The Qur’ān (17: 9-10) says: “Surely this Qur’ān shows the way to that which is most upright. It gives the believers who do good deeds the happy news that theirs will be a rich reward; and [declares] that We have prepared a grievous suffering for those who do not believe in the life to come.”
The way to which the Qur’ān guides has been called ‘aqwam,’ the most upright. ‘Aqwam’ can be explained by saying that it is a way that is closer to the destination, is easy and free of dangers at the same time. (Qurtubi)
This tells us that the rules set for human life by the Qur’ān are a combination of all three features mentioned above. However, it is a different matter that man may start taking this way to be difficult or dangerous on occasions because of his own lack of comprehension. But, the Lord of all the worlds has the most comprehensive knowledge of every single particle in the entire universe. To Him, the past and the future are the same. It is He who can have the knowledge of the reality as to the function and form most beneficial for human beings. And since we are unaware of things as they are in a comprehensive setting, we cannot identify even our own good or bad fully and decisively.
“Surely this Qur’ān shows the way to that which is most upright.” This is a general statement applicable to all those who are guided by the Qur’ān and the goals to which it guides. Thus, the guidance is given to communities and generations that are not restricted by time or place. And the superiority of its guidance applies to all that they may attain when they follow any method or approach. It is also superior to every good thing to which people may be guided at any time or place.
The Qur’ān guides to that which is ‘most upright’ in relation to man’s inner feelings and thoughts; outlining a clear faith, free of complication and ambiguity. Its guidance frees the human spirit of the burden of myth and superstition, and releases human energy so that it is constructive, bringing benefit, providing a harmonious link between the laws that govern the universe and those governing human nature.
The Qur’ān also ensures harmony between man’s outward and inward existence, feelings and behaviour, faith and action. In all this it shows the way to what is ‘most upright’, linking all these aspects to the true and un-severable bond that exists between man and Allah, the Exalted. This enables us to look up to a higher horizon while we are still on earth. Thus what we do in our daily life becomes an act of worship, provided that we do so seeking Allah’s acceptance. This is true even when the action itself provides him with pure enjoyment of what is available in this life.
In the field of worship (ibadat) also, the Qur’ān establishes a perfect balance between duties and abilities. This ensures that duties are not seen as too hard so as to constitute a heavy burden, or induce despair of ever fulfilling one’s obligations. Maintaining this balance ensures that a person neither takes matters too lightly or complacently on the one hand, nor exceeds the limits of what is reasonable and perfectly bearable on the other. Thus we can say without fear of contradiction that in worship, the Qur’ān shows the way to that which is most upright.
The same applies to human interaction whether between individuals and couples, governments and peoples, or states and races. Relations between all these groups are established on a firm basis, influenced neither by personal prejudice and interest, nor by feelings of love and hatred. This firm foundation in human relations is chosen by Allah, the Creator who knows His creation and what is certain to promote goodness in their lives. The Qur’ān shows the way which gives the best course of action in the fields of politics and finance, as well as in those of social and international relations.
The Qur’ān also endorses all divine religions, establishing a firm link between them, honouring all that is sacred in them, and protecting all that they hold in reverence. This ensures that humanity, with all its divine faiths live in peace. In this again the Qur’ān provides its perfect guidance. This is all summed up in the ayah which says: “Surely this Qur’ān shows the way to that which is most upright”. (Ayah 9)
“It gives the believers who do good deeds the happy news that theirs will be a rich reward; and [declares] that We have prepared a grievous suffering for those who do not believe in the life to come”. (Ayat 9-10) This is the basic rule laid down by the Qur’ān in respect of action and reward. The Islamic structure is built on the two pillars of faith and good action. Faith (Imaan) that is not confirmed by action is hollow, unfulfilled, while action that is not based on faith lacks firm roots. It is when both are combined that life maintains its most upright course, and with them both together guidance shown in the Qur’ān takes its proper effect.