Inspirational Quran Verses from the Perspective of a Non-Muslim

As someone is not Muslim (someone who is part of the religion of Islam) though open to being around people of all different beliefs, I do not subscribe to the spiritual teachings of the Quran. However, there are various verses in the Quran that I find to be meaningful and overall good in terms of promoting peace and well-being among Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Below is a list of them, along with explanations of why I like them. I will most likely do some articles like this for Christianity and the Bible in the near future, as well as for other religions, though for now, I have chosen the Quran.

2:256

"There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient."

While this verse does show that belief in Islam is the right way, the fact that it says that there shall be no compulsion in religion indicates that according to the Quran, religion is not supposed to be imposed upon people. If anything, it is simply supposed to be taught and people have the choice to either take it or leave it. This is good because it means that contrary to what many believe, Islam allows for coexistence with people who have different beliefs.

4:2

"You shall hand over to the orphans their rightful properties. Do not substitute the bad for the good, and do not consume their properties by combining them with yours. This would be a gross injustice."

When a person's parents die, there are people out there who might take advantage of that and take items that belonged to either that person or their parents, some of which might even be things that that person needs for survival. It is therefore basic common sense that we should give such people the right to keep things that are rightfully theirs.

4:6

"You shall test the orphans when they reach puberty. As soon as you find them mature enough, give them their property. Do not consume it extravagantly in a hurry, before they grow up. The rich guardian shall not charge any wage, but the poor guardian may charge equitably. When you give them their properties, you shall have witnesses. GOD suffices as Reckoner."

The main good thing about this verse is that it implies that young orphans are to be looked after, but then given property rights when they come of age and demonstrate responsibility. That helps ensure that orphans are given property rights while also not using their property for maliciously or carelessly. Plus, it places a limit on how much of that property is to be consumed before they reach that point. That make it so that orphans will get at least some of it, when they get to the right age and show their ability to handle it responsibly.

9:4

"If the idol worshipers sign a peace treaty with you, and do not violate it, nor band together with others against you, you shall fulfill your treaty with them until the expiration date. GOD loves the righteous."

The verse after this one (9:5) allows for self defense against unrepentant idol worshippers who violate a peace treaty with the Muslims, though this verse clearly shows that the idol worshippers who are not fighting the Muslims are to be treated with peace.

9:6

"If one of the idol worshipers sought safe passage with you, you shall grant him safe passage, so that he can hear the word of GOD, then send him back to his place of security. That is because they are people who do not know."

Based on both 9:4 and 9:5, this one clearly indicates that idol worshippers, even those who previously violate a peace treaty (but are repentant) with the Muslims, are to be taken to safety if they ask for it. Common sense tells us that people who do not commit acts of violence should not be treated violently

9:60

"Charities shall go to the poor, the needy, the workers who collect them, the new converts, to free the slaves, to those burdened by sudden expenses, in the cause of GOD, and to the traveling alien. Such is GOD's commandment. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise."

According to this verse, believers are to give charity to those in need and towards freeing slaves. These are things most people would probably consider good, and the part about giving charity towards freeing slaves is considerably more progressive than the Bible or the Torah Neither of those books give a clear indication that they oppose slavery.

94:5

"With pain there is gain."

While this might or might not always be true, it is certainly true that a lot of stressful things are worth it because of the benefits. For example, working out at the gym can often be painful and stressful, but it is really good for our physical health. Also, meeting someone new can often be a stressful experience for people, but meeting new people also frequently leads to friendships and other positive relationships. Remembering that that there can often be gain with pain would probably be a good coping strategy in stressful and/or difficult situations.

109:6

"To you is your religion, and to me is my religion."

This verse is about non-Muslims, as the Chapter that it is in is titled "The Disbelievers". Some translations of the verse say "You have your way, I have my way", but the concept is still the same. The words "way" and "religion" basically mean the same thing, since religion is a way of life. Based on this verse and other verses shared here, this verse indicates that non-Muslims who are not violent towards believers are treated equitably and not be forced to be believe.