Qur’an: A Book of Guidance beyond Ramadan (Pt.2)

The Structure of the Qur’an

The Qur’an consists of 114 chapters (Surahs), classified into Makkan and Madinan chapters:

•86 Makkan Surahs – Re­vealed in Makkah before migration, primarily focusing on faith, monotheism, and the Hereafter.

•28 Madinan Surahs – Re­vealed in Madinah, covering laws, governance, and socie­tal justice.

Each chapter contains divine instructions, address­ing spiritual, moral, and legal matters.

The Qur’an itself testifies about its revelation:

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion…” (Qur’an 2:185).

The first revelation occurred in the Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad was commanded:

“Read in the name of your Lord who created—Created man from a clinging sub­stance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous—Who taught by the pen—taught man that which he knew not” (Qur’an 96:1-5).

This event marked the beginning of divine communi­cation between Allah and His final messenger.

The Quran as a book of Justice and Morality

“Indeed, Allah commands you to act with justice, to do good, and to give to relatives, and He forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed.” (Qur’an 16:90)

This text is often recited in Friday sermons (Khutbah) as a reminder to believers about the core values of Islam: justice, kindness, family ties, and avoidance of immorality and wrongdoing. It serves as a comprehensive command for ethical and moral behavior in both personal and societal affairs.

The Quran Commands Mod­esty in Dress code

“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah For­giving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 33:59)

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse was revealed as a directive for Muslim women to wear the jilbab—a long, loose-fitting outer garment— that covers their bodies when they go out in public.

Allah commands the Prophet to instruct his wives, daugh­ters, and all believing women to adopt a modest dress code to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments) instructs Muslim women to cover themselves in a way that distinguishes them as modest and chaste women.

That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. This means that mod­est dress helps identify believ­ing women as respectable and pious, preventing harassment or harm from ill-intentioned people.

Allah’s Mercy in the Com­mand

The verse ends with (And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful), showing that Allah’s commands are for the pro­tection and honor of women, and those who struggle with observing them can seek His forgiveness and guidance.

The Qur’an as a Guide for All of Humanity

The Qur’an is not restricted to any race, nationality, or social class. It is a universal book meant to guide all of humanity—men and women, the rich and the poor, Arabs and non-Arabs. Allah says:

“And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?” (Qur’an 54:17).

“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107).

This means that no one is excluded from the mercy of the Qur’an. It is a guide for the lost, a source of hope for the despairing, and a moral code for all societies.

* The writer is the Metro­politan Chief Imam of Kpone Katamanso

 By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai – 1 BN Michel Camp, Tema