Living the Quran stipulates applying a practical belief in its contents and committing to its message and the mission it’s intended for, i.e. guiding humankind to find happiness in life, and salvation in the hereafter. The Quran comprises the Law of God, with all it prescribes …   The Quran is a living manual for every Muslim- a timeless source of guidance encompassing all that’s needed for serenity and happiness in this life and eternal salvation in the hereafter- which, when copiously grasped and articulately comprehended, renders an individual fully independent for guidance and genuinely satisfied. Besides being a chief source of Islamic legislation, it plants in each individual heart the prime seed of faith and love for the only Lord of the Universe, Allah (SWT). It’s a practical manual and an endless cradle of food for soul combined, consolidating the words of God, commands, advices, warnings, and supreme law. The Quran is the most cohesively constructed single full text ever known or to be known to humanity, which, although full of miracles, explains itself when all its mysteries are deciphered and fully understood. Starting with Surah Al Fatiha- The Opening, which includes a Dua, a supplication that Allah may guide us Muslims to the straight path, the entire text of the Quran is an answer to this supplication, around which revolves the whole pursuit of humankind, seeking the straight path which would earn them salvation in this life and the other. “Guide us to the straight path- The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.”– Quran 1:6-7 To set our feet on that straight path, we ought to live the Quran, apply it and abide by it, without a shred of intention to compromise, even if we know that we would never be able to avoid falling into at least one single mistake through the entire course of our lives. Living the Quran stipulates applying a practical belief in its contents and committing to its message and the mission it’s intended for, i.e. guiding humankind to find happiness in life, and salvation in the hereafter, protecting them against what goes against their natural Fitra or human instinct, and urging them to refrain, willingly, from that which would earn them God’s wrath. “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”—Quran 2:2 Let’s look into the general themes of the Quran and then see how can we apply it. The Quran comprises the Law of God, with all it prescribes, including acts of worship, elements of faith, pillars of Islam, jurisprudence and wordly dealings, ethics, and moral standards. It speaks of Allah’s Supreme attributes so that we know Him and learn how to deal with Him and approach Him for all matters of life and beyond. It tells us of the stories of the people of the past, so that we may learn from them and avoid getting into similar fate if sad and follow their footsteps if their lives led to good endings. The Quran  as well narrates the stories of the lives of the noble prophets and messengers sent down to earth by Allah to guide people and lead them from the darkness of ignorance to the light of Faith. The Quran speaks of the unseen, describes Paradise and Hellfire, imbibing in our hearts sincere desire for the first, and natural repulsion and fear from the second. It certainly encompasses all that has to do with a Muslim life. But be watchful. As you look into the primary mission of the Quran, being a source of guidance for humankind, you have to know the characteristics of those who benefit form it and are capable of upholding it in their hearts and practical life. It’s those whose have faith and whose faith is “Complete”. The verse mentioned above is followed by two other verses listing the characteristics of those who uphold the Quran and apply it as their chief source of guidance: Surah al Baqarah continues: “Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them, And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.”—Quran 2:3-5 Now that you know the purpose of the Quran, being a source of guidance, you’ve got to know the characteristics of those who are to be guided by it, now you have to learn how to apply it to the fullest, as much as your capacity allows for. Not every individual Muslim is capable of reciting and fully grasping the meanings of the Quran on his own. You’ve got to acquire the tools for that, i.e. the language, read its exegesis and seek help of those who have knowledge. Islamic Knowledge and by extension the text of the Quran, is one science that requires a mentor, and is not to be learned individually without supervision, even if we’re require to contemplate and enact our minds in expounding more merits of the Islamic doctrine and expound new levels of meaning of its primary sources, i/e/ the Quran and Sunnah. But I reiterate you’ve got to acquire and excel the use of the tools needed for that. Although it’s a duty on every sound Muslim, understanding and thus applying and living the Quran needs intervention from those who’re knowledgeable to avoid any possible deviation from its truthful legacy. Uphold the legacy of the Quran and seek salvation in your both lives. Follow the example of the Noble Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him), whose character was the Quran. Wassalaam, Maha Youssuf maha@muslimtribune.org Posted on: September 30, 2011