The Quran is the word of Allah, sent to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and it is a guide for all people, in all times. The Quran itself tells us that it is a guide, especially for those who have taqwa. What is taqwa? It is a difficult word to translate exactly, but it means to be mindful of Allah, to fear Him, and to be conscious of His presence in our lives.

Allah says in the very beginning of the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2):

“ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًۭى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ”

“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah (al-muttaqin)”. 

So, the Quran is a guide for those who want to please Allah and avoid His punishment. If we have taqwa in our hearts, the Quran will show us the right path in every aspect of our lives.

Quranic teachings are the set of instructions from Allah for how we should believe, how we should worship, how we should behave with each other, and how we should live our lives in this world so that we can be happy and successful both here and in the Hereafter.

Now, I will explain some of the core messages and the main teachings of the Quran:

1. The Oneness of Allah (Tawhid) is The Heart of Quranic Teachings

The biggest teaching in the Quran is Tawhid. This is the foundation, the root of everything. Everything! The Quran, from beginning to end, revolves around this central truth: There is no god but Allah. No partners, no equals. He is Al-Ahad (The One), Al-Khaliq (The Creator), Ar-Razzaq (The Provider), Al-Malik (The King). Everything returns to Him.

Look at Surat Al-Ikhlas which is like a summary of Tawhid. It tells us everything we need to know about the uniqueness of Allah:

“قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ . اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ . لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ . وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ”

“Say, “He is Allah, [who is] One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent”

Surat Al-Ikhlas destroys all false gods. It sets your heart free. It is the essence of Islam. Memorize it, whisper it, live it! Many early Muslims, when faced with hardship, clung to this Surah. They would rather die than deny Tawhid.

Now, for those of you learning Quranic Arabic, pay attention to the word “أَحَدٌ” (Ahad). It means “one,” but it’s not just any “one.” It means absolutely unique, with no second. This is very important in understanding Allah’s greatness.

Practical Tip from Quranica for Quranic Arabic Learners: When you come across words like this, try to understand the depth of their meaning in Arabic. Look at the root of the word and how it is used in different contexts in the Quran. This will give you a much richer understanding.

2. The Quran Teaches Us to Believe in All The Messengers

Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, didn’t leave us alone. He sent messengers, prophets, from Adam (peace be upon him) to Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), the final messenger. They all taught the same core message: Tawhid, submission to Allah.

The Quran tells us their stories: Musa (Moses) speaking to Allah on the mountain, Ibrahim (Abraham) willing to sacrifice his son, Isa (Jesus) performing miracles, Yusuf (Joseph) enduring trials with patience.

“آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ ۚ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِ ۚ وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا ۖ غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ”

“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.”” (Al-Baqara 2:285)  

We love them all. We respect them all. But Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the seal of the prophets. His message, the Quran, is for all mankind, until the Day of Judgment.

3. Quran Teaches Us to Worship Allah the Right Way

After believing in Allah alone, the next important teaching is how to worship Him. Allah created us for this purpose, as He says in Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:56):

“وَمَا خَلَقْتُ ٱلْجِنَّ وَٱلْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ”

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me”

So, our main job in this life is to worship Allah. The Quran guides us on how to do this. It teaches us about prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm), giving charity (Zakat), and making pilgrimage (Hajj) if we are able.

For example, about prayer and Zakat, Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:43):

“وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ ۚ وَٱرْكَعُوا۟ مَعَ ٱلرَّٰكِعِينَ”

“And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].”

The Quran also teaches us that our worship should be sincere, only for Allah, and not to show off to people. Allah knows what is in our hearts.

4. Quran Also Teaches Us to Purify the Soul

This is about cleansing our hearts from negative traits like arrogance, envy, and greed, and cultivating positive traits like humility, gratitude, and love.

Allah says in Surah Al-Shams (91: 9-10):

“قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن زَكَّاهَا وَقَدْ خَابَ مَن دَسَّاهَا”

“He has succeeded who purifies it, And he has failed who instills it [with corruption]”

This means we must work on our inner selves, to purify our hearts and minds. This is a lifelong journey, and the Quran is our guide.

5. The Quran Teaches Us to Show Our Belief Through our Actions 

This is called Iman (faith) and Amal Salih (righteous deeds). These two things go together, like two wings of a bird. If the bird only has one wing, it cannot fly properly.

Allah says in the Quran many times about the importance of both believing and doing good:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمْ خَيْرُ الْبَرِيَّةِ 

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – those are the best of creatures. (Surah Al-Bayyinah, 98:7)

This verse beautifully emphasizes that true faith isn’t just about belief in the heart—it must be reflected in our actions. Without righteous deeds, faith remains incomplete, just as a bird cannot fly with only one wing. Islam teaches us that our iman should inspire us to do good, benefiting both ourselves and those around us.

6. The Quran Teaches Us Good Morals and Ethics

The Quran teaches us about Akhlaq, good morals and ethics. This includes being honest, kind, compassionate, and just. It teaches us how to treat our families, our neighbors, and all of humanity.

Allah says in Surah Al-Qalam:

“وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ”

“And indeed, you are of a great moral character”

This verse is about the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it tells us how important good character is. The Quran guides us to be the best versions of ourselves, to be people of integrity and kindness.

This verse highlights the supreme character of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), setting an example for all believers to follow. Good morals are at the heart of Islamic teachings, shaping how we interact with others and navigate life with honesty, kindness, and justice. By embodying these values, we not only improve ourselves but also uplift those around us.

7. Quran Teachings About Kindness to Family and Neighbors

Quran puts big importance on being good to your family and your neighbors. This is a part of good deeds. The following verse tells us to be good (ihsan) to parents, relatives, and neighbors – both near and far!

“وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالْجَنبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُورًا”

“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful” (An-Nisa 4:36)  

This verse beautifully outlines the Quran’s emphasis on kindness and compassion in our relationships. It teaches that true faith is reflected in how we treat those around us—our parents, relatives, neighbors, and even strangers. We can create a society built on love, respect, and mutual care, which is at the core of Islamic teachings.

8. Quran Teachings About Honesty in Dealings

In all your business, in all your work, you must be honest. No cheating, no lying. For example, in Surat Al-Mutaffifin (83:1-3) there is a strong warning against cheating in business.

“وَيْلٌ لِّلْمُطَفِّفِينَ * الَّذِينَ إِذَا اكْتَالُوا عَلَى النَّاسِ يَسْتَوْفُونَ * وَإِذَا كَالُوهُمْ أَو وَّزَنُوهُمْ يُخْسِرُونَ”

“Woe to those who give less [than due], Who, when they take a measure from people, take in full. But if they give by measure or by weight to them, they cause loss”

This verse strongly warns against dishonesty in trade and dealings, emphasizing that fairness and integrity are fundamental in Islam. The Quran teaches that a true believer is one who upholds justice, whether in business or daily life. Cheating others may bring short-term gain, but it leads to loss in the sight of Allah. Honest dealings build trust and blessings in one’s wealth and relationships.

9. Quran Teachings About Speaking the Truth

Quran teaches us to always speak the truth. Lying is a big sin in Islam. The following verse from, for example, commands us to be with truthful people, and to be truthful ourselves.

 “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ”

“O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true” (Suart At-Tawba 9:119)

“وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ قَوْلَ ٱلزُّورِ”

“And avoid false statement” (al-Hajj 22:30)

Truthfulness is a core value in Islam, shaping both character and society. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes honesty, urging believers to stay away from falsehood and always align with those who are truthful. Speaking the truth builds trust, strengthens relationships, and earns the pleasure of Allah. Lying, on the other hand, leads to harm and corruption. A true believer is one whose words reflect sincerity and righteousness

Read more about: Top 6 Quranic Prophecies

10. Quran Teachings About Controlling Anger

Quran praises those who control their anger and forgive others. Anger is from Shaytan (Satan). We must try to control our anger and be patient.

 “وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ”

“…and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good” (Aal-i-Imran 3:134)

Anger can lead to regret, but patience and forgiveness bring peace. The Quran encourages believers to control their tempers and show kindness, even in difficult moments. Letting go of anger is not a weakness—it is a sign of true strength and faith. Those who forgive and practice self-restraint earn Allah’s love and reward.

11. Quran Teachings About Helping Those in Need

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping the poor, the needy, the orphans, and the vulnerable.

“إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ” 

“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise”. (At-Tawba 9:60) 

“وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا” 

“And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive,” (Al-Insan 76:8).

Giving to those in need is not just charity; it is an obligation and a means of purifying our wealth and soul. The Quran reminds us that supporting the poor, orphans, and those in hardship strengthens society and earns Allah’s blessings. True generosity is giving selflessly, knowing that every act of kindness is rewarded.

12. Quran Teachings About Treating Others with Respect

This means acknowledging the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, regardless of their faith, background, or status. It involves being considerate, polite, and avoiding any form of disrespect or harm towards others.

“وَلَا تَلْمِزُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ وَلَا تَنَابَزُوا بِالْأَلْقَابِ”

“And do not insult one another or call each other by [offensive] nicknames” (Al-Hujurat 49:11)

Respect in Islam is a fundamental value that extends to everyone, regardless of their background. The Quran teaches us to avoid insults, harsh words, and hurtful behavior, promoting kindness and dignity in all interactions. True respect is shown through our words, actions, and the way we treat others.

Quranica is Your Trusted Partner in Learning the Quran

We hope this simple guide has been helpful, inshallah. The Quran is a vast ocean of knowledge, and these are just some of the main teachings.

At Quranica, we are dedicated to helping you understand the Quran, no matter your level. We offer:

• Quran Memorization Courses: Learn to recite the Quran beautifully, with correct tajweed (pronunciation).
• Quranic Arabic Courses: Learn the language of the Quran, so you can understand it directly, without translation.
• Tafsir Courses: Learn the deeper meanings of the Quran, with explanations from trusted scholars.
• Quranic Courses for Children: Make Quran learning engaging for your kids!

Our teachers are native Arab, experienced, qualified, and passionate about the Quran. They will guide you on your path to understanding and loving the Book of Allah.

Join the Quranica Family Today!

Conclusion:

The Quran serves as a divine guide, illuminating the path to righteousness in all aspects of life. At its core, it upholds Tawhid—the oneness of Allah—as the foundation of faith, rejecting any form of association with Him. It also underscores belief in all messengers, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them), as bearers of the same essential message: submission to Allah. Worship, a central theme, is meticulously detailed, covering Salah (prayer), fasting, charity, and pilgrimage. Furthermore, the Quran calls for inner purification, urging believers to cleanse their hearts from arrogance and greed while cultivating virtues like humility and gratitude.

Beyond faith and worship, Quranic teachings shape ethical conduct and social harmony. It enjoins honesty in dealings, truthfulness in speech, and patience in adversity. Acts of kindness—especially towards parents, neighbors, and the less fortunate—are emphasized as markers of true faith. 

The Quran also champions justice, fairness, and self-restraint, particularly in controlling anger and forgiving others. Through these teachings, it not only defines personal piety but also fosters a just and compassionate society, ensuring success in both this life and the Hereafter.