Most Comprehensive Verse of Quran
It is verse 177 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “Righteousness is not determined by facing East or West during prayer. Righteousness consists of the belief in God, the Day of Judgment, the angels, the Books of God, His Prophets; to give money for the love of God to relatives, orphans, the destitute, and those who are on a journey and in urgent need of money, beggars; to set free slaves and to be steadfast in prayer, to pay the religious tax (zakat) to fulfill one's promises, and to exercise patience in poverty, in distress, and in times of war. Such people who do these are truly righteous and pious.”
It is considered to be the most comprehensive verse of the Holy Book and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has been quoted as saying that anyone who acts upon its teachings, his faith would be complete.
In the area of faith, it refers to the belief in God, the angels, messengers of God and divine books and in the field of Amal, it talks about acts of worship like prayers, economic issues like Zakat (almsgiving), social issues like freeing slaves, military issues like having patience in battles, and psychological issues like patience and fortitude in the face of problems.
In terms of ethics, it underlines being true to one’s promises, abandoning attachment to worldly issues and showing mercy and helping the poor.
Faith in God leads to submission to the truth and faith in the Resurrection Day brings about high-mindedness and pursuing lofty purposes. Faith in the existence of the angels is a sign of belief in the supernatural. And faith in the prophets is the belief in the stream of guidance throughout history and a reason proving that mankind has not been left in this world without a plan and a purpose.
Infaq (charity, almsgiving) indicates the spirit of cooperation and altruism, prayer is direct link with God, Zakat is planning and acting to help the needy, and fulfilling one’s promise helps strengthen relations.
As for Sabr (patience), it helps make one more resilient. Sabr is called the mother of all virtues and the Holy Quran refers to it as the path to paradise. Those who have Sabr in this world are given a lofty status in paradise and the Angels greet them. “’Peace be to you, for that you were patient.’ Best is the Ultimate Abode.” (Surah Ar-Raad, Verse 24)
The Quran also says about divine leaders: “When they were patient, We made from them leaders, guiding with Our Command and they were certain of Our verses.” (Surah As-Sajdah, Verse 24)
Regarding Infaq, it is a prerequisite for reaching the perfect Taqwa (God-fearing, piety). “And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion for the needy and the deprived.” (Surah Al-Maarij, Verses 24-25)
We also read in Hadiths that there is a portion of the wealth of the rich which belongs to the needy and that one who sleeps with a full stomach while his neighbor is hungry does not have full faith in God and the Day of Judgment.
Some messages of Verse 177 of Surah Al-Baqarah according to the Noor Exegesis of the Holy Quran:
1- We should focus on the content of the religion instead of the appearance and should try not to get distracted from main objectives.
2- One of the missions of the prophets and divine books is to change people’s culture.
3- Faith has precedence over Amal.
4- Relation with God is important along with relation with people and social cooperation when it comes to problems and crises.
5- Good deeds are formed under the auspices of faith.
6- In Islam, the purpose of Infaq is not just helping the hungry but also helping the one who gives alms to reduce attachment to worldly matters.
7- The righteous gives alms on the way of God willingly and eagerly.
8- In Infaq, helping the relatives who are in need has priority over helping other needy people.
9- A sign of sincerity in faith is acting upon religious duties and social responsibilities.
10- One has Taqwa whose actions attest to his faith.
