Lecture 12. Mazameen-e-Qur'an (Prof Dr M Akram Chaudhary, former Vice Chancellor and a Fulbright Scholar)

Almost all interpreters (al-mufassirun) of the Qur'an have written on major themes of the Qur'an. Three of them: Badr al-Din al-Zarkashi, Ibn Jarir al-Tabari and Ibn al-'Arabi mentioned following three themes which have been dealt with by the Qur'an in detail:
1) Oneness of Allah (al-Tawhid),
2) Reports regarding previous generations or Reminding the people about reward for the virtuous and punishment for the wicked (al-Akhbar wa al-Tadhkir).
3) Commandments and interdictions (al-Ahkam).

Shah Waliullah, a celebrated and great scholar of the Sub-Continent, enumerated five major themes of the Qur'an adding: "Conflict between virtue and vice" and "Reminding death and the hereafter" in a small book, entitled: " 'Ulum e Panjgana " (Five Sciences).

A simple reading of the Qur'an indicates that the human beings are the focus and subject-matter of this holy book; who should believe in Oneness of Allah and Prophet hood of Muhammad (P,B.U.H.); try to establish a society based on social justice; and, comprised of individuals who are morally struggling and spiritually minded. For detailed study on the subject a book: Major Themes of the Qur'an by Dr. Fazal al-Rahman is suggested.