Islam is the complete and perfect way of life for those who understand it in its pure form. The Quran, revealed as guidance for all humanity, provides timeless wisdom to lead a fulfilling life in this world and eternal success in the Hereafter. Here are 10 profound insights from the Quran that can help us improve as Muslims and human beings.
- The most selfish one-letter word: “I” – Avoid it!
…Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful. (Quran 4:36)
And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height. (Quran 17:37)
Arrogance and selfishness are disliked by Allah. Humility is a hallmark of a true believer.
- The most satisfying two-letter word: “WE” – Use it!
…Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Allah’s guidance is the ˹only˺ true guidance. And we are commanded to submit to the Lord of all worlds, establish prayer, and be mindful of Him. To Him you will all be gathered together. (Quran 6:71-72)
Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is severe in penalty. (Quran 5:2)
Unity and mutual cooperation are essential for building a strong and virtuous community.
- The most poisonous three-letter word: “EGO” – Kill it!
He replied, “I have been granted all this because of some knowledge I have.” Did he not know that Allah had already destroyed some from the generations before him who were far superior to him in power and greater in accumulating ˹wealth˺? There will be no need for the wicked to be asked about their sins. (Quran 28:78)
Indeed, Allah does not like the arrogant and boastful. (Quran 4:36)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “He who has, in his heart, an atom’s weight of pride will not enter Paradise.” [Sahih Muslim 91]
- The most used four-letter word: “LOVE” – Value it!
And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect. (Quran 30:21)
Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds—the Most Merciful will appoint for them affection. (Quran 19:96)
True love is rooted in compassion and guided by righteousness.
- The most pleasing five-letter word: “SMILE” – Keep it!
Moreover, He is the One Who brings about joy and sadness. (Quran 53:43)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Your smile for your brother is a charity…” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1956]
A smile is a small act that carries immense rewards and reflects good character.
- The fastest spreading six-letter word: “RUMOUR” – Ignore it!
O believers! Avoid many suspicions, ˹for˺ indeed, some suspicions are sinful. And do not spy, nor backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of their dead brother? You would despise that! And fear Allah. Surely Allah is ˹the˺ Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful. (Quran 49:12)
When you heard it with your tongues and said with your mouths what you had no knowledge of, and you thought it was insignificant while it was, in the sight of Allah, tremendous. (Quran 24:15)
Avoiding rumors and false speech is a sign of taqwa (piety).
- The hardest working seven-letter word: “SUCCESS” – Achieve it!
by men who are not distracted—either by buying or selling—from Allah’s remembrance, or performing prayer, or paying alms-tax. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will tremble, ˹hoping˺ that Allah may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and increase them out of His grace. And Allah provides for whoever He wills without limit. (Quran 24:37-38)
He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself. (Quran 87:14)
Success is achieved through devotion to Allah and righteous deeds.
- The most enviable eight-letter word: “JEALOUSY” – Distance it!
And do not crave what Allah has given some of you over others. Men will be rewarded according to their deeds and women ˹equally˺ according to theirs. Rather, ask Allah for His bounties. Surely Allah has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things. (Quran 4:32)
Beware of envy, for it devours good deeds like fire devours wood. [Sunan Abu Dawood 4903]
Jealousy leads to unnecessary suffering. Contentment is the key to happiness.
- The most powerful nine-letter word: “KNOWLEDGE” – Acquire it!
By the Quran, rich in wisdom! (Quran 36:2)
Say, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding. (Quran 39:9)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim…” [Sunan Ibn Majah 224]
- The most essential ten-letter word: “CONFIDENCE” – Trust it!
Say, “Nothing will ever befall us except what Allah has destined for us. He is our Protector.” So in Allah let the believers put their trust. (Quran 9:51)
Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. (Quran 13:11)
Trusting Allah and taking proactive steps lead to success and inner peace.
Peace in life can, InShaAllah, be attained when we follow the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). There are countless lessons and insights in the Holy Quran for those who ponder. May Allah make it easy for us to act upon His guidance. Ameen.
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