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The Quran teaches that you are responsible for your actions and will be judged accordingly. Dr Zafarul Khan explains how this message applies today.
Over 1,400 years ago, in a cave in Mecca, a man sought peace. One night, something extraordinary happened.
The Angel Gabriel appeared and commanded, “Read.” The man, overwhelmed, replied, “I am not learned.” But again, the angel embraced him and said, “Read.”
With those words, the first revelation of the Quran began—a message that would guide millions for centuries.
How does this guidance stay relevant? The Quran speaks of justice, responsibility, and ethical living, but its power lies in interpretation. Dr Khan, who spent over a decade translating the Quran, believes reflection is key. Through his insights, he explores how the Quran addresses modern challenges like gender roles, economic justice, and social responsibility.
As Dr Khan puts it, “It’s not about men or males. It’s about husbands.” The Quran describes husbands as having responsibility over their wives because they provide for the family. But today, many women contribute financially, some even as primary earners. This shift changes how we interpret these roles.
Traditionally, men were sole providers. But when financial roles evolve, so must our understanding. With women increasingly leading financially, decision-making in the home is no longer solely in men’s hands.
Islamic teachings are not rigid—they adapt across generations. The same verses can be understood differently depending on context. Dr Mohd Sayeed Anwar from the Dr Zakir Husain Institute of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia University stresses that Qur’anic gender roles are guiding principles rooted in justice and mutual support.
“As family structures evolve, so too must the roles within them. The key principle is equity—ensuring fairness and shared responsibilities based on the needs of each family. When the fundamental dynamics of a household shift, the roles within it must naturally shift as well,” he explains.
Islamic teachings are not rigid—they adapt across generations. The same verses can be understood differently depending on context. Dr Mohd Sayeed Anwar from the Dr Zakir Husain Institute of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia University stresses that Qur’anic gender roles are guiding principles rooted in justice and mutual support.
“As family structures evolve, so too must the roles within them. The key principle is equity—ensuring fairness and shared responsibilities based on the needs of each family. When the fundamental dynamics of a household shift, the roles within it must naturally shift as well,” he explains.
One of the most debated topics in Islamic finance is riba, traditionally understood as interest or usury. The Quran prohibits riba because of its exploitative nature, but Dr Khan argues that times have changed.
“In the past, economies used a gold standard with little inflation. Today, money loses value over time, and modern banking depends on interest,” he explains. This raises key questions: Should riba be reconsidered in today’s financial systems? Can new models align Islamic principles with economic realities?
Dr Anwar agrees, noting that today’s economy is more complex than medieval marketplaces. He argues that Islamic finance should focus on riba’s intended purpose—preventing financial exploitation—instead of rejecting all interest outright.
“A balanced approach involves banning predatory lending, promoting ethical investments, and ensuring fair financial systems,” he says. “The goal is justice and financial stability, not economic hardship.”
Regardless of interpretation, riba’s aim remains ensuring fairness and ethical banking practices.
One of the most debated topics in Islamic finance is riba, traditionally understood as interest or usury. The Quran prohibits riba because of its exploitative nature, but Dr Khan argues that times have changed.
“In the past, economies used a gold standard with little inflation. Today, money loses value over time, and modern banking depends on interest,” he explains. This raises key questions: Should riba be reconsidered in today’s financial systems? Can new models align Islamic principles with economic realities?
Dr Anwar agrees, noting that today’s economy is more complex than medieval marketplaces. He argues that Islamic finance should focus on riba’s intended purpose—preventing financial exploitation—instead of rejecting all interest outright.
“A balanced approach involves banning predatory lending, promoting ethical investments, and ensuring fair financial systems,” he says. “The goal is justice and financial stability, not economic hardship.”
Regardless of interpretation, riba’s aim remains ensuring fairness and ethical banking practices.
At its heart, the Quran teaches responsibility. “You are answerable for your actions and will be judged accordingly,” says Dr Khan. This applies not just to individuals but also to society’s broader responsibilities—justice, governance, and environmental care.
Islam emphasizes that people must not harm others—whether fellow humans, animals, or nature. A conscious Muslim leads a responsible life, taking only what is needed and ensuring their actions do no harm.
Dr Anwar highlights that the Quran stresses both personal and collective accountability. He references “Every soul is held in pledge for what it has earned” (74:38), underscoring individual responsibility. He also cites “And fear a trial which will not only affect the wrongdoers among you exclusively” (8:25), reminding that societies must uphold justice and morality.
“To reinforce accountability,” he explains, “individuals must practice self-discipline, while societies must promote justice and collective welfare.”
This idea aligns with ethical philosophies like the Hindu law of karma, where every action has consequences. However, Islam differs in that there is no cycle of rebirth—only one life followed by judgment. Actions, whether good or bad, are believed to have lasting consequences on the Day of Judgment.
Dr Khan notes that if people truly embraced these principles, there would be less need for laws. But, he adds, many have lost sight of this responsibility, often forgetting the greater accountability ahead.
In an era of materialism and inequality, the Quran’s message is more relevant than ever. It calls for self-awareness, fairness, and justice—values that resonate beyond religious boundaries.
The Quran is a blueprint for ethical living. It teaches that every action—whether personal, societal, or environmental—has weight and consequences. A just world is not built by laws alone but by individuals who act with integrity, knowing they are accountable for their choices.
Yet, too often, the Quran is seen as a ritual rather than a guide to life. Its power lies not in recitation but in reflection and action. It urges justice, fairness, and restraint, promoting forgiveness over vengeance. These principles are not relics of the past—they are vital today. But they hold meaning only if people engage with the Quran as a source of wisdom, not just words to memorise.
