Emphasis On Giving And Not On Taking – In Qur’an

The collective spirit of Qur’an has evaded us for long. We miss out on some of the vital aspects of this Book. Just as we took it to stress more on rituals (which are extremely important) than on reflection we looked at it in parts and not as a whole. We ignored the fact that this is the Book following which the earliest generations became leaders of the world and we assume that it might propel us back. We do not say this. But we keep it in the dark corners of our hearts.

One of the collective indications of Qur’an is the significance that it attaches with giving and not with seeking. It commands its upholders to part with their resources and not to collect it from others, as an example. It never galvanizes receiving. It always enjoins giving.

When I contrast this overall spirit and emphasis of Qur’an with the current situation of Muslims I find them in just the opposite mind-set. Why we are in this mind-set and are reinforcing it more and more on a daily basis is a question that has always intrigued me. To me it occurs that many of the things that we do are against this Book.

Let us watch ourselves if now onwards we – as a people – will be thinking of giving more or of receiving more.

Qur’an does not believe in the division of knowledge. We have divided it badly. Qur’an obligates thinking and reflection. This we don’t want to hear about.

Qur’an talks about a clear direction (as-Sabeel). Direction is a topic that we don’t want to touch upon.

When I contrast it with the overall mind-set situation and approach of India