Religion
Christian:-
Why has not the Quran adjusted itself to the
times? I am sure that in the prophet's era the Quran was THE HOLY BOOK to
follow. But as time advanced it seems that Muslims have remained connected to
the Middle Ages. All other religions have adjusted their laws to connect with
the times. But it hasn't happened for Muslims WHY?
Comment:-
The answer in both
cases is that it has. But changes can be for the better or worse, towards the
discovery of more truth, virtue or useful things or an increase in falsehoods,
adulterations and corruptions. Things in this world do tend to degenerate and
it requires deliberate conscious effort to stop erosion and cause development.
There are cycles of growth and decay, degeneration and regeneration, day and
night, spring and autumn, activity and rest in all things as the Quran points
out. It is necessary to transcend these cycles to maintain Spiritual
excellence. Behind change there is also something constant and permanent and
that is what Religion seeks.
It is a question of knowing what Religion is,
whether it is something man-made or objective and Eternal. We distinguish
between what is Real and what is seen or made by man. True Religion, from the
Islamic point of view comes from God, the Creator of the Universe and refers to
His purposes. The purpose of true religion is the spiritual development of man.
This aim remains always the same.
It is for Religion to transform mankind and
not for man to change Religion. If man changes religion he does so according to
his own prejudices and limitations. This is wholly useless for transforming
man.
Over the whole history of mankind there have
been many dispensations of religion each suited to the times, place and people.
But they were not created by people through their ordinary mundane minds, but
revelations that came through heightened consciousness in which they were in
closer contact with Reality. That is why they are called Messengers. The
purpose of these revelations was not to adjust the laws and practices to the
condition of the times, place and people, but in order :-
(1) To make religion understandable to these
people.
(2) To rectify the misunderstandings and
malpractices that had entered into the previous dispensation owing to changing
conditions and application of limited minds.
(3) To introduce and facilitate the new age
of human development.
The coming of a genuine religion in an area
diverted historical development into a new channel, one that could not have
been predicted from any knowledge of the existing conditions. It is not,
therefore, a mechanical or mundane deterministic development.
Consider, for instance, the fact that the
world was transformed by the influences that came from the Muslim Cultures and
Empires, which resulted from the conversion of people to Islam because of a
single Book, the Quran, which came into the world through one man, Muhammad
(saw) when he was in the state of heightened consciousness. This is like a
pebble falling from the sky into a lake, creating ripples that move in time and
space from a centre outwards until they cover the whole lake.
Note that the Book, the Quran, is still here
and continues to spread its influences. The fact is that the Quran is a
guidance and covers general situations in a comprehensive manner and it is,
therefore, possible to interpret it according to the needs of the times and to
deal with any particular situation that might arise. But the fact that Muslims
have not kept up with the times is their fault, not that of the Quran.
A Muslim:-
The era of the Hebrew Religion came to an end
when the Second Jewish Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. This
allowed Christianity to spread in the Roman world and then throughout the West.
That is, the Temple
was destroyed long before the advent of Islam. Islam cannot be blamed for this
destruction.
Another Muslim:-
I'm sure you did not really intend to say
"advent", but just to set the record straight for non-Muslim visitors
to this forum...
Islam is the religion ordained by God for his
people. It has existed since the time of Adam and Eve and has been the religion
of all the rightly guided people of human history, in particular of the
prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, John the Baptist,
Jesus and Muhammad (peace be on them all).
About 5 centuries after the destruction of the
Second Temple, there was no "advent" of Islam in the world but rather
its "revival" by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) to whom God
sent the Quran in order to lead back to Islam those who had strayed from its
path or had forgotten it.
Comment:-
I do not think that this is quite correct.
Both versions about "advent" are partly right and partly wrong.
Though it is true that the religion Muslims
follow is a continuation of the True Universal Religion defined as Islam (
Surrender to Allah), the name "Islam" is applied only to the last
dispensation of Religion. It is in this Islam that we find the detailed
comprehensive description of Allah.
The fact is that there has been an evolution
of true religion, Islam (in its meaning, Surrender to Allah). Though the goal
is always the same, there are stages in the formulation and application. The
previous dispensations that came through the Messengers came for various
communities as preparatory stages for the last, the Universal Religion that
came through Muhammad (saw), the Messenger for all mankind.
It is, for instance, observable that though
all three religions teach Justice, Compassion and Truth, there is an emphasis
on Justice and ritual in Hebrewism, on motives and compassion in Christianity
and Islam adds the emphasis on Truth. Other religions tend to be called by the
name of their founders. It is only the last dispensation that is called Islam
and requires direct surrender to Allah, the Absolute, the One.
"When Allah made the covenant with
the prophets, (He said): Behold, what I have given you of the Book and Wisdom.
