The PPK Muslims (Proud, Practicing, Knowledgable)

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

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

FOOTNOTES

(1) Surah 2/269

(2) Surah 102/8

(3) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-a-rizvi/an-open-letter-to-moderat_b_5930764.html

(4) Surah 2/2-4

(5) Surah 15/9

(6) 17/82

(7) Surah 2/163

(8) Surah 2/115

(9) Surah 5/98

(10) Surah 3/7

(11) Surah 47/4

وَلَكِنْ لِيَبْلُوَ بَعْضَكُمْ بِبَعْضٍ

(12) Surah 67/2

(13) Surah 21/35

(14) Surah 8/186 (part of ayah)

لَتُبْلَوُنَّ فِي أَمْوَالِكُمْ وَأَنْفُسِكُمْ

MISINTERPRETATION OF THE QURANIC AYAHS BY THE SO-CALLED MUSLIM JIHADISTS

MISINTERPRETATION OF THE QURANIC AYAHS
BY THE SO-CALLED MUSLIM JIHADISTS

ABSTRACT

“………But if they turn away, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them and take not from among them any ally or helper……..”

“…….I will instil terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them……”

These are the segments of Quranic Ayahs quoted by the both the so called Islamic radicals to support their nefarious activities and the “Islamophobes” to brand our beautiful Deen as violent and vicious.

Islamic terrorism, Islamic militants, radical Islam, Islamist, jihaadists extremists etc. are the favorite words in all sorts of media all around the world. Killings, street and suicide bombings. beheadings, mayhem and carnage in parks, hotels, mosques and churches are common place. The noise and clutter of 9/11 was gradually fading away when we were jolted by another earthquake by the three headed dragon of ISIS: more ambitious, sadist and barbaric, strong and smart and savvy and temporarily happy and successful.

Terrorism is an age old Global problem practiced by different religious and ethnic communities in different regions, at different times and for different reasons.There are therefore, many facets and angles to this deadly phenomenon but one aspect shines out over the others namely: The present bout of global “jihaad” is executed mainly by Muslims, killing mainly Muslims and perpetrated in the name of Islam. The thugs/soldiers of “Caliph” Abu Bakr Baghdadi are on a rampage dressed in black, hiding behind black masks like dacoits and brigands, desecrating our sacrosanct Kalma on their black flag and glorifying and videotaping their callouss cold-blooded beheadings of innocent unarmed folks — Muslims, Christians, Yazidis, aid workers, journalists — while violating our passionate and heart warming religious slogan of Allah-0-Akbar (God is Great).

It is a duty of every Muslim to understand and appreciate these apparently controversial portion of our Holy Book to strengthen our Faith and project the true colour of our beautiful Deen to humanity. The article attempts to address this problem. Additional ayahs quoted by jihaadists and Islamophobes will be discussed in the next session.

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

“An Ayah of the Quran for 30 Days” -- November 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 Plus Pages

The Main Story: Recommended Four Minus Pages

Footnotes: For the Perfectionist Three Pages

PRELUDE

THE AYAH

Surah An-Nisa No. 4, Ayah 89

A SHORT VERSION

“They wish you would disbelieve as they disbelieved so you would be alike. So do not take from among them allies until they emigrate for the cause of Allah . But if they turn away, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them and take not from among them any ally or helper.”

How do we understand and appreciate our Holy Book which speaks in Arabic, a language foreign to us and addressed and aimed at the bedouins of seventh century Arabia? Obviously there are problems and hurdles. To comprehend the Quran, it is fundamental to recognise and appreciate its origin, approach and style. It is not designed with a selection of topics, divided in chapters in a set sequence followed by a bibliography. On the other hand it is a collection of messages, principles, ideas, teachings, prescriptions and commandments given intermittently as and when needed through our Holy Prophet for the benefit of mankind from the Lord Creator and spread over twenty two years fourteen centuries ago. The recipients were the bedouins of Arabia of early seventh century addressed in a language comprehensible to them³

“We sent not a messenger except (to teach) in the language of his (own) people, in order to make (things) clear to them…….”

