Rule Fifty-Nine: “Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most upright.”

How magnificent this rule is, and how wise is this tremendous principle to which Allah has given an explicit, universal declaration: the guidance it provides is never confined to any particular circumstance. In every situation whatever is most upright—whether in beliefs, moral qualities, actions, major or minor policies, crafts, or religious and worldly pursuits—the Qur’an points the way, directs to it, commands it, and urges it.

The word “most upright” means the noblest, most precious, soundest, and most perfectly straight path, the one that establishes affairs in the best and most beneficial manner.

As for beliefs, the doctrines laid down by the Qur’an are those that benefit the heart, give it life, and bring it to completion. They fill the heart with dignity and honor by freeing it from humiliation before any created being like itself, and ennoble it by devoting its love exclusively to Allah—exalting Him, worshipping Him, and turning back to Him in devotion. This is, in fact, the purpose for which Allah created humanity.

Regarding the moral traits it enjoins, the Qur’an calls one to every beautiful quality—patience, forbearance, forgiveness, courtesy, refined manners, and the entire range of noble virtues. It encourages them by every avenue and guides to them by every means.

Concerning the acts of worship it directs to: these are the finest of deeds, embodying the fulfillment of Allah’s rights and the rights of His servants in the most perfect, exalted, effortless, and goal-attaining fashion.

With respect to religious and worldly governance, the Qur’an shows the beneficial paths for attaining overarching objectives and collective interests and for repelling harms. It commands mutual consultation when the benefit of a matter is not yet clear, and instructs that one act in every era according to whatever the public welfare of that time and circumstance requires.