Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier this month. We present here the 3rd blog in our series on the various hierarchical jewels associated with Jubilees and their symbolism as seen in the invaluable principles of Islam.
Arfa Yassir, Swindon
Works of literature and poetry often refer to gemstones, owing to their beauty, solid nature and a sense of longevity associated with them. The Holy Qur’an mentions rubies, corals and pearls in different contexts to explain certain concepts. Traditionally, Jubilees, which are of course special anniversaries of an event, are also represented by particular stones.
The year 2017 marked the Sapphire Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and this year marks the rather special event of her Platinum Jubilee. Platinum represents truest form of love. Sapphire, blue Sapphire in particular, represents royalty, spiritual clarity and height of divine faith.
There is only a gap of five years between these two Jubilees but a lot has happened in the span of few years between 2017 and 2022. The world has been through a lot. Everything happening in the broader context has consequences at individual level. We need mental and spiritual well-being more than ever before to cope with the challenges the world faces.
As Muslims, our Holy Book, the Holy Qur’an brings peace and solace into our lives. It not only helps us make sense of the tough times, it also keeps us grounded in good times. It brings a sense of satisfaction knowing what we are reading is ‘Word of God’ no other book claims that except the Holy Qur’an. It is from our All-Wise and All-Knowing Creator, nothing can happen without His Decree. It’s like a manual for life, which will never fail or disappoint the reader. Every Muslim, irrespective of their background, education or worldly status can benefit from it to lead a positive meaningful life. This book tremendously enhances the vision of the reader, given the reader approaches it with purity of intention.
It tells us about the lives of the Prophets of God, their journey towards spiritual clarity. It explains how they took the challenges of life head-on, how they acted, reacted and most importantly how they prayed and remained steadfast. It’s a unique book which helps us learn from history, secure our future and adorn our present lives with it’s beautiful teachings from individuals, relationships to nations and their conflicts, it covers everything. It tells humanity about diversity with equality, a lesson even more relevant today.
Countless examples of the verities of the Holy Qur’an can be listed, but I will mention only one as an example. Surah Yunus (Chapter 12) deals with the life story of Prophet Joseph (peace be on him). It is a meaningful story with plenty of lessons, but I will zoom into a particular part when Prophet Joseph was imprisoned without committing any crime, and says to his fellow prisoners:
“…I have followed the religion of my fathers, Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. We cannot indeed associate anything as partner with Allah. This is of Allah’s grace upon us and upon mankind, but most men are ungrateful.” [1]
He is imprisoned, he could have spoken about his misery, his problems, wish for freedom; but what does the Prophet of God talk about? He talks about Oneness of God and expresses thankfulness. What better lesson of priorities, focus and positivity can we get?
That is why The Holy Qur’an proclaims:
“This is a perfect Book…” [2]
Indeed, the Holy Qur’an coupled with the blessed example of the life of The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) is the ultimate combination for anyone’s spiritual journey. Furthermore, the writings and discourses of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) have further glorified the Holy Book. His writings are like doors to the hidden secrets of this beautiful book, these doors are open for anyone and everyone wishing to partake from the blessing.
If spiritual clarity and progress is in question the answer will always be: The Holy Qur’an. There is nothing more royal and regal than the Majesty of God Almighty and nothing explains it better than the Holy Qur’an. May we all hold tight to this gemstone and beautify our lives with it’s teachings, because this is no ordinary book, but a timeless precious Sapphire.
- The Holy Qur’an, 12:39
- The Holy Qur’an, 2:3
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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