It was written down on barks and leaves of trees, bones and parchment as it arrived. After the demise of our Holy Prophet it was organized and arranged in sequence under the “guidance” of Allah Ta’aala. The reasons and meaning of this divine arranging and sequencing is not fully comprehensible to the limited human mind and intelligence as yet. For example the initial ayahs on hijaab are included in Surah Al-Ahzab No. 33 where as the later ayahs on this subject are found in the serially earlier Surah An-Nur No. 24. It is difficult to make sense out of this arrangement. While the entire Surah, big and small have their role and place in understanding HIS message, specially reciting them for pleasure and sawaab, it is the individual ayahs that are the units of knowledge and commandments; even parts of an ayah guide us thorough a whole situation. However there is a big and basic caveat against this practice of understanding our Deen ayah by ayah. There are many ayahs that demand reference to context — what has been said before and what follows after — to avoid major misinterpretations. For any matter of significance, it is also important to find other ayahs on the same subject to get a complete picture. Above all it is imperative to get the proper balance between Faith and Reason to stay on course and understand our Deen. Immediately after revealing to mankind about HIS creation, Allah Ta’aala announces in the very First Wahee that HE will continue to teach man with “the PEN” — which obviously stands for knowledge, reasoning, logic, innovation, creative thinking — what he does not know⁴

“…….Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous -Who taught by the pen -Taught man that which he knew not……”

Without an act of Faith you cannot enter the Deen; having entered, you will not be able to build on your Faith and anchor on to it without reason and thinking. Stay warned though, if you do not appreciate the limits of human reason at every step along the way, you may be jettisoned out of your Deen anytime. It is a very delicate trade off between Faith and Reason but paramount to be a true Momin as against only a Muslim — a distinction clearly made by God Almighty⁵

“The bedouins say, "We have believed." Say, "You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts…….”

The following Four instructions given to the believers in these ayahs about hypocrites are precise, just and upright:

That they are hypocrites and/or renegades is no problem for Muslims. Allah Ta’aala will deal with them. Leave them alone.
However, if they fight with you as enemies or traitors, fight them back with all the force at your disposal. History is very clear that there were only two camps in the small community of Arabia in those days: ours and theirs. Anybody who leaves your camp is going to join the opposite camp and fight you as traitors and enemies. In this context the controversial and rather unpalatable phrase “….. then seize them and slay them wherever ye find them…..” makes perfect sense. These are the orders of a Core Commander to his soldiers for an enemy who is bent on killing you. Earlier in the ayah we witnessed the Commander-in-Chief discussing and explaining the strategy to his High Command. These deliberations cannot and should not be extrapolated to peace time. Nor can they be used by any group justify their killings of humans — Muslims or non-Muslims.
If they join a group with treaty relations with you, leave them alone.
If they feel weak or reluctant to fight you or their own people and offer peace, leave them alone.

In the ayah under discussion, we are dealing with “a” if not “the” burning topic of the day for we Muslims. Islamic terrorism, Islamic militants etc. are the favorite words in all sorts of media all around the world. The smoldering fire of 9/11 has been rekindled by the three headed dragon of ISIS. This in no forum to discuss this issue. However it is relevant to our project because they quote parts of the Ayah of the Quran to justify their sinister activities. Our index ayah is one of them. Let us discuss some other ayahs used by these hooligans so that we are armed to clear our deen of this blot.⁸

“Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instil terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them. This because they contended against Allah and His Messenger: If any contend against Allah and His Messenger, Allah is strict in punishment.”

“……smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them……” How does the tone and language sound? Let us be frank; it does sound disturbing, if not horrible. A challenge to our Faith in our Holy Book. This is one of the ayahs quoted by the radical Muslims to justify their nefarious activities while it provides the “Islamophobes” with ammunition for their onslaught against our beautiful Deen. Incidentally none of the tafaasir that I have consulted have taken any note of the tone and language in this ayah. How do we explain this? What is the purpose of God Almighty in using a tone and language which does not seem to go well with the PPK Muslims of the twenty First Century. Let me point out that in many situations the Shane Nuzool of an ayah i.e. the background and the reason for the revelation of the ayah is imperative for proper interpretation. When was it revealed? Why was it revealed? To whom is it addressed? Does it have a general implication in time and place? Is it still relevant? Let us discuss this ayah in the light of these questions.

