Overview (Verse 87)

Guiding Principles
 
To start with, this passage begins with the basic principle central to the foundation of Islamic society. “God, save whom there is no deity, will surely gather you all together on the Day of Resurrection, which is sure to come, no doubt. Whose word could be truer than God’s?” (Verse 87) In the cultivation of hearts and the education of people, as well as in establishing a Muslim community and giving it a distinctive shape and law, Islam begins with the basic principle of declaring the oneness of God and that He is the only deity in the universe. The same holds true whether the legislation to be enacted is an internal one for the Muslim community or whether it relates to international dealings. Hence, the passage which includes a host of provisions for external relations opens with the same central principle. It is from believing in the hereafter and the gathering by God of all His creatures, so that they may account for what they have done with the chances He has offered them in this life, that the Islamic system begins its work to cultivate hearts and educate people.
 
The aim is to provide Muslims with a keen sense of commitment to Islamic laws and directives and their operation in human life. Every little thing is part of the test set for every individual. Everyone will be held to account for all his deeds, large or small. This is the surest guarantee for the proper enforcement of all laws. It is a guarantee that is well rooted in the depths of the human soul. It gives it an ever sensitive conscience that remains alert when every external watch guard goes into deep slumber. This is God’s Word and His promise: “Whose word could be truer than God’s?” (Verse 87)
 
These words touch our hearts gently and are indicative of the method followed by the Qur’ān in educating the Muslim community. It also makes a clear statement of the central principle of the Islamic faith.