Pearls and Coral: Treasures from the Qur’an (5)

Dear readers, all honorable Egyptian people, daughters and sons of Muslims and Arab nations, welcome to a new journey with the Ever-Glorious Qur'an, through the fifth Juz' (part), in which we are about to sail and hunt for pearls and treasures of high values, tolerant teachings, and what Allah has deposited of pearls and coral in His Glorious Book. This part contains a number of profound verses and noble lessons that guide us toward righteousness and piety.

The fifth Juz' is rich with divine wisdom and includes verses from Sūrat An-Nisā' (The Women), which address fundamental principles of justice, fairness, and social harmony. Every word in this part is a divine gift, containing hidden wisdom, a treasure among treasures, and a message from Allah the Almighty to His worshippers from Adam until the Day of Judgment.

We have become accustomed to gleaning insights and extracting valuable lessons from each part of the Ever-Glorious Qur'an. Here we present to you the noble values found within this blessed Juz'.

The first value we will consider in the fifth part of the Ever-Glorious Qur'an is derived from the words of Allah the Almighty: “And do not covet that by which Allah has graced some of you over the others. To the men is an assignment from what they have acquired, and to the women is an assignment from what they have acquired.” (Qur'an 4: 32).

This verse teaches us that the Lord of the worlds, the All-Powerful, the Almighty, the Creator, the Originator and Restorer, has distributed blessings among His servants according to His infinite wisdom. It is a grave mistake to look upon another person's blessings with covetousness and envy, wishing that they were yours instead. Such feelings arise from ingratitude for the blessings Allah has granted you and a lack of recognition of His perfect justice.

Rather, you must understand that Allah has granted you blessings suited to your nature, your station, and your needs. Every individual has been entrusted with particular bounties by Allah—so do not focus on the blessings of others while neglecting the blessings Allah has bestowed upon you. This principle applies equally to matters of inheritance and worldly possessions. Sūrat An-Nisā' lays out the rulings of inheritance with perfect wisdom and justice. Therefore, as you go about your life, you must keep in mind that you should not envy anyone, nor should you allow resentment to corrupt your heart.

The second value in this part is found in the noble verse: “And if you fear discord between the two, then send forth a judge from his family and a judge from her family. If they both are willing to set things right, Allah will cause them to reach an agreement; surely Allah has been Ever-Knowing, Ever-Cognizant.” (Qur'an 4: 35).

In this verse, Allah the Almighty addresses the matter of family discord and marital disputes. When strife and conflict arise between spouses, the wisdom of the Qur'an instructs us not to abandon the marriage hastily, but rather to intervene with justice and sincerity. Two wise persons, one from each family, should attempt reconciliation with the sincere desire to heal the rift.

This verse teaches us a profound lesson about the importance of wisdom in resolving disputes. It demonstrates that Islam places great emphasis on preserving family bonds and seeking reconciliation before resorting to separation. The appointment of judges from both families ensures impartiality and genuine concern for the well-being of the couple. Therefore, your speech should be beautiful and kind, and you should show gentleness and respect to those in conflict around you.

The third value we find in the fifth part of the great Book of Allah is in the words of Allah the Almighty: “Surely Allah commands you to pay deposits back to their qualified owners, and when you judge between people, judge with justice.” (Qur'an 4: 58).

Here we must understand that trustworthiness is putting a thing where it truly belongs, and that it is among the greatest virtues a person can possess. Allah the Almighty has exalted the status of those who are truthful and trustworthy, for they are among the noblest of Allah's creation. A trust is not merely something entrusted to you materially, but it encompasses moral and spiritual trusts as well—the trust of knowledge, the trust of position, the trust of family responsibility.

Every Muslim should possess the quality of trustworthiness—all qualities that a believer should cultivate to be a good example of Islam, a faith that builds, reforms, develops, and guides to all that is good. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was known as "Al-Amīn" (the Trustworthy One) long before his prophethood, and this was a sign of his noble character and divine selection.

The fourth value derived from this part is found in the words of Allah the Almighty: “And when you are greeted with a greeting, then greet a fairer one than it, or give it back again.” (Qur'an 4: 86).

This verse teaches us that piety and good conduct extend to our words and greetings. To return a greeting with something better, or to return it equally, is an expression of goodwill, respect, and affection. Kind word and forgiveness are better than harsh words and resentment. Allah the Almighty warns us against thinking that courtesy is merely an external matter; rather, it flows from a heart filled with compassion and mercy.

Therefore, your speech should be beautiful and kind, for words have power over the human soul. The gentle greeting, the kind word, the courteous response—these are the light of society and the remedy for discord. Knowledge is light, wisdom, and a prophetic inheritance, and Allah grants success to those He has chosen for it through their gentleness and kindness toward others.

The fifth value we find in this noble part is found in the Almighty's words: “There is no good in much of their private conversations, except for him who enjoins almsgiving, or righteousness, or reconciliation among mankind.” (Qur'an 4: 114).

Here we understand that wisdom is striving to put all things in their rightful place—including our private discourse and our intentions. When we gather in private conversations, they should be purposeful and noble, directed toward the well-being of ourselves and others, and toward the pleasure of Allah, the Most High. Charity, righteousness, and reconciliation are among the greatest acts of worship and the surest paths to divine acceptance.

Thus, after our striving in speech and action, we acknowledge that Allah knows best what He intends for His creation. Following this is the value of seeking good for others as we seek it for ourselves, and the glorification of the divine Creator, who is unique in His attributes of perfection and majesty. We call upon Him by His Beautiful Names, praising Him and seeking closeness to Him through righteous deeds and pure intentions.

Conclusion

The most important lesson we can glean from this part of the Ever-Glorious Qur'an is that a person should be wise, speak kindly, always remember Allah, and never seek to dominate others or impose their opinion upon them. It is a sublime moral requirement for every true Muslim to strive to embody these virtues, for they are the foundation upon which a righteous society is built.

Until we meet again, stay noble, stay safe.