The events at Badr were a very severe test for the nascent Muslim community when the first ever physical confrontation between Kufr and Islam suddenly and unexpectedly turned into a battle. In the first place, they had not started this journey for a battle; hence they were ill prepared. They were taken by surprise. They were divided: to fight or not to fight. They were outnumbered and out gunned. The enemy had already secured a position of advantage. You can very well imagine the sentiments, morale and apprehensions of the three hundred and thirteen souls facing an enemy of one thousand strong on the battle field. Every one was concerned; grave anxiety was natural. Satan had started instigating some of the weak combatants. These two ayahs plus the one preceding⁹and the one following¹⁰ are addressed to these courageous stalwarts of early Islam (to whom we are indebted for our Faith) while they were bracing up for the encounter at Badr. Apart from soothing and tranquilizing them, reassuring them of Divine Help and encouraging them in these ayahs, God Almighty is also instructing them about the tactics of combat. As I have referred to earlier, these are the commands of the Core Commander to his soldiers prior to and during the battle. Be reminded that those were days of hand to hand combat. It is a far cry from the warfare in our times when near the end of World War Two a wounded and grounded General asks his Corporal who has just spotted the body of an enemy soldier whom the General had shot earlier “ have you ever killed a man face to face”. It conveyed such a remarkable message to me that I can still see and hear this dialogue from the movie “The Longest Day”. Just imagine: A General in World War Two took his first shot at enemy face to face at the fag end of war after fighting for five years. As against this, it is difficult for us even to conceive the ferocity and violence fighting opposite to one another on the battle field on those days. I am sure you must have also felt it as cruel and brutal and probably savage on seeing this type of warfare on the silver screen. Men running towards and attacking, cutting, maiming and killing other men with heavy swords, long spears and even an axe; all this with direct and personal confrontation. It gives me a creep even as I am describing it; unimaginable these days. But in those days this was the hallmark of a courageous and heroic man. A word or two about the strategy in such a warfare. Facing a full armor, the neck is a sure bet to attack. Secondly, one has to take good care of fingers and finger tips as they present a soft target to attack and hence targeted by both the parties. This strategy will not kill the enemy but will throw him out of the ring or at least make him very ineffective. With this background read “……smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them……” as one of the orders that the Muslim soldiers received on the battle field of Badr. I find it very appropriate and relevant. Do you? May Allah Ta’aala guide us to comprehend and bless us with the courage to live up to HIS commandments, Aameen.

A couple of ayahs favorite of the so called jihadists remain to be discussed.

TO BE CONTINUED

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

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

THE MAIN STORY

How do we understand and appreciate our Holy Book which speaks in Arabic, a language foreign to us and addressed and aimed at the bedouins of seventh century Arabia? Obviously there are problems and hurdles. To comprehend the Quran, it is fundamental to recognise and appreciate its origin, approach and style. It is not a book in the literal sense of “A set of written, printed, or blank pages fastened along one side and encased between protective covers.” It is not designed with a selection of topics, divided in chapters in a set sequence followed by a bibliography. On the other hand it is a collection of messages, principles, ideas, teachings, prescriptions and commandments given intermittently as and when needed through our Holy Prophet for the benefit of mankind from the Lord Creator and spread over twenty two years fourteen centuries ago. The recipients were the bedouins of Arabia of early seventh century addressed in a language comprehensible to them³

“We sent not a messenger except (to teach) in the language of his (own) people, in order to make (things) clear to them…….”

“…….Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous -Who taught by the pen -Taught man that which he knew not……”

Without an act of Faith you cannot enter the Deen; having entered, you will not be able to build your Faith and and anchor on to it without reason and thinking. Stay warned though, if you do not appreciate the limits of human reason at every step along the way, you may be jettisoned out of your Deen anytime. It

is a very delicate trade off between Faith and Reason but paramount to be a true Momin as against only a Muslim — a distinction clearly made by God Almighty⁵

“The bedouins say, "We have believed." Say, "You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts…….”

