In today's fast-paced world, it is a must for manufacturers of almost every product - from state-of-the-art microwave ovens to space age automobiles, from sophisticated sewing machines to powerful fighter jets, and from highly functional refrigerators to intelligent mainline computer systems - to provide a manual for the users' benefit. In light of that, it is impossible to conceive that the Maker of mankind did not equip him with any form of guidance for his life on Earth.

It is unlikely that early man, with his limited knowledge about anything, groped about the planet and endeavoured to understand his alien surroundings and circumstances. We know for a fact that a child is always full of questions, and never stops asking to satisfy his/her curiosity.

Without an adult's aid, he/she is helpless. The same applies in the case of the first man, Adam. His Creator, Almighty Allah , became his Teacher. After him, Divine inspiration continued to be revealed upon selected human beings with the command to guide their brethren towards enlightenment and truth.

Of the Divine Revelations, there are two types: the Holy Books and the Holy Scrolls (suhuf). Some of the Holy books revealed to the Prophets are the Taurah (Torah) revealed to Prophet Moses; Zaboor to Prophet Dawood ; Injeel (Bible) to Prophet Jesus; and the Holy Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

These revelations were sent to many different nations in many different tongues, and formulated according to the needs of the times and the understanding of the people.

This third Article of the Islamic Faith i.e. Belief in the Books of Allah stipulates that Muslims must believe in the earlier Holy Books and the Prophets who received them. This command is contained in the Holy Qur'an:

"Say: We believe in Allah Almighty, and that which has been sent down on us, and sent down on Ibraheem and Ismaa'il, Ishaq and Ya'qoob, and the Tribes, and in that which was given to Musa and Isa, and the prophets, of their Lord; we make no division between any of them." [Al-Baqarah: 136]

This verse infers that the Holy Qur'an sums up all the messages found in the earlier books and scrolls. It is the final book of guidance from Allah to mankind sent through His final Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh) Revealed over a period of 23 years, it contains a total of 114 chapters covering a vast range of topics and subjects. It is the complete guide for living one's life in this world and seeking the pleasure of Allah.

The teachings of the Qur'an are universal and suitable for all times and places. Indeed, it is the shining beacon that guides humanity to overcome the darkness of ignorance. Almighty Allah also informs us that He in His Absolute Power will substitute His revelations when He so wishes. He expressedly puts this forth in the following Qur'anic verse:

"None of Our Revelations do We abrogate nor do We cause to be forgotten, but We substitute with something better or similar. Do you not know that Allah has power over all things?" [Al-Baqarah: 106]

The Qur'an is the Word of God par excellence. It is the eternal miracle that Allah in His All-encompassing Mercy and Grace will preserve forever so that mankind, as long as we are here, will be able to uphold it and abide by its teachings, hence elevating ourselves to the noblest of destinies.