Afterwards shall come to you a Messenger confirming that which you possess. You
shall believe in him and help him. And He said: Are you resolved and do you
take this covenant as binding on you? They said: We are resolved. And He said:
Then bear witness, for I am witness with you. 3:81
"This day have I perfected for you
your religion, and completed My favour unto you, and have chosen for you as
religion Al-Islam." 5:3
Critic:-
People, especially Muslims, kill over it. The
Book says kill, so they kill. Where else do groups like Alqaida and Hamas get
their ideologies from. Reading the Quran answers this. I don't care if you
believe in Santa Claus - you would be stupid in my sight but I would not come
and criticise you for it. But if you believed that Santa Claus tells you to
kill those who do not believe in Santa Claus, well then I would have a problem
with you as I am one of those people who does not believe in Santa Claus.
Comment:-
You make judgements without knowing much
about what you are judging. The Quran tells us to kill in self defence or
retaliation, not aggression. Do you have a problem with reading and with
self-defence? Do you think that people should allow themselves to be killed,
thereby negating an inherent reaction? Or is it that that doers of evil and
injustice should be allowed immunity to do as they will?
Is it the case that if you do not believe
something exists then those who see and believe it should not be allowed to
believe it and act accordingly? Are people who have a problem with
distinguishing between Santa Claus, a fantasy and what is real to be allowed to
dictate what others should believe? Is it your opinion that people should
believe but not act accordingly and that hypocrisy is the preferred mode of
life?
Tut, Tut. Very arrogant, self-righteous and
democratic indeed!!!!
The organisations you mention, Alqaida and
Hamas were not formed to kill those who do not believe in Islam, Allah or the
Quran. Alqaida wants to remove Western domination and oppression from Muslim
lands and the withdrawal of US military forces so that Muslims can determine
their own affairs. Hamas, is fighting against the oppression of Palestinians by
Israel, aided massively by
the USA.
If you want to understand Muslims then study
the following verses where the Quran teaches them about their religion and its
relationship with others:-
"And fight in the Way of Allah those
who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the
transgressors." 2:190
"Kill them wherever you find them,
and drive them out from whence they drive you out; for persecution (oppression
or sedition) is worse than slaughter; but fight them not by the Sacred Mosque
unless they fight you there; If they fight you then kill them, for such is the
recompense of those that are faithless. But if they desist, then, verily, Allah
is Forgiving and Merciful." 2:191-192
"But fight them until there be no
more oppression (persecution or sedition) and that the Din (religion, faith, justice,
the attitude and way of life) may be Allah's; but, if they desist, then let
there be no hostility save against the unjust oppressors." 2:193
"The sacred month for the sacred
month; for all sacred things demand retaliation; and whoever transgresses against
you, transgress against him likewise as he transgressed against you; but fear
Allah, and know that Allah is with those who practice restraint." 2:194
"And endure you patiently, your
patience is from Allah. And grieve not over them (polytheists and pagans,), and
be not distressed because of what they plot." 16:127
"And be patient; verily, Allah loses
not the reward of the good-doers." 11:115
"And why should we not put our trust
in Allah while He indeed has guided us our ways. And we shall certainly bear
with patience all the hurt you may cause us, and in Allah (Alone) let those who
trust, put their trust." 14:12
"Verily, those who annoy Allah and
His Messenger (SAW) Allah has cursed them in this world, and in the Hereafter,
and has prepared for them a humiliating torment." 33:57
"Fight against them so that Allah
will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them
and heal the breasts of a believing people." 9:14
"And say: The truth is from your
Lord. Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him
disbelieve. "18:29
"There is no compulsion in religion;
the right way is henceforth distinct from the wrong. And whoever rejects Taghut
(false deities) and believes in Allah, he has grasped a firm handle which will
not break; but Allah is both Hearer and Knower. Allah is the patron of those
who believe, He brings them forth from darkness into light. But those who
disbelieve, their patrons are false deities; these bring them forth from light
to darkness. Such are fellows of the Fire, they will dwell therein."
2:256-257
"And say: Truth has come, and
falsehood has vanished! Verily, falsehood is ever bound to vanish. And We will
send down of the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to the believers,
though it only increases the wrong-doers in ruin." 17:81-82
"And the slaves of the Most
Beneficent are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when
the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of
gentleness." 25:63
"And if they had been steadfast in
the Torah and the Gospel, and what has been sent down to them from their Lord,
they would surely have nourishment from above them and below them. Amongst them
are a people who are moderate, but many of them are of evil conduct." 5:66
"Say: O people of the Book! You have
no ground to stand on till you stand fast by the Torah and the Gospel, and what
is revealed to you from your Lord." But what has been revealed to you from
your Lord will of a surety increase many of them in rebellion and disbelief.
Vex not thyself then for a people who disbelieve." 5:68
"Verily, those who believe and those
who are Jews, and the Sabaeans, and the Christians, whoever believes in Allah
and the Last Day, and does what is right, they shall not fear, nor shall they
grieve." 5:69
"Say: O you people of the Book, come
to an agreement between us and you, that we will not serve other than Allah,
nor associate aught with him, nor take others for Lords rather than Allah. But
if they turn away then say: Bear witness that we are they who have
surrendered." 3:64
"Unto every nation have We given
sacred rites which they are to perform; so let them not then dispute about the
matter, but summon you unto your Lord; verily, you (Muhammad) indeed follow right
guidance." 22:67
"And unto you (Muhammad) have We
revealed the Book in truth, verifying what was before it, and preserving it.
