The PPK Muslims (Proud, Practicing, Knowledgable) : 09/01/15

MORE ON THE READING AND SPIN OF THE HOLY QURAN
BY THE RADICAL VIOLENT MUSLIM BROTHERS

ABSTRACT

The article is a continuation from previous of discussion about ayahs that have been portrayed by Muslims and non-Muslims as suggesting and promoting violence. It refers to a logical and intellectual discussion by Ali Rizvi on some of these ayahs. This writer has stated “The Muslim responds by defending these verses as Allah's word -- he insists that they have been quoted "out of context," have been misinterpreted, are meant as metaphor, or that they may even have been mistranslated and despite being shown multiple translations, or told that some of these passages (like similar passages in other holy books) are questionable in any context, the Muslim insists on his/her defense of the Scripture.” After a good discussion he comes out with his final recommendations “Ultimately, I came to believe that the first step to any kind of substantive reformation is to seriously reconsider the concept of scriptural inerrancy………And I'm not the only one. Maajid Nawaz, a committed Muslim, speaks openly about acknowledging problems in the Quran. Recently, in a brave article here right here on The Huffington Post, Imra Nazeer also asked Muslims to reconsider treating the Quran as infallible.” As this represents the views of large and significant section of educated and intellectual Muslims the article discusses in some depth to prove that this is clearly and totally an illogical and irrational conclusion. The discussion of the ayahs has been deferred to the next month.

Read ONLY, IF AND WHEN you have time and mood for:

“An Ayah of the Quran for 30 Days” -- December 2014

Choose the section you have time, in the next 30 days to read this ayah:-

Prelude: Recurrent Primary Message 1st. Page

Starting Dua, a note & The Ayah 2nd. Page

A Short Summary: For the Busy Bee Two Pages

The Main Story: Recommended Four Pages

Footnotes: For the Perfectionist Two Pages

PRELUDE

From the Pen and Perspective of a self-styled PPK Muslim (Proud, Practicing, Knowledgeable) with a humble submission that Islam totally rejects Blind Following BUT vigorously focusses on the Limitations of Pure Human Reasoning..............and clearly and comprehensively AlLAH knows best.

In the beginning of the seventh century C.E., the folks of Mecca and Medina had a fascinatingly unique window: they had direct access to the Heavens through one of their own. They were blessed with a regular stream of Divine counseling and guidelines. Question and answer sessions were part of the program. Even individual questioner was graced by an answer. In the short Introduction to this scheme they were assured that at the end of this twenty-two year project, Divine Directions and Admonitions will continue through the agency of the PEN. The whole discourse has been preserved and archived till eternity under the guarantee of our Lord and Creator. This record in known as the Quran.

It should sound unbelievable but factually appears to be true: Many of our prevalent, widespread and important concepts and opinions about religious matters do not have a basis in the Quran and sometimes even appear to be in obvious conflict with the teachings of the Quran. It would be very educative and helpful to discuss an Ayah once a month to see if it supports or rejects our views and actions in our daily life. I wish and hope this email generates a fruitful interactive discussion.

In the name of Allah, we praise HIM, seek HIS help and ask for HIS forgiveness. Whosoever Allah guideth none can misguide; whosoever HE allows to fall astray, none can guide him right. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah alone and we bear witness that Mohammed, SAW is HIS slave-servant and the Seal of HIS Messengers.

Further, we recall that Allah Ta’aala has declared in HIS Book¹ “He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message (or remember or receive admonition) but men of understanding (or intellect)” and we also recall that he has warned us about the day of judgement² “Then on that day you shall most certainly be questioned about the boons (joy, pleasure).” We realise, that there cannot be a greater boon or blessing or benefit than wisdom and we wonder if this should be a timely reminder to very many of us sincere and practicing Muslims who use our critical thinking to enhance the mundane for ourselves and our families but resort to compulsory following -- taqleed, doctrine of classical Sunni Islamic Fiqh -- in matters religion.

