Islam Rediscovered
13. The Shariah and Its Application
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verse of the Quran gives us a clear guideline in this
regard:
“And who is better in speech than one who calls
men to God, works righteously, and says, ‘I am of
those who surrender to Him.’ Good and evil deeds
are not alike. Requite evil with good, and he,
between whom and you is enmity, will become
your dearest friend. But none will attain this save
those who endure with fortitude and are of the
greatest good fortune. And if a malicious attempt is
made by the devil to tempt you, seek refuge in God.
He hears all and knows all.” (41:33-36)
Understanding the background to the revelations is,
therefore, extremely important in order to receive
guidance from the Quran. If the verses of the Quran
are studied without the help of those traditions,
each verse will appear to be giving an absolute
command (an injunction in the absolute sense). But
when we study the Quran in the light of those
traditions which give us the background of
revelations, we come to know that they had specific
application. Whenever any difficult situation arose,