Let us study the index ayah in the light of what we just discussed. It declares in part “……… But if they turn away (or turn back or turn renegade) , then seize them and kill them wherever you find them…….” The tone and language sound severe and frightening in the atmosphere of twenty first century. This is one of the the segments of Quranic Ayah used by Al-Qaeeda and ISIS to justify their killings. Also, this is the segment used as a basis to denigrate Islam as violent and vicious in some areas of the non-Muslim world. I must admit that I was also taken aback by the language and tone of this command. I am sure, I am not alone here. But, Al-Hamdo Lil-Allah my immediate internal response was to invoke my Lord Creator “Oh, Allah help me to understand and appreciate your message.” And HE surely did. This ayah is to be read along with the one preceding and two following to get the correct message and instructions. And this what Mufti Mohammed Shafi has done. In his renowned tafseer Ma’aariful Quran, he has adopted a unique style. He does not go ayah by ayah. He has divided any given Surah into groups of ayah with a common theme and message and then discusses them together. It is interesting to note that he has grouped these four ayahs together and discussed them as one unit. The ayah that precedes the index ayah reads⁶

“What is [the matter] with you [that you are] two groups concerning the hypocrites, while Allah has made them fall back [into error and disbelief] for what they earned. Do you wish to guide those whom Allah has sent astray? And he whom Allah sends astray - never will you find for him a way [of guidance].”

This ayah clarifies that “they” and “them” in the index ayah is referring to the Munaafekeen — the Hypocrites. Muslims were divided on the best way to deal with the hypocrites. They are given here some advise in this matter.

The two ayahs following the index ayah explain and elaborate on the apparently cruel and inhuman — to us, the thinking and knowledgable adults of the twenty first century — directive of the index ayah. First⁷

”Except for those who take refuge with a people between yourselves and whom is a treaty or those who come to you, their hearts strained at [the prospect of] fighting you or fighting their own people. And if Allah had willed, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you. So if they remove themselves from you and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah has not made for you a cause [for fighting] against them”

and second,

“You will find others who wish to obtain security from you and [to] obtain security from their people. Every time they are returned to [the influence of] disbelief, they fall back into it. So if they do not withdraw from you or offer you peace or restrain their hands, then seize them and kill them wherever you overtake them. And those - We have made for you against them a clear authorization.”

The following Four instructions given to the believers in these ayahs about hypocrites are precise, just and upright:

That they are hypocrites and/or renegades is no problem for Muslims. Allah Ta’aala will deal with them. Leave them alone.
However, if they fight with you as enemies or traitors, fight them back with all the force at your disposal. History is very clear that there were only two camps in the small community of Arabia in those days: ours and theirs. Anybody who leaves your camp is going to join the opposite camp and fight you as traitors and enemies. In this context the controversial and rather unpalatable phrase “….. then seize them and slay them wherever ye find them…..” makes perfect sense. These are the orders of a Core Commander to his soldiers for an enemy who is bent on killing you. Earlier in the ayah we witnessed the Commander-in-Chief discussing and explaining the strategy to his High Command. These deliberations cannot and should not be extrapolated to peace time. Nor can they be used by any group justify their killings of humans — Muslims or non-Muslims.
If they join a group with treaty relations with you, leave them alone.
If they feel weak or reluctant to fight you or their own people and offer peace, leave them alone.

