy—except shirk (associating partners with Allah) if one dies in that state without repentance (Qur’an 4:48).

The Quran and Allah’s Attributes of Forgiveness

The verse ends with “(Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful).

Al-Ghafūr: The One who completely forgives all sins, no matter how great. Ar-Raḥīm: The One who continuously showers His mercy upon His creation.

The Quran and Afterlife: Paradise and Hellfire

The Qur’an describes the consequences of actions in the afterlife:

  • The Righteous will enjoy eternal bliss in Paradise:

“Gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally…” (Qur’an 9:72).

  • The Wrongdoers will face severe punishment in Hell:

“And fear the Fire, which has been prepared for the disbelievers.” (Qur’an 3:131).

This serves as a reminder to live a righteous life.

Conclusion: The Qur’an Beyond Ramadan

The Qur’an is not just for Ramadan; it is a lifelong companion. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5027).

Every Muslim should recite, reflect upon, and apply the teachings of the Qur’an daily to attain the pleasure of Allah and ultimate success in the Hereafter.

I also urge all human beings to quickly grab a copy of the Quran from a nearby Islamic bookshop or an Imam. Thank you

References

ReferenceSource
Qur’an 2:2The Holy Qur’an
Qur’an 2:185The Holy Qur’an
Qur’an 96:1-5The Holy Qur’an
Qur’an 4:34The Holy Qur’an
Qur’an 4:48The Holy Qur’an
Sahih al-Bukhari, 5027Authentic Hadith

By: Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Chief Imam chiefimaamkponekatamanso@gmail.com

Ibrahim Khalilulahi Usman

Ibrahim Khalilulahi Usman

132 thoughts on “Imam Saeed Writes: The Qur’an, a Book of Guidance Beyond Ramadan”

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  131. Abdulai Musah

    Well said Imaam, Saeed! Adding to your detailed and well articulated opinion, I will like to add that it is a manual for right conduct and the bases for acceptance of deeds.

    It is my prayer it get to every home to guide our thoughts and action. Thanks a lot and May Allah reward your efforts.

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  132. HAJJ B.M. ADAM

    Wonderful input from an Imam for the contemporary times. May Allah continue to fortify him for this task

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