Judge then between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their lusts
(prejudices, fantasies), turning away from what is given to you of the truth.
For each of you have We appointed a Law and a traced out Path. Had Allah
pleased He would have made you one nation, but that He may try you by that
which He has given you. Therefore, vie with one another in virtue. Unto Allah
will you all return, and He will then inform you concerning that wherein you
dispute." 5:48
"Say, O you faithless! I do not serve
what you serve; nor will you serve what I serve; nor will I serve what you
serve; nor will you serve what I serve; To you your Way and to me my Way!"
109:1-6
A Christian:-
You say: It is a
question of knowing what Religion is, whether it is something man-made or
objective and Eternal.
Absolutely not,
because it denies the power of the Holy Sprit to speak in all languages and
through the tongues of men. All translations of the Quran in different
languages speak to people, it must do otherwise people's conversion is made in
pure ignorance and the faith is untrue to the soul of the individual. What
would be the point of that?
Comment:-
Thanks for your
contribution.
But what are you
referring to as "Absolutely not." Some people do claim to receive
revelation from God or through the Holy Spirit even though they contradict the
teachings of the Messengers, those who carry the Word. Though it is not denied
that people can receive inspiration, the Quran warns:-
"But most of them follow naught but conjecture
(suspicion, fancy, guesswork, speculation); verily, conjecture can by no means
take the place of (or avail against truth). Verily, Allah is Aware of what they
do." 10:37
"Those unto whom We have given the Scripture,
who read it with a right reading, those believe in it. And whoso disbelieves in
it, those are the losers." 2:121
"Whoever judges not by that which Allah has
revealed, such are disbelievers." 5:44
Also see 5:48,49
A Muslim is
required to seek his own knowledge and understanding rather than accept someone
else's claims though their knowledge can certainly be an aid and a guide:-
"And follow (or pursue) not that of which you have
no knowledge; verily, the hearing, the sight, and the heart, of all of these it
shall be asked (to give an account)." 17:36
Certainly Allah
guides those who follow the Messengers, obey Allah and undertake the religious
discipline. But He guides not the miscreants or the faithless (2:264, 3:86,
5:52,108, 6:145, 9:19,24, 9:80, 12:52 etc)
"Allah guided by His Will the believers to the
truth concerning that wherein they disagreed, for Allah guides whom He will
unto the straight path." 2:213 Also 2:272
"Allah guides thereby (the Quran) those who
seek His pleasure, to the way of peace, and leads them out of darkness into
light by His decree, and guides them unto a Straight Way." 5:16
"Verily, those who believe and act righteously,
their Lord guides them by their faith; beneath them shall rivers flow in the
Gardens of Delight." 10:10
"Say: Truly, Allah leads whom He will astray,
but guides unto Him those who turn in repentance. Those who believe and whose
heart have rest in Zikr (remembering or mention) of Allah. Verily, in Zikr
(remembering or mention) of Allah do hearts find rest (comfort, satisfaction,
fulfilment)." 13:27-28
The Quran contains,
for those who consult it, study it and meditate on it, guidance for all the
different outer circumstances and inner psychological or spiritual conditions
that a person might meet. It is, therefore, adaptable to changing circumstances
as long as people do not form fixations on particulars. It is a comprehensive
guidance, but though the Quran might not be seen as dealing explicitly with a
particular thing, it does deal with general things and uses particular things
as similitudes and examples of types. It is, therefore, possible to use
analogical reasoning.
“And certainly We have set forth to men in
this Quran similitudes of every sort that they may reflect.” 39:27, Also see 17:89 and 18:55
“As for these similitudes (parables), We have
coined for mankind, but none will understand them, save the wise.” 29:43
The Islamic
attitude to the Quran is given in the following verses.
"Nay, but it (the Quran) is a clear revelation
in the hearts of those who are endowed with knowledge, and none deny Our
revelations save the wrongdoers (or unjust)." 29:24
"Lo, the guidance of Allah (Himself) is
Guidance (enough)." 2:120
"This (Quran) is naught else than a reminder
unto creation, unto whomsoever of you wills to walk straight. And ye will not,
unless it be that Allah wills, the Lord of Creation." 1:27-29 and
68:52.
"Lo! We reveal unto thee the scripture with
truth that you may judge between mankind by that which Allah shows you. And be
not a pleader for the treacherous." 4:105
"And We reveal in the Quran that which is a
healing and a mercy for believers, though it increase the evil doers in nothing
but ruin." 17:82
"Those unto
whom We gave the scripture recognize this revelation as they recognize their
sons. But lo! A part of them knowingly conceal the truth." 2:146
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