The Hidden Wisdom Around Us | Finding Guidance in the Book | Quran
The Quran is that library, a timeless guide offering answers to life’s most pressing questions. Its teachings aren’t limited to believers; they’re principles that resonate universally, providing clarity, purpose, and peace.
Fouad FARJANI
1/27/2025
Picture this! A vast library, shelves stretching infinitely, filled with books of wisdom, answers, and clarity. Yet, the lights are dimmed, and only a handful wander its aisles. Most of us pass by, too distracted by the noise of daily life to notice the wealth of knowledge within.
This is how the Quran can feel to many of us – a treasure chest of insights that we never bother to open. Whether we’re too busy, skeptical, or unsure where to start, the result is the same, the answers we’re searching for remain hidden in plain sight.
Change, however, comes from within.
It takes openness to explore, patience to absorb, and courage to apply. There’s no race, no competition. The Quran’s guidance is for everyone, at their own pace, as long as they’re willing to do the work. Let’s take a walk through some of its teachings, breaking them down simply with references so you can see how they guide every part of life.
1. Connecting with Allah: The Foundation of Life
At its heart, the Quran emphasizes a direct and personal connection with Allah. Through acts like prayer (ṣalāh) and remembrance (dhikr), believers are reminded of their purpose and place in the universe.
Verse Reference: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (Quran 51:56)
Why It Matters: Worship isn’t just about rituals. It’s a chance to step away from worldly chaos and refocus on what truly matters. This connection grounds us and brings inner peace.
How to Apply: Start small. If daily prayers feel overwhelming, begin with one heartfelt dua (supplication) a day. Gradually build the habit, allowing it to center you.
2. Gratitude: The Secret to Contentment
Gratitude is a recurring theme in the Quran, reminding us to focus on what we have rather than what we lack.
Verse Reference: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]. But if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe." (Quran 14:7)
Why It Matters: Gratitude shifts your mindset, reducing anxiety and fostering happiness. It’s not about ignoring challenges but recognizing blessings amid them.
How to Apply: Keep a gratitude journal. Every evening, write down three things you’re thankful for, no matter how small.
3. Patience: Strength During Challenges
Life’s tests are inevitable, but the Quran teaches that patience (ṣabr) is the key to enduring them with grace.
Verse Reference: "Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Quran 2:153)
Why It Matters: Patience isn’t passive. It’s an active choice to stay resilient and hopeful during difficulties, trusting that challenges are temporary and purposeful.
How to Apply: When facing hardship, pause and reflect. Remind yourself that every trial is a stepping stone toward growth. Seek solace in prayer and community.
4. Justice and Fairness: Building Trust
The Quran emphasizes fairness in all dealings, whether in business, relationships, or judgment.
Verse Reference: "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice." (Quran 4:58)
Why It Matters: Justice ensures harmony and prevents conflicts. It creates environments where trust can flourish.
How to Apply: In daily life, practice fairness in small actions, such as dividing responsibilities at home or listening to differing opinions without bias.
5. Charity: Caring for Others
Giving to those in need is one of the Quran’s most emphasized teachings. It’s not just about material wealth but about building empathy and compassion.
Verse Reference: "And establish prayer and give Zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]." (Quran 2:43)
Why It Matters: Acts of charity purify the soul, reduce greed, and strengthen community bonds.
How to Apply: Set aside a small portion of your earnings for charity, or volunteer your time and skills to help others.
6. Knowledge: A Path to Enlightenment
The Quran begins with the command to read (“Iqra”), underscoring the importance of seeking knowledge.
Verse Reference: "Read in the name of your Lord who created." (Quran 96:1)
Why It Matters: Knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions, enriches our understanding, and deepens our faith.
How to Apply: Commit to lifelong learning. Read books, attend lectures, or engage in discussions that expand your worldview.
7. Moderation: Balance in All Things
The Quran advocates for a balanced approach to life, avoiding extremes.
Verse Reference: "And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent." (Quran 17:29)
Why It Matters: Extremes can lead to burnout or neglect. Moderation ensures sustainability and prevents regret.
How to Apply: Create a balanced routine. Divide your time between work, rest, and spiritual activities.
8. Forgiveness: Letting Go of Resentment
Forgiveness is highlighted as a noble trait, essential for personal peace and societal harmony.
Verse Reference: "And let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you?" (Quran 24:22)
Why It Matters: Holding onto grudges only weighs us down. Forgiveness frees us from the chains of anger and bitterness.
How to Apply: Start by forgiving small mistakes. Gradually work on letting go of deeper hurts, seeking professional help if needed.
9. Cleanliness: A Mark of Faith
The Quran places great emphasis on both physical and spiritual purity.
Verse Reference: "Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves." (Quran 2:222)
Why It Matters: Cleanliness reflects discipline, self-respect, and reverence for Allah’s creation.
How to Apply: Maintain cleanliness in your home, body, and thoughts. Practice regular repentance to cleanse the soul.
10. Trust in Allah: Letting Go of Anxiety
The Quran teaches that reliance on Allah (“tawakkul”) brings tranquility and hope.
Verse Reference: "And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him." (Quran 65:3)
Why It Matters: Trusting in Allah reduces fear of the unknown and helps us navigate uncertainty with confidence.
How to Apply: When feeling overwhelmed, make dua and remind yourself of past challenges you’ve overcome with Allah’s help.
The Path is Open, If We Choose to Walk It
Imagine returning to that infinite library, its aisles now lit and inviting. The Quran is that library, a timeless guide offering answers to life’s most pressing questions. Its teachings aren’t limited to believers; they’re principles that resonate universally, providing clarity, purpose, and peace.
But like any guidance, it’s only effective if we choose to engage with it. Change takes time. It requires openness and consistent effort. The beauty, though, is that everyone who puts in the work reaps the rewards. The Quran meets us where we are, guiding us at our own pace, one step at a time.
So, take a moment. Open its pages. Reflect. You may just find that the answers you’ve been searching for have been waiting there all along, in the wisdom we’ve overlooked