I Asked ChatGpt: What Are The Core Tenets Of The Qur’an

By Muhammad Yunus, New Age Islam (Co-author (Jointly with Ashfaque Ullah Syed), Essential Message of Islam, Amana Publications, USA, 2009) 10 March 2025 I asked ChatGpt: what are the core tenets of the Qur’an ChatGPT said: The Qur'an presents a comprehensive framework for life, centring on core tenets that define its moral, spiritual, and legal guidance. While interpretations may vary, the following are fundamental themes that consistently emerge: Tawhid (Oneness of God) • The central doctrine of Islam is the absolute oneness of God (Allah), rejecting any form of polytheism or association with Him. • Example: "Say, He is Allah, [who is] One." (Qur'an 112:1) 2. Prophethood (Risalah) • God has sent messengers (prophets) throughout history to guide humanity, culminating in the final prophet, Muhammad ﷺ. • Example: "Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets." (Qur'an 33:40) 3. Revelation (Wahy) • The Qur'an is considered the final divine scripture, revealed to Muhammad ﷺ, confirming previous revelations (Torah, Psalms, Gospel). • Example: "This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah." (Qur'an 2:2) 4. The Hereafter (Akhirah) • Belief in resurrection, judgment, paradise, and hell is central to the Qur'an’s moral framework. • Example: "And We set up a just balance for the Day of Resurrection so that no soul will be wronged in anything." (Qur'an 21:47) 5. Worship and Devotion to God ('Ibadah) • Acts of worship like prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage are emphasized as a means of spiritual growth. • Example: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (Qur'an 51:56) 6. Moral and Ethical Conduct • The Qur'an instructs believers to uphold justice, honesty, patience, and kindness while forbidding oppression, dishonesty, and arrogance. • Example: "Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression." (Qur'an 16:90) 7. Social Justice and Responsibility • The Qur'an promotes caring for the poor, orphans, and those in need, emphasizing the fair distribution of wealth. • Example: "And establish prayer and give Zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah." (Qur'an 2:110) 8. Free Will and Accountability • Human beings have free will, but they are accountable for their choices on the Day of Judgment. • Example: "Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it." (Qur'an 99:7-8) 9. Divine Mercy and Forgiveness • God’s mercy is vast, and sincere repentance is always accepted. • Example: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.'" (Qur'an 39:53) 10. The Balance Between This Life and the Hereafter • While the Qur'an encourages worldly success, it reminds believers that this life is temporary and secondary to the afterlife. • Example: "But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world." (Qur'an 28:77) The Role of Knowledge and Reflection The Qur'an repeatedly urges believers to seek knowledge, reflect on creation, and use reason. Intellectual pursuit is seen as a means to strengthen faith. • Example: "Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'" (Qur'an 39:9) • Example: "Do they not reflect upon the Qur'an, or are there locks upon their hearts?" (Qur'an 47:24) ________________________________________ 12. Justice and the Rule of Law Justice is a fundamental value in the Qur'an, applying to personal, social, and legal matters. The concept of balance (Mizan) in the universe is tied to moral justice. • Example: "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice." (Qur'an 4:58) • Example: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness." (Qur'an 5:8) ________________________________________ 13. The Concept of Brotherhood and Unity The Qur'an promotes a strong sense of brotherhood among believers, advocating unity, mutual support, and resolving conflicts peacefully. • Example: "Indeed, the believers are but brothers. So make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy." (Qur'an 49:10) • Example: "Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." (Qur'an 3:103) ________________________________________ 14. Moderation and Balance (Wasatiyyah) The Qur'an discourages extremes in religious practice, lifestyle, or behaviour, advocating a balanced approach. • Example: "And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people." (Qur'an 2:143) • Example: "Do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent." (Qur'an 17:29) ________________________________________ 15. The Role of Family and Marriage Family is the foundation of society in the Qur'anic worldview, with clear guidelines on marriage, parenthood, and the rights of spouses. • Example: "And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy." (Qur'an 30:21) • Example: "And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years." (Qur'an 31:14) ________________________________________ 16. The Sanctity of Life The Qur'an upholds the value of human life and condemns unjust killing, equating it to killing all of humanity. • Example: "Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land—it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one—it is as if he had saved mankind entirely." (Qur'an 5:32) ________________________________________ 17. The Environment and Stewardship (Khilafah) Human beings are seen as stewards (Khalifah) of the Earth, responsible for its care and sustainability. • Example: "It is He who has made you successors upon the Earth and raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you." (Qur'an 6:165) • Example: "And do not cause corruption upon the Earth after its reformation." (Qur'an 7:56) ________________________________________ 18. Freedom of Choice in Faith The Qur'an affirms that faith cannot be coerced and that people have the right to choose their beliefs. • Example: "There is no compulsion in religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong." (Qur'an 2:256) • Example: "And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills—let him believe; and whoever wills—let him disbelieve.'" (Qur'an 18:29) ________________________________________ 19. Patience and Perseverance (Sabr) Patience is a recurring virtue in the Qur'an, particularly in times of hardship, injustice, and personal trials. • Example: "Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Qur'an 2:153) • Example: "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient." (Qur'an 2:155) ________________________________________ 20. The Power of Prayer and Seeking Help from God The Qur'an emphasizes turning to God in prayer for guidance, strength, and inner peace. • Example: "And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]." (Qur'an 2:45) • Example: "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." (Qur'an 40:60) ________________________________________ The Balance Between This Life and the Hereafter • While the Qur'an encourages worldly success, it reminds believers that this life is temporary and secondary to the afterlife. Example: "But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world." (Qur'an 28:77) ----- Muhammad Yunus, a Chemical Engineering graduate from Indian Institute of Technology, and a retired corporate executive has been engaged in an in-depth study of the Qur’an since early 90’s, focusing on its core message. He has co-authored the referred exegetic work, which received the approval of al-Azhar al-Sharif, Cairo in 2002, and following restructuring and refinement was endorsed and authenticated by Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl of UCLA, and published by Amana Publications, Maryland, USA, 2009. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/chatgpt-core-tenets-quran/d/134827 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism