A Book of Encouragement and Warning
And the significance of these educational methods becomes greater when we realize that the teachings of the Quran are not for a specific time but forever.
Education is among major issues in human beings’ personal and social life. It helps one have appropriate behavior in different situation and be able to best use his talents and move toward perfection.
That is why God highlights providing good education as one of the major responsibilities of parents.
God, who is kinder to each person than his parents, practically uses an educational principle. That principle is the dual strategy of encouraging and warning.
God says in Verse 4 of Surah Fussilat: “It (the Quran) contains glad news and warnings (for the people), but most of them have ignored it and do not listen.”
Encouragement and warning are two wings of the bird of education. If there is a lack of one wing, no bird could fly. If there is too much encouragement without any warning, one would neglect dangers and lives a life of self-indulgence until he falls into trouble.
On the other hand, giving one too many warnings will make him dismayed and discouraged and prevent him from moving forward.
The Holy Quran uses this principle to encourage believers to do more good deeds and warn disbelievers about the consequences of their sins and wrongdoings.
This is also a principle that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) uses and it has been underlined the Quran: “We have sent you (Muhammad) for a genuine purpose to proclaim glad news and warnings. You will not be blamed for the dwellers of blazing hell.” (Verse 119 of Surah Al-Baqarah)
Hence, the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) educate people and they both use this principle.
Two examples of the Quran’s encouragements and warnings:
1- “Allah has promised the hypocritical men and the hypocritical women and the unbelievers the fire of hell to abide therein; it is enough for them; and Allah has cursed them and they shall have lasting punishment.” (Verse 68 of Surah At-Tawbah)
In this verse, God promises the fire of hell to disbelievers and hypocrites and it is a definite principle that God’s promise will not go unfulfilled.
2- “God has promised the believers gardens wherein streams flow and wherein they will live forever in the excellent mansions of the garden of Eden. What is more important than all this for them is that God is pleased with them. Such is the supreme triumph.” (Verse 72 of Surah At-Tawbah)
When believers read such verses, they become more encouraged to do good and to be among those who will receive these blessings.
