Abstract
The future remains a prominent source of concern at both individual and collective levels, as people strive to achieve greater security, stability, and prosperity. This article, titled “The Qur’an: A Guiding Methodology for Our Life and a Vision for Our Future,” sheds light on the role of the Holy Qur’an in laying down a comprehensive, viable framework for revitalizing and organizing life across all eras—past, present, and future.
We begin by highlighting the Qur’an’s role in shaping a way of life that supports individuals in envisioning the future, which they themselves will construct through their choices. The study analyzes selected Qur’anic verses from a contemporary and realistic perspective, enriched with prophetic traditions that offer insight into the future of the ummah (Islamic nation). The article concludes with forward-looking outcomes based on Qur’anic prophecies, such as the ultimate triumph of Islam, the inheritance of the Earth by the oppressed, and the establishment of divine justice through the awaited Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance and make us among his supporters and helpers).
Keywords: The Qur’an as a life framework – Future foresight – Inheriting the Earth
First: The Qur’an as a Framework for Contemporary Life
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“If tribulations confuse you like pieces of a dark night, you must turn to the Qur’an. It is an intercessor whose intercession is accepted, and a prosecutor whose claim is upheld. Whoever places it before him, it will lead him to Paradise; and whoever places it behind him, it will drag him into Hell. It is the guide to the best path. It is a Book with detail, clarity, and knowledge. It is decisive, not frivolous. It has an outer and inner meaning: its outward is law and its inward is knowledge. Its surface is elegant, and its depth is profound. It contains countless wonders and inexhaustible marvels. It houses the lamps of guidance and the beacons of wisdom. It is a guide to knowledge for those who seek its traits.” (1)
Imam Ali (AS) said:
“Know that this Qur’an is the adviser who does not deceive, the guide who does not mislead, and the narrator who does not lie. No one sits with the Qur’an but that he rises with either an increase or a decrease—increase in guidance or decrease in blindness.” (2)
It is incumbent upon the Muslim ummah to return to the Qur’an as a guiding framework for contemporary life, enlightened by the comprehensive definition given by the Prophet of Islam. At the time, the socio-economic environment had not yet been corrupted to the degree we face today—dark clouds looming over us in a modern state of ignorance. The Qur’an has, in effect, been officially marginalized from Muslim life. We must therefore act to reform the present before it leads to a bleak future—unless we are guided by the Qur’an, which describes itself with terms such as light, guidance, criterion, life, balance, healing, and remembrance. These attributes can only be activated through understanding and practical application.
During the era of revelation, the Qur’an held decisive authority within the Muslim community, and its bearers enjoyed a revered status. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described them as:
“The dignified ones of my nation are those who worship at night and bear the Qur’an.” (3)
Understanding and applying the Qur’an—both intellectually and practically—held tangible value, as it offered solutions to all problems. It is the standard of truth and a means to distinguish right from wrong based on its guidance and real-world relevance.
The core question this paper addresses is:
Where is the Qur’an in the life of the contemporary Muslim—in economics, society, science, international relations, law, and personal behavior—aside from what is done in shrines and mosques? Was the Qur’an revealed merely for recitation, ornamentation, and ritual use?
Our central argument is that the Qur’an offers an integrated framework for human life in all its multidimensional aspects, capable of accompanying human progress across time. Its guidance contains extractable methods to eradicate injustice and ignorance in accordance with the divine blueprint for human development.
The call to adopt the Qur’an as a life methodology is essentially a call to a dignified human existence:
“O you who believe! Respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah stands between a person and his heart, and that to Him you shall be gathered.” (Qur’an, Al-Anfal: 24) (4)
This is the responsibility of believers in the Qur’an, especially those who are well-versed in it—scholars, preachers, and religious guides.
Reviving our commitment to the Qur’an, if pursued sincerely and genuinely, has the potential to transform our reality. The path to this attainable paradise remains open if we follow the refreshing breeze of Qur’anic guidance and adhere to its instructions:
“And race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous.” (Qur’an, Al-Imran: 133) (5)
This Qur’anic study adopts a noble mission, presenting a repository of Qur’anic knowledge and initiating a new approach to sharing its wisdom.
The topics explored in this article appeal to minds ready to build a dignified social life based on Qur’anic teachings, in pursuit of a better future. This includes applying foresight for both individual and collective futures, for ourselves and future generations.
Management experts stress the importance of setting clear plans for the success of any project, which begins by answering three critical questions: Where are we now? Where do we want to go? And what are the practical steps to get there?
The Qur’an, the Prophet, and his purified household (peace be upon them) have answered these questions in ways that awaken our potential for positive change. Imam Ali (AS) said:
“May Allah have mercy on the one who knows from where he came, where he is, and to where he is going.” (6)
References:
- Al-Wafi, Al-Fayd Al-Kashani, vol. 9, p. 1667.
- Misbah Al-Salikeen, Maytham Al-Bahrani, vol. 1, p. 361.
- Mizan Al-Hikmah, Al-Ray Shahri, vol. 1, p. 460.
- Surah Al-Anfal: verse 24.
- Surah Al-Imran: verse 133.
- Encyclopedia of Imam Khomeini, Adab Al-Salat, vol. 1, p. 496.
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