Why is the Qur’an Called a Universal Book?

Picture of Al-Qur'an (reepik.com - almuhtada.org)

almuhtada.org – The Qur’an is rahmatan lil alamin which means mercy for all the universe, not only for Muslims. Then why is the Qur’an called a universal book?

The verse of Allah SWT confirms that the Qur’an is a guide for humans. Surah Al-baqarah verse 185:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِيْٓ اُنْزِلَ فِيْهِ الْقُرْاٰنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنٰتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدٰى وَالْفُرْقَانِۚ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۗ وَمَنْ كَانَ مَرِيْضًا اَوْ عَلٰى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ اَيَّامٍ اُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيْدُ اللّٰهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيْدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ ۖ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللّٰهَ عَلٰى مَا هَدٰىكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُوْنَ ١٨٥

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Meaning:
“The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an is revealed as a guidance for people, an explanation of that guidance, and a proof (between right and wrong). Therefore, whoever of you is in attendance (at his place of residence or is not a traveller) during that month, then fast. But whoever is sick or traveling (and does not fast), then (he must make up) as many days as he missed on other days. Allah wants ease for you and does not want hardship. And you should complete the number and give glory to Allah for His guidance given to you, so that you may be grateful.”

Definition of the Qur’an

Quoting the book Al-Qur’an as a source of law by Alik al Adhim, in language Al-Qur’an means mashdar (noun) from the verb Qoro’a which means to read or means to collect or gather.

Qira’ah means to bring letters and words together in a well-organized speech. Even in the Qur’an there are verses that use the word “Al-Qur’an”, namely surah Al-Qiyamah 17-18:

اِنَّ عَلَيْنَا جَمْعَهٗ وَقُرْاٰنَهٗ ۚ ١٧ فَاِذَا قَرَأْنٰهُ فَاتَّبِعْ قُرْاٰنَهٗ

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Meaning:
“Indeed, it is Our duty to gather it (in your hearts) and recite it. So, when We have finished reciting it, follow its recitation.”

The Qur’an is a Universal Book

Quoting the book ‘Ulumul Qur’an: Basics in the Study of Qur’anic Interpretation Science by Badrudin, Rasulullah SAW was sent when humans were experiencing an era of emptiness in the absence of prophets / messengers.

The goal is to perfect the teachings of the previous messengers, with universal and eternal sharia, and using the book he revealed, namely Al-Qur’anul Karim.

The Qur’an is Allah’s message to humans throughout nature. Surah Al-A’raf verse 158

قُلْ يٰٓاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اِنِّيْ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ اِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيْعًا ۨالَّذِيْ لَهٗ مُلْكُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِۚ لَآ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا هُوَ يُحْيٖ وَيُمِيْتُۖ فَاٰمِنُوْا بِاللّٰهِ وَرَسُوْلِهِ النَّبِيِّ الْاُمِّيِّ الَّذِيْ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللّٰهِ وَكَلِمٰتِهٖ وَاتَّبِعُوْهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُوْنَ ١٥٨

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Meaning:
“Say (Prophet Muhammad), ”O people, I am indeed a messenger of Allah to you all, the One who has the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, there is no god but Allah, and Who gives life and death. So, believe in Allah and His Messenger, (i.e.) the ummi (unlettered) prophet who believed in Allah and His words (His books). Follow him so that you may be guided.”

The Purpose of the Descent of the Qur’an

According to Muhammad Bāqir Ḥakīm in his book Ulumul Quran, the Qur’an came down to earth with several purposes, including:

1. The Qur’an as a Warning and Reminder

Based on surah Al-Anam verse 19 below:

قُلْ اَيُّ شَيْءٍ اَكْبَرُ شَهَادَةً ۗ قُلِ اللّٰهُ ۗشَهِيْدٌۢ بَيْنِيْ وَبَيْنَكُمْ ۗوَاُوْحِيَ اِلَيَّ هٰذَا الْقُرْاٰنُ لِاُنْذِرَكُمْ بِهٖ وَمَنْۢ بَلَغَ ۗ اَىِٕنَّكُمْ لَتَشْهَدُوْنَ اَنَّ مَعَ اللّٰهِ اٰلِهَةً اُخْرٰىۗ قُلْ لَّآ اَشْهَدُ ۚ قُلْ اِنَّمَا هُوَ اِلٰهٌ وَّاحِدٌ وَّاِنَّنِيْ بَرِيْۤءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُوْنَ

Meaning:
“Say (Prophet Muhammad), “Who has stronger testimony?” Say, “Allah. He is a witness between me and you. This Qur’an was revealed to me that I may remind you and those to whom it reaches. Do you really testify that there are other gods besides Allah?” Say, “I do not testify.” Say, “Indeed He is the One Lord and I renounce what you associate.”

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2. The Qur’an is an Example

Based on surah Al-Kahf verse 54

وَلَقَدْ صَرَّفْنَا فِيْ هٰذَا الْقُرْاٰنِ لِلنَّاسِ مِنْ كُلِّ مَثَلٍۗ وَكَانَ الْاِنْسَانُ اَكْثَرَ شَيْءٍ جَدَلًا

Meaning:

“Indeed, we have explained all examples in various ways and repeatedly to humans in this Qur’an. But humans are the ones who argue the most.”

3. The Qur’an as Proof

Based on surah Al-Anam verses 155-156:

وَهٰذَا كِتٰبٌ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ مُبٰرَكٌ فَاتَّبِعُوْهُ وَاتَّقُوْا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُوْنَۙ ١٥٥ اَنْ تَقُوْلُوْٓا اِنَّمَآ اُنْزِلَ الْكِتٰبُ عَلٰى طَاۤىِٕفَتَيْنِ مِنْ قَبْلِنَاۖ وَاِنْ كُنَّا عَنْ دِرَاسَتِهِمْ لَغٰفِلِيْنَۙ ١٥٦

Meaning:
“(This Qur’an) is a Book which We have revealed, blessed is it. So, follow it and fear that you may be blessed. (We have sent down the Qur’an) so that you may not say, “It was only revealed to two groups before us (the Jews and Christians), and we are ignorant of what they recite.”

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Therefore, the Qur’an is not only a holy book for Muslims, but also a universal guide that provides guidance and mercy for all people. [Fahdina Dean]

Editor: Syukron Ma’mun

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