Introduction: Renewing the Heart with the Quran
Renew your heart's life with the Quran so that the soul may find tranquility in faith. Recite it at all times and seek its blessings and clouds of forgiveness.
Peace be upon you and the mercy of God; brother, sister... If a non-Muslim asks you the following question: "What does your religion call for?", you can answer with a comprehensive, complete, and concise response. How? Read to them two texts that represent Islam.
Representation of Islam from the Prophet's Sunnah
From the Sunnah, read to them the sermon delivered by the Prophet (peace be upon him) during the Farewell Pilgrimage, which is present in the Sahihs of Bukhari and Muslim. They will see in it beauties that we, as Muslims, cannot fully appreciate.
Representation of Islam from the Holy Quran
And from the Quran - which we have postponed discussing because we will stop at it for a long time - read to the inquirer about Islam three great verses from Surah Al-An'am (verses 151 to 153). Ponder them as we read them now to see how they have gathered the teachings of Islam in the most beautiful expression.
Allah the Almighty said:
{Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited for you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents do good, and do not kill your children out of poverty - We will provide for you and them, and do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed, and do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [right] - that is what He has instructed you that you may use reason. And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the best way until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. And when you testify, be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative. And fulfill the covenant of Allah. That [He commands] He has instructed you with it that you may remember. And [know] that this is My path, [which is] straight, so follow it; and do not follow other ways, for you will be separated from His way. That [He commands] He has instructed you with it that you may fear [Him]."}
Reflections on the Ten Commandments
Great verses that stop me every time I read the Surah. Imagine yourself reading them to someone who does not truly know Islam; imagine how proud you will be of your Lord's words, which are in accordance with human nature, calling for all good and forbidding all evil.
{Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited for you"}; and look at the kindness in the word "your Lord"... your Lord who takes care of you, nurtures you, and loves good for you is the One who instructs you with these ten commandments.
{Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited for you, that you not associate anything with Him"}; in the verse, it is as if He, the Almighty, says: "Say, come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited for you, He instructs you not to associate anything with Him." As if the verse is an abbreviation of a longer expression: "Your Lord instructs you with the following, and He prohibits you from doing the opposite of what He instructs you with."
Conclusion
In the upcoming episodes, with God's permission, we will make brief stops with the ten commandments in these great verses; stops in which we ask God to increase our love for Him and His words, our trust in His legislation, and our pride in our great religion.
Peace be upon you and the mercy of God.