(NOTE: I have filtered out the proofs and details into the Footnotes for those who have the time and interest for them. The main email will then be reasonable length, hopefully for the busy majority. What follows is not a sermon; I do not feel qualified to give one, anyhow. I wish, it may provide a food for thought. A caveat seems in order: If the ayah selected pertains to issues we face in our daily life with our family, friends, neighbours or peers it may affect us personally and lead to some self analysis and soul searching which in turn could be divisive and distressing. If taken in the right spirit, it can be a humble attempt towards finding the “straight path”.)

THE AYAH

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS

Surah An-Nisa No. 4, Ayah 89

A SHORT VERSION

To better appreciate the index ayah of the Quran, we are focussing on additional ayahs of the Quran that are interpreted by the radical violent Muslims to justify their passion for brutality and by “Muslimophobes” to belittle and denigrate our beautiful Deen. I intend discussing a few others of these ayahs with a language, tone and message which apparently and superficially appear to educated and thinking mind of the twenty First century as justifying if not prescribing violence and brutality. This issue has been discussed in a very useful and attractive style and approach: objective, rational and intellectual by Ali A. Rizvi, a Pakistani-Canadian writer, physician and musician in his article in the Huffington Post “An Open Letter to Moderate Muslims”³ He has quoted few such ayahs and then builds a case for a radical change in our approach to the Holy Quran. Some of his observations and specially his conclusions are highly controversial and extremely damaging from my point of view. His views represent a fairly strong trend in the intellectual circles of Islam. I, therefor think it is worth our while to discuss in detail his views. It will help us in our task of interpreting the Quranic ayahs. The writer has criticized the Muslim attitude as “…. .. The Muslim responds by defending these verses as Allah's word -- he insists that they have been quoted "out of context," have been misinterpreted, are meant as metaphor, or that they may even have been mistranslated and despite being shown multiple translations, or told that some of these passages (like similar passages in other holy books) are questionable in any context, the Muslim insists on his/her defense of the Scripture.” He goes on to ask “What would you do if this situation was reversed? What are non-Muslims supposed to think when even moderate Muslims like yourselves defend the very same words and book that these fundamentalists effortlessly quote as justification for killing them -- as perfect and infallible?” As if to confirm that the writer is not sure if the Quran is actually Divine Words, he adds: “….This is telling, and Reza isn't alone. Many of you insist on alternative interpretations, some kind of metaphorical reading -- anything to avoid reading the holy book the way it's actually written. What message do you think this sends? To those on the outside, it implies there is something lacking in what you claim is God's perfect word. In a way, you're telling the listener to value your explanations of these words over the sacred words themselves. Obviously, this doesn't make a great case for divine authorship. Combined with the claims that the book is widely misunderstood, it makes the writer appear either inarticulate or incompetent. I know that's not the message you mean to send -- I've been where you are. But it is important to understand why it comes across that way to many non-Muslims.” Lastly he makes a very challenging statement jolting our fundamental values “You may be shaking your head at this point. I know your explanations are very convincing to fellow believers. That's expected. When people don't want to abandon their faith or their conscience, they'll jump on anything they can find to reconcile the two.” He seems to betray a very bewildering and muddling approach to Islam and Muslim when he says “You condemn all kinds of terrible things being done in the name of your religion, but when the same things appear as verses in your book, (emphasis mine) you use all your faculties to defend them. This comes across as either denial or disingenuousness, both of which make an honest conversation impossible.” However, as I have stated earlier he has dealt the issue objectively and intellectually, he understands very clearly what this statement of his amounts to when he says “This presents an obvious dilemma. The belief that the Quran is the unquestionable word of God is fundamental to the Islamic faith, and held by the vast majority of Muslims worldwide, fundamentalist or progressive. Many of you believe that letting it go is as good as calling yourself non-Muslim. I get that. But does it have to be that way”? Finally he comes out with his own suggestions to interpret and understand not only the few ayahs under discussion but the Quran as a whole: “…….Ultimately, I came to believe that the first step to any kind of substantive reformation is to seriously reconsider the concept of scriptural inerrancy………And I'm not the only one. Maajid Nawaz, a committed Muslim, speaks openly about acknowledging problems in the Quran. Recently, in a brave article here right here on The Huffington Post, Imra Nazeer also asked Muslims to reconsider treating the Quran as infallible.” Thank God, he is addressing the moderate Muslims. The conservative will brand him a Kafir immediately he opens his mouth to them.

