دی اسکالر (Jun 2024)
URDU-ECONOMIC VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE IN THE LIGHT OF SURAH YOUSUF
Abstract
One of the most captivating stories in the Holy Quran is that of Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him). This narrative begins with the mysterious disjointed letters (Muqattaʿat), which symbolize the beautiful names of Allah. For instance, the letter "Alif" signifies Allah, "Lam" denotes Latif (the Subtle), and "Ra" represents Rahman (the Merciful). The true meaning of these disjointed letters is known to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and our revered saints, who receive this knowledge from the Prophet's blessed presence. Occasionally, these letters reveal their secrets directly to the saints. Surah Yusuf spans the twelfth and thirteenth parts of the Quran, and it is celebrated as the "best of stories" (Ahsan al-Qasas) due to its exquisite narration. This surah is unique because it tells a complete story from beginning to end within a single chapter, entirely dedicated to the story of Yusuf. The surah narrated Allah's immense grace and blessings upon His grateful servants and is named after the honorable Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him), whose story it recounts. The Quran magnificently narrates many stories of the prophets, each aspect of their lives filled with immense goodness and guidance. However, the title "Ahsan al-Qasas" is reserved exclusively for the illustrious life story of Yusuf, the Truthful (peace be upon him). His life story is rich with invaluable truths and is rightly called Ahsan al-Qasas, as the Quran itself refers to it. This surah tells the life story of a sacred personality whose purity and greatness are associated with the holy and pure character of the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (peace be upon him). Surah Yusuf describes the radiant beauty of a figure granted perfect beauty by Allah Almighty, thanks to the benevolence of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the distributor of beauty. This surah encompasses the completion of humanity, highlighting Islam's comprehensive political system and state and economic principles, which are so beneficial that even non-Muslim nations can implement them without hindrance. This is the true beauty and truth of Islam. We must remember that success and achievement in this world depend on knowledge, skill, continuous effort, and persistent action, not merely on religion and spirituality. Accepting the universal truths of Islam, combined with knowledge and skill, brings about results and benefits, not just changing one's religion. Islam obligates the state to establish social and economic justice, eliminate oppression and exploitation, and uphold moral values. Once moral and legal values are established, the system of punishments protects them. Values cannot be instilled in a society devoid of them merely through punishments.
