Introduction

Societies that are far from religion have a distorted understanding of it, and their people, while growing up, gather their information about it entirely from unreliable resources. For this reason, under the guise of religion, people adopt different rituals, rules, rights, and wrongs that they feel are suitable for them. However, the main source of accurate knowledge about the true religion is the Qur'an, for it is the sublime Word of Allah, our Lord Who created the universe from nothing and the One Who knows everything.

The Qur'an's plain style makes it comprehensible to all people so that they can benefit from its unique wisdom. Despite this, however, those who are insincere or even hostile toward Allah and His religion approach the Qur'an with prejudice and, influenced by their distorted rationale, misinterpret its verses. Some people, hoping to present religion as something difficult, fabricate many false beliefs, heresies, and myths.

People of faith, who are well-acquainted with the Qur'an, understand that such fabrications are no more than myths and so do not acknowledge them. However, those who do not know Allah and the Qur'an remain under the influence of these myths out of ignorance and so assume that this false religion, which is not based upon the Qur'an, is the true religion. Moreover, they fail to see the beauties presented by Islam, which Allah has chosen and perfected, for they do not read the Qur'an.

Interestingly, the Qur'an, which Allah sent to guide humanity to the true path, never catches the attention of such people. When they ask something about religion, they look everywhere but the Qur'an, although it is the only accurate source that is applicable to all times. The Qur'an expresses this as: "The Messenger says: 'My Lord, my people treat this Qur'an as something to be ignored'" (Surat al-Furqan: 30).

In fact, the Qur'an is the only reliable source of Islam, for it is Allah's unaltered speech, and the Sunna (that which the Prophet Muhammad [saas] established by his sayings, actions, and tacit approval). Allah revealed the Qur'an so that humanity could read and understand it; acquire accurate knowledge of its Lord, Who created the universe from nothing; learn how to worship Him, and how to abide by His commands in order to earn His good pleasure. Allah explained His verses through examples and stories. As He makes clear in: "We have not neglected anything in the Book" (Surat al-An'am: 38), the Qur'an comprises everything. Numerous details pertaining to this world and the next are explained in the most intelligible way, for, as Allah informs us: "We have sent down the Book to you making all things clear and as guidance and mercy and good news for the Muslims" (Surat an-Nahl: 89).

The purpose of this book is to explain that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah, a guide for humanity that addresses everyone, and that its commands are applicable to all times. Thus it must be the most important reference.

An accurate perception of Islam and the correct understanding of its verses are essential for those who seek to be guided by it. In this respect, it is one of the most important duties of every Muslim who has wisdom, a conscience, and common sense to convey its message to all people.