The writer wants reforms in Islam and states “…All revolutions start out as rebellions. Islam itself started this way. Openly challenging problematic ideas isn't bigotry, and it isn't blasphemy. If anything, it's Sunnah. Get out there, and take it back.” Our noble Prophet with the thrust and guidance of revelations from our Lord Creator successfully displaced paganism from Arabia and promulgated Islam. Rizvi now wants us to rebel against him and his teachings as his “sunnah”. I hope he is joking!

“Reform”, Mr. Rizvi is essential and an ongoing process. But it cannot, should not and does not touch the Fundamental and Core Teachings and Values of the system. If it does then it is “Renunciation and Rejection” of the system. Once you have proclaimed of your free will “There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah” with full comprehension of the meaning and depth and implications of the words ILAAHA/GOD and MESSENGER, it is clearly and absolutely irrational and illogical to deny that the Holy Quran is a Divine book in HIS language to guide Muslims till eternity.

The writer has raised a very important and central issue in the meaning and concept of “Faith and Eeman”. Ali Rizvi writes “the Muslim insists on his/her defense of the Scripture.” Does this make sense to a Muslim? Is it logical for a Muslim to talk about “defense” of Scripture? What is scripture for us? The the Holy Quran. What is the Quran? The message and commands of Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo in HIS own words:^4,5,6

“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah -Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them, And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].”

Who is Allah? What is HE to us, Muslims:^7,8,9

“And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.”

So far the path is very clear to me despite the preceding discussion and debate . However the journey from now on is rocky. Every opinion and perspective finds a basis in the Text. Even ISIS has the audacity to claim a basis in the Quran for its totally un-Islamic lust for brutality. The devil lies in the details; it is the interpretation, clarification, explanation and elaboration of the Text that leaves a wide scope for differences of opinion and conclusions. Allah Ta’aala has endorsed this fact about HIS book in HIS book itself:¹⁰

“He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.”

Why? Why does Allah Ta’aala want this ambiguity? As I have said earlier it is not for us mortals to challenge HIS authority or wisdom. This question is raised to understand the underlying prudence of this practice. A central theme of our Shariah is our Trial and

Evaluation as an ongoing process in our lives at every step of the way. The ayah above points out that the response to this ambiguity is testing “ those in whose hearts is perversity” and is distinguishing them from “ those who are firmly grounded in knowledge.” Even our interaction with one other can become a test for us by Allah for HE declares:¹¹

“………that He may try some of you by means of others……..”

At one point our Lord Creator declares that the whole purpose of this life is to test us¹²

“[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving”.

How we respond to the good and evil that we face is part of our evaluation:¹³

“Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.”

Not only our wealth and property but even our self and soul is measure for our assessment:¹⁴

“Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves……”

The intended take home message: the Holy Quran is Divine and therefore unquestionable; on many occasions in the Book we are tested and evaluated as to how we interpret and elaborate its commandments; when in difficulty, we should ask for HIS help.

Let us take time to digest this. We will discuss the remaining ayah next month.

TO BE CONTINUED

........and Allah knows best.

May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding--“fahm”--of our Deen, Aameen.

