Does the Quran have a specific prescription for every human being?

Instead of a precise, predetermined blueprint for every individual, the Holy Quran offers universal principles and general guidance. These principles empower humanity to find their unique path and shape their lives within the divine framework, relying on their free will and intellect.

Quranic Answer

Does the Quran have a specific prescription for every human being?

The Holy Quran, as the divine word and a comprehensive guide for humanity, does not offer a unique, predetermined 'prescription' for every minute detail of each human being's life. Instead, it provides a universal 'roadmap' and inclusive principles that are applicable and beneficial to all people, in every time and place. This is a crucial and very important distinction. The Quran is a guide book that outlines general principles, values, laws, insights, and ultimate goals to lead humanity towards well-being in this world and the hereafter. However, it does not mean that for every individual, their name, profession, spouse, and every major and minor life decision have been pre-specified. In fact, the beauty and depth of Quranic guidance lie precisely in its universality and its adaptability to diverse individual and social circumstances. From the Quranic perspective, humanity is endowed with free will, intellect, and the capacity for choice by God. This free will is the core element of human accountability for their actions. If the Quran were to provide a completely personalized script for every individual, dictating all the details of their lives, then the meaning of free will, responsibility, and divine trial would be lost. Instead, the Quran defines the red lines, fundamental values, ultimate goals, and general pathways, then invites humanity to make the best decisions for their unique lives within these principles, using their intellect, insight, and reliance on God. Every human being enters this world with different talents, abilities, challenges, family and social circumstances, and spiritual capacities, and the Quran, with its general principles, addresses all these differences. For instance, the Quran commands justice, kindness, honesty, patience, gratitude, and piety (Taqwa). These are universal concepts applicable to every human being in any role – whether a king or a farmer, a scientist or a laborer. However, the manifestation of justice in the life of a judge differs from its manifestation in the life of a family father. The Quran does not dictate what profession each person should have or whom they should marry, but it lays down principles for choosing a lawful profession and a successful marriage (such as piety, consultation, and mutual consent). These principles provide room for individual decision-making tailored to each person's circumstances. Allah explicitly states in the Quran: "There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong." (Al-Baqarah: 256). This verse clearly emphasizes the human right to choose and free will, indicating that the Quran's path is not one of compulsion, but rather one of conscious and guided choice. Furthermore, the Quran places great emphasis on individual responsibility. In Surah Al-Muddaththir, verse 38, it states: "Every soul, for what it has earned, will be [held] as security." This verse and similar ones highlight individual accountability, showing that each person will be held responsible for their own actions and choices, rather than simply following a predetermined script. This individual responsibility motivates a person to strive in the divine path, make the best choices, and achieve success by utilizing their unique abilities. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13, Allah Almighty says: "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted." This verse emphasizes human diversity and states its purpose as mutual 'acquaintance' or understanding. This diversity implies differences in talents, abilities, cultures, and life paths, all of which can lead to perfection within the framework of Quranic principles. The Quran does not provide a single, uniform prescription for this diversity but introduces a single criterion (Taqwa or piety) for evaluating human worth in every situation and with every ability. This indicates that everyone must find the best way to achieve Taqwa and closeness to Allah using their own tools and circumstances. Therefore, the Quran is not a rigid, dictated blueprint for every individual, but rather a guiding light that illuminates the path in the darkness of life. This light enables each person, according to their circumstances and talents, to find their unique path towards divine pleasure. The Quran provides a general framework within which humans have the freedom and responsibility to build their lives in the best possible way through contemplation, effort, and reliance on God. This approach is not only consistent with human dignity but also fosters individual spiritual and moral growth in a dynamic and personal journey. Ultimately, instead of a specific prescription for every human, the Quran gives tools and guidance for every human to write their own specific prescription based on divine principles.

Related Verses

Short Story

In Sa'di's Golestan, it is recounted that two dervishes journeyed together. One was a man of patience and contentment, while the other was a man of gratitude and generosity. Both traveled a path that led to the same destination, yet their lifestyles and methods differed. The contented dervish considered whatever he found sufficient for that day's sustenance, while the generous dervish, whenever he acquired something, would share a portion with others and save the rest for another day. Both attained perfection and reached their goals, for each followed their own path based on their nature and disposition, adhering to true principles. This delightful story reminds us that although the destination is one, the paths to reach it can be many, and each person, according to what they possess and who they are, can attain perfection, as long as they walk in the path of goodness and virtue.

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