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IX
THE QURAN
why it constitutes the greatest miracle of the Prophet Muhammad
to whom it was revealed, and is the great pillar on which the
edifice of Islam stands.
The great dynamism of Islam, which is reflected by its
capability for being adaptable to all circumstances in all places
and at all times, and by its continuous spread in the world, cannot
be understood except in the light of its universal and
revolutionary message. Its basic principle of the unity of
mankind, which derives from the unity of Allah, has never
ceased to inspire true revolutionary reformers which original and
sublime ideas and ideals.
All people, according to Islam, were created from the same
source and are inherently well disposed and equal. 'Men,' Allah
says, 'have fear of your Lord, who created you from a single soul.
From that soul He created its mate, and through them He
bestrewed the earth with countless men and women.' (Verse 1,
Sura 4). Men can excel one another only in piety. 'The noblest of
you in Allah's sight,' Allah says, 'is the most righteous of you.'
(Verse 13, Sura 49).
Man, it is emphasized in the Quranic message, was created in
the best shape and is the child of nature and, therefore, is not
sinful. Should he obey God, he will surely be on the right path.
His life is rendered meaningful because he will be accountable
for all his actions. On the Day of Judgment, the wicked and
sinful shall be punished and the righteous rewarded.
Mention must also be made of the great tolerance shown in the
Quran towards other religions: all the prophets who preceded
Muhammad are recognized, discrimination among them is
condemned, and belief in the scriptures revealed to them is