THE MAIN STORY

“I am convinced about the veracity of my opinions, but I do consider it likely that they may turn out to be incorrect. Likewise, I am convinced about the incorrectness of the views different from mine, but I do concede the possibility that they may turn out to be correct.” — Imam Shafa’i

To better appreciate the index ayah of the Quran, we are focussing on additional ayahs of the Quran that are interpreted by the radical violent Muslims to justify their passion for brutality and by “Muslimophobes” (I feel this term better expresses the current attitude and emotions rather than “Islamophobia” which is a subtle and occult attitude dating back to birth of Islam and its subsequent growth) to belittle and denigrate our beautiful Deen. I intend discussing a few others of these ayahs with a language, tone and message which apparently and superficially appear to educated and thinking mind of the twenty First century as justifying if not prescribing violence and brutality. This issue has been discussed in a very useful and attractive style and approach: objective, rational and intellectual by Ali A. Rizvi, a Pakistani-Canadian writer, physician and musician in his article in the Huffington Post “An Open Letter to Moderate Muslims”³ He has quoted few such ayahs and then builds a case for a radical change in our approach to the Holy Quran. Some of his observations and specially his conclusions are highly controversial and extremely damaging from my point of view. His views represent a fairly strong trend in the intellectual circles of Islam. This group is quoted as an example by the orthodox and salafists to stay away from thinking and reason if you want to stay inside your the religion. In contrast, we have been advocating all along that our Shariah wants us to think about the world outside and yourself inside for the Signs/Ayahs of Allah Ta’aala. I, therefor think it is worth our while to discuss in detail his views. It will help us in our task of interpreting the Quranic ayahs. The writer has criticized the Muslim attitude as “…. .. The Muslim responds by defending these verses as Allah's word -- he insists that they have been quoted "out of context," have been misinterpreted, are meant as metaphor, or that they may even have been mistranslated and despite being shown multiple translations, or told that some of these passages (like similar passages in other holy books) are questionable in any context, the Muslim insists on his/her defense of the Scripture.” He goes on to ask “What would you do if this situation was reversed? What are non-Muslims supposed to think when even moderate Muslims like yourselves defend the very same words and book that these fundamentalists effortlessly quote as justification for killing them -- as perfect and infallible?” As if to confirm that the writer is not sure if the Quran is actually Divine Words, he adds: “….This is telling, and Reza isn't alone. Many of you insist on alternative interpretations, some kind of metaphorical reading -- anything to avoid reading the holy book the way it's actually written. What message do you think this sends? To those on the outside, it implies there is something lacking in what you claim is God's perfect word. In a way, you're telling the listener to value your explanations of these words over the sacred words themselves. Obviously, this doesn't make a great case for divine authorship. Combined with the claims that the book is widely misunderstood, it makes the writer appear either inarticulate or incompetent. I know that's not the message you mean to send -- I've been where you are. But it is important to understand why it comes across that way to many non-Muslims.” Lastly he makes a very challenging statement jolting our fundamental values “You may be shaking your head at this point. I know your explanations are very convincing to fellow believers. That's expected. When people don't want to abandon their faith or their conscience, they'll jump on anything they can find to reconcile the two.” He seems to betray a very bewildering and muddling approach to Islam and Muslim when he says “You condemn all kinds of terrible things being done in the name of your religion, but when the same things appear as verses in your book, (emphasis mine) you use all your faculties to defend them. This comes across as either denial or disingenuousness, both of which make an honest conversation impossible.” However, as I have stated earlier he has dealt the issue objectively and intellectually, he understands very clearly what this statement of his amounts to when he says “This presents an obvious dilemma. The belief that the Quran is the unquestionable word of God is fundamental to the Islamic faith, and held by the vast majority of Muslims worldwide, fundamentalist or progressive. Many of you believe that letting it go is as good as calling yourself non-Muslim. I get that. But does it have to be that way”? Finally he comes out with his own suggestions to interpret and understand not only the few ayahs under discussion but the Quran as a whole: “…….Ultimately, I came to believe that the first step to any kind of substantive reformation is to seriously reconsider the concept of scriptural inerrancy………And I'm not the only one. Maajid Nawaz, a committed Muslim, speaks openly about acknowledging problems in the Quran. Recently, in a brave article here right here on The Huffington Post, Imra Nazeer also asked Muslims to reconsider treating the Quran as infallible.” Thank God, he is addressing the moderate Muslims. The conservative will brand him a Kafir immediately he opens his mouth to them. I feel and I am sure many of you will agree that the chronic malaise with us is that we are concentrating on the mundane problems of the Muslim tribe utterly neglecting the teachings and directives of our Deen. This is a great weakness that has propped up in our religious life. Ali Rizvi wants us to adopt this as a principle in our lives. He suggests “…….And it must start by dissociating Islamic identity from Muslim identity -- by coming together on a sense of community, not ideology.” He wants us to emulate the “secular jew” who has rejected his gospel for the defects that he has noticed in it and still call himself a jew.

