By Shofi Ahmed

Read in the name of your Lord Who has created; created man out of a clot. Read – for your Lord is the most Bountiful One; Who has taught with the pen; taught man what he did not know. (Qur’an 96:1-5).

Dr. Abdul Bari’s well written E-Book “How the Qur’an Gives Meaning to Life” offers an insightful exploration of the Qur’an’s role in guiding individuals towards a purposeful and fulfilling life. His writing highlights that the Qur’an is much more than just a religious text or a source of laws and regulations; it serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to find meaning and fulfilment in all aspects of life.

One of the key points that Dr. Bari says that the Qur’an emphasises the pursuit of knowledge. The Qur’an teaches that learning is a fundamental part of the human experience and that individuals should seek knowledge throughout their lives. This pursuit of knowledge is not limited to secular knowledge, but also includes religious knowledge and knowledge of the self.

Another important theme that the article highlights is the Qur’an’s emphasis on compassion and good deeds. The Qur’an teaches that individuals should treat others with kindness and compassion and should be charitable towards those in need. By doing so, individuals can achieve a sense of contentment and purpose in their lives.

Ultimately, Dr. Bari argues that the Qur’an provides a roadmap for living a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfilment, both in this life and in the hereafter. The Qur’an offers a clear path towards achieving a meaningful and fulfilling life by connecting individuals with Allah SWT and providing guidance on how to lead a righteous and virtuous life.

Overall, Dr. Bari’s article is a thoughtful and insightful perspective on the Qur’an’s role in guiding individuals towards a meaningful life. The author’s clear and concise writing style, along with the well-supported arguments drawn from a wide range of Qur’anic verses, make the article an easy and enjoyable read for anyone seeking to understand the Qur’an’s teachings on leading a fulfilling life.
Here are some quotes from “How the Qur’an Gives Meaning to Life” by Dr. Abdul Bari that support my review:

It well presents the essence of Qur’anic teaching: The essence of Tawhid
The Quran, precisely and with absolute surety, elucidates Tawhid or oneness of God with His breath-taking ‘best names’ (Divine Names) or attributes of lordship and divinity. A few are mentioned in the Chapter ‘Gathering’ (Qur’an 59:22-24). It outlines the truth of God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. A small Chapter, ‘Ikhlas’ (Purity of Faith) quintessentially defines this Tawhid with an unparalleled profundity;

“The Qur’an is not just a book of guidance for Muslims; it is a guidance for all humankind. It offers a blueprint for how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.”
“For Muslims, the Qur’an is a source of guidance that provides a clear path towards achieving a meaningful and fulfilling life.”

“The Qur’an teaches that the pursuit of knowledge is a fundamental part of the human experience.”

“The Qur’an emphasises the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion, and encourages us to be charitable towards those in need.”

“Ultimately, the Qur’an provides a roadmap for living a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfilment, both in this life and in the hereafter.”

And captures the sublime and eloquence of the Qur’an: The Quran’s elegance

The Quran with its unique constructions, expressions, linguistic patterns, metaphors, allegories, phrases and statements allow multiple interpretations. It contains verses “which are clear and precise – and these are the essence of the Book – and others are equivocal …” (Quran 3:7). The Prophet Muhammad and the first Quranic generation (known as his Companions or Sahaba), who lived by the Quran, left its true meaning and interpretation for future generations until the end of the world.