Living By The Qur'an's Values Is Easy
We have made the Qur'an easy to remember. But is there any rememberer there? (Surat al-Qamar: 17)
Allah sent down the Qur'an as a guide to humanity and conveyed the simplest and the best way to lead one's life. The verses give us the good news that Islam is easy to practice: "Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire difficulty for you" (Surat al-Baqara: 185).
The Qur'an is a clear admonition to people of all ages and cultures. However, some people refer to unreliable sources, rather than the Qur'an, that cause them to believe mistakenly that Islam is difficult. The basic reason behind this attitude is their incomplete knowledge of Islam.
In our own day, many people remain utterly unaware of the facts conveyed by the Qur'an, such as the existence of the Hereafter, eternal life in Hell, Paradise's matchless blessings, and our Lord's admonitions and warnings to humanity. However, the Qur'an was sent down so that people could read it and take admonition. The Qur'an reveals that Allah told the Prophet (saas) to say: "(I have been ordered) to recite the Qur'an" (Surat an-Naml: 92).
To read and comply with the Qur'an is one of a Muslim's most important responsibilities. Allah causes people to grasp the Qur'an, and only those who are guided by Him can understand the full meaning of its verses. He also promises guidance to the sincere servants who turn to Him.
Those who assert that the Qur'an is hard to understand seek to prevent people from reading it, turning to Allah, and living by its values. However, Allah states in many parts of the Qur'an that it is easy to understand:
We have sent down Clear Signs to you, and no one rejects them except the deviators. (Surat al-Baqara: 99)
O humanity, a clear proof has come to you from your Lord. We have sent down a Clear Light to you. (Surat an-Nisa': 174)
Apart from the Qur'an, its judgments and practices are also very easy. The following verse is self-explanatory:
We did not send down the Qur'an to you to make you miserable, but only as a reminder for those who have fear. (Surah Ta Ha: 2-3)
The Qur'an's morality is the only way of life that befits human nature. Allah, the Creator of man from nothing, is the One Who best knows people's needs, the forms of worship they can perform, and the ways that lead to a tranquil and peaceful life. For this reason, Allah informs us that He does not impose upon people more than they can bear:
Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against it, what it has merited. Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake! Our Lord, do not place upon us a load like the one You placed upon those before us! Our Lord, do not place upon us a load that we have not the strength to bear! And pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy upon us. You are our Master, so help us against the disbelieving people. (Surat al-Baqara: 286)
Out of His infinite Mercy and Compassion for His servants, Allah gives a detailed account of what type of life will give happiness, peace, and tranquility to people. For instance, people are innately fond of love, respect, mercy, and compassion, and expect such treatment from others. They avoid cruelty, evilness, and immorality, and innately fear to be exposed to them. Such feelings and expectations are the inspiration of Allah to a person's soul.
As this is how Allah created human nature, the type of life that complies with Islam's morality is the life that offers the utmost pleasure to humanity. Allah states this fact in Surat ar-Rum, as follows:
So set your face firmly toward the Religion, as a pure natural believer, Allah's natural pattern on which He made humanity. There is no changing Allah's creation. That is the true Religion - but most people do not know it. (Surat ar-Rum: 30)
The Qur'an states in several places that the religion described in the Qur'an is the easiest one in many respects, as follows:
Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire difficulty for you. (Surat al-Baqara: 185)
But as for him who has faith and acts rightly, he will receive the best of rewards, and We will issue a command, making things easy for him. (Surat al-Kahf: 88)
We have made the Qur'an easy to remember. (Surat al-Qamar: 17)
He has selected you and not placed any constraint upon you in the religion - the religion of your forefather Ibrahim. (Surat al-Hajj: 78)
The Sunna of our Prophet (saas) is also easy to practice. Our Prophet (saas), who adopted the Qur'an as his guide, said: "Facilitate (religious matters to people) and do not make (things) difficult. Obey each other and do not differ (among yourselves)." (Bukhari and Muslim).
All Muslims are responsible for presenting the easiness of Islam (which is its very essence), reconciling people's hearts to the Qur'an and Islam, instructing people in the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas), and making them the sole guide of one's life