The writer wants reforms in Islam. Good, we agree. As time passes by, needs, ideas and values change so the system has to be altered or reformed. I find his ideas of reform misleading, though. I am persisting with the debate with him because we must have our answers to his suggestions. He represents a large and significant segment of our Brotherhood — educated, intellectual, successful and reputable in the modern society.

Listen to what he has to say about reforming Islam: “Islam needs reformers, not moderates. And words like "reform" just don't go very well with words like "infallibility."

The purpose of reform is to change things, fix the system, and move it in a new direction. And to fix something, you have to acknowledge that it's broken -- not that it looks broken, or is being falsely portrayed as broken by the wrong people -- but that it's broken. That is your first step to reformation. If this sounds too radical, think back to the Prophet Muhammad himself, who was chased out of Mecca for being a radical dissident fighting the Quraysh. Think of why Jesus Christ was crucified. These men didn't capitulate or shy away from challenging even the most sacred foundations of the status quo. These men certainly weren't "moderates." They were radicals. Rebels. Reformers. That's how change happens. All revolutions start out as rebellions. Islam itself started this way. Openly challenging problematic ideas isn't bigotry, and it isn't blasphemy. If anything, it's Sunnah. Get out there, and take it back.”

Do you also see some muddled thinking? Reform is entirely different from rebellion, revolution or radicalism. If you enter a hair-cutting saloon for trimming (reform) your wildly overgrown hair and walk out with a glistening skull, you have been shaved off (revolution). Our noble Prophet with the thrust and guidance of revelations from our Lord Creator successfully displaced paganism from Arabia and promulgated Islam. Rizvi now wants us to rebel against him and his teachings as his “sunnah”. I hope he is joking! Our beloved Prophet has declared that he received revelations from God Almighty which is preserved in the form of the Quran which represents the Eternal Truth as they are HIS wisdom in HIS words. Rizvi does not think so; he thinks it is flawed. OK with me if he chooses to do that. He will answerable to Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo on the Day of Judgement. But, for Heaven sake do not claim to be following the “sunnah” of the Holy Prophet.

“Reform”, Mr. Rizvi is essential and an ongoing process. But it cannot, should not and does not touch the Fundamental and Core Teachings and Values of the system. If it does then it is “Renunciation and Rejection” of the system. If you are tampering with the weight bearing pillars and beams of a building, you are destroying it; not renovating it. I have had a nasty accident with my first new car in UK. After collecting it from the show room in London, I was driving to my home in Glasgow. On the free way I bumped at full speed into a truck; I was hit in turn at the back by another heavy vehicle. By the grace of Allah Ta’aala I came out unscratched; the interior of the car was perfect; the exterior did not look bad. But my new car was declared a “total loss”. Why? Listen carefully. The chassis, the fundament part was damaged! So I was given a another brand new car. However, it is your privilege and of others of your views to reject the fundamentals. But you cannot eat the cake and have it. You cannot and should not claim your membership of a club and continue to represent it if you cannot abide by its mandatory rules and regulations. On occasions, I felt like throwing away the book when I was going through “The Caged Virgin” by Ayaan Ali Hirsi. Not because she could not differentiate Mohammed, the Prophet from Mohammed, the man and was vain enough to advise and admonish my Holy Prophet as to how he should have behaved. Again not because she rebelled against Allah Ta’aala’s commandments and had the temerity to offer a piece of advise to our Lord Creator! These did not bother me because this attitude simply reflected her arrogant ignorance, irresponsible personality and her disturbed and distorted spirituality because of her cruel childhood experience with her father. What caused the momentary rage was her repeated claims of “we Muslims” or “us Muslims”. How dare she, I would feel? Once you have proclaimed of your free will “There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah” with full comprehension of the meaning and depth and implications of the words ILAAHA/GOD and MESSENGER, it is clearly and absolutely irrational and illogical to deny that the Holy Quran is a Divine book in HIS language to guide Muslims till eternity.

Why am I suddenly taken over by Ali Rizvi and have discussed his opinions at length when I am supposed to discuss and Ayah of the Quran. Firstly, he starts with the ayahs that are used/abused by the extremists. He has discussed very intelligently the result of some of the Quranic Ayahs are having in our socio-political life. I feel we must first find our answers to his approach and opinions to build our attitudes and actions on solid, Islamic and rational basis.

The writer has raised a very important and central issue in the meaning and concept of “Faith and Eeman”. I believe we should unravel this issue before we try to understand the meaning of ayahs under discussion. As a matter of fact this is what I referred to last time as the delicate and fine balance which Islam advocates in the interaction between Faith and Reason. One cannot have a meaningful Faith without Reason bit you will not be able to hold on to your Faith if you do not appreciate the limitations of human Reason. Ali Rizvi writes “the Muslim insists on his/her defense of the Scripture.” Does this make sense to a Muslim? Is it logical for a Muslim to talk about “defense” of Scripture? What is scripture for us? The the Holy Quran. What is the Quran? The message and commands of Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo in HIS own words:^4,5,6

“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian.”

“And We send down of the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.”

Who is Allah? What is HE to us, Muslims:^7,8,9

“And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.”

“And to Allah belongs the east and the west. So wherever you [might] turn, there is the Face of Allah . Indeed, Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.”

“Know that Allah is severe in penalty and that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”

So the “Scripture”, in this case the Holy Quran stands for the teachings, proclamations and commandments of God Almighty, all-knowing, all-powerful, omnipresent, and omnipotent whom we have to obey in full to assure our salvation on the Day of Judgement. This is the Belief and Faith of every Muslim of any hue and colour. Now bring in the Reason. Is it rational and logical to question the Quran? As a rational human being you may decide to refuse the Quran as the word of God; you will have company of three fourth of humanity. You man join the elites club of atheists or agnostics and refuse or question the existence of God. But it is completely and totally illogical and irrational to question the Quran once you have freely adopted the Eemaan of a Muslim. The only choice you have now is to try your best to understand and appreciate the teachings of the Quran. Ask of Allah’s help and guidance if a certain ayah is beyond your limited reasoning. In the meantime your only option is to follow it. I have not been able to find any reason to avoid eating pork; as a physician I can confidently reject all the so-called medical reasons in its favour. However, I have never touched it. You are not forced to join a club. However if you join one of your free will, you have undertaken to abide by its aims, objectives, rules and regulations. If you are a Muslim of your own choice and declared “there is no God but Allah and Mohammed is Allah’s Messenger” all logic and reason demands that you accept the Quran as an unquestionable guide.

“………that He may try some of you by means of others……..”

At one point our Lord Creator declares that the whole purpose of this life is to test us¹²

“[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving”.

How we respond to the good and evil that we face is part of our evaluation:¹³

“Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.”

Not only our wealth and property but even our self and soul is measure for our assessment:¹⁴

“Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves……”

Let us take time to digest this. We will discuss the remaining ayah next month.

TO BE CONTINUED

........and Allah knows best.

May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding--“fahm”--of our Deen, Aameen.

MORE ON THE READING AND SPIN OF THE HOLY QURAN
BY THE RADICAL VIOLENT MUSLIM BROTHERS