Incidently, there is a very different but significant point raised in the interpretation of part of this ayah by some scholars. The phrase “……. until they emigrate for the cause of Allah…..” is obviously referring to the famous “Hijrah ” of our Holy Prophet and the Sahaabaa. This was mandatory on Muslims at that time. It was regarded as wrong not to migrate from Makkah to Medina despite having the wherewithal. This rule was rescinded after the victory in Makkah in the eight year AH. But there is additionally a wider moral and ethical meaning to Hijrah as explained by Dr. Mohammed Asad : “The term hijrah (lit., "exodus"), derived from the verb hajara ("he migrated"), is used in the Qur'an in two senses: one of them is historical, denoting the exodus of the Prophet and his Companions from Mecca to Medina, while the other has a moral connotation - namely, man's "exodus" from evil towards God - and does not necessarily imply the leaving of one's homeland in the physical sense. While the physical exodus from Mecca to Medina ceased to be obligatory for the believers after the conquest of Mecca, the spiritual exodus from the domain of evil to that of righteousness continues to be a fundamental demand of Islam.”

In the ayah under discussion, we are dealing with “a” if not “the” burning topic of the day for we Muslims. Islamic terrorism, Islamic militants, radical Islam, Islamist, jihaadists extremists etc. are the favorite words in all sorts of media all around the world. Killings, street and suicide bombings. beheadings, mayhem and carnage in parks, hotels, mosques and churches are common place. The noise and clutter of 9/11 was gradually fading away when we were jolted by another earthquake by the three headed dragon of ISIS: more ambitious, sadist and barbaric, strong and smart and savvy and temporarily happy and successful.

Terrorism is an age old Global problem practiced by different religious and ethnic communities in different regions, at different times and for different reasons. There are therefore, many facets and angles to this deadly phenomenon but one aspect shines out over the others namely: The present bout of global “jihaad” is executed mainly by Muslims, killing mainly Muslims and perpetrated in the name of Islam. The thugs/soldiers of “Caliph” Abu Bakr Baghdadi are on a rampage dressed in black, hiding behind black masks like dacoits and brigands, desecrating our sacrosanct Kalma on their black flag and glorifying and videotaping their callouss cold-blooded beheadings of innocent unarmed folks — Muslims, Christians, Yazidis, aid workers, journalists — while violating our passionate and heart warming religious slogan of Allah-0-Akbar (God is Great). Very tragic. This in no forum to discuss this issue. However it is relevant to our project because they quote parts of the Ayah of the Quran to justify their sinister activities. Our index ayah is one of them. Let us discuss some other ayahs used by these hooligans so that we are armed to clear our deen of this blot.⁸

“[Remember] when He overwhelmed you with drowsiness [giving] security from Him and sent down upon you from the sky, rain by which to purify you and remove from you the evil [suggestions] of Satan and to make steadfast your hearts and plant firmly thereby your feet.”

and the one following¹⁰

"That [is yours], so taste it." And indeed for the disbelievers is the punishment of the Fire.”

are addressed to these courageous stalwarts of early Islam (to whom we are indebted for our Faith) while they were bracing up for the encounter at Badr. Apart from soothing and tranquilizing them, reassuring them of Divine Help and encouraging them in these ayahs, God Almighty is also instructing them about the tactics of combat. As I have referred to earlier, these are the commands of the Core Commander to his soldiers prior to and during the battle. Be reminded that those were days of hand to hand combat. It is a far cry from the warfare in our times when near the end of World War Two a wounded and grounded General asks his Corporal who has just spotted the body of an enemy soldier whom the General had shot earlier “ have you ever killed a man face to face”. It conveyed such a remarkable message to me that I can still see and hear this dialogue from the movie “The Longest Day”. Just imagine: A General in World War Two took his first shot at enemy face to face at the fag end of war after fighting for five years. As against this, it is difficult for us even to conceive the ferocity and violence fighting opposite to one another on the battle field on those days. I am sure you must have also felt it as cruel and brutal and probably savage on seeing this type of warfare on the silver screen. Men running towards and attacking, cutting, maiming and killing other men with heavy swords, long spears and even an axe; all this with direct and personal confrontation. It gives me a creep even as I am describing it; unimaginable and barbaric these days. But in those days this was the hallmark of a courageous and heroic man. A word or two about the strategy in such a warfare. Facing a full armor, the neck was a sure bet to attack. Secondly, one had to take good care of fingers and finger tips as they presented a soft target to attack and hence were regularly targeted by both the parties. This strategy would not kill the enemy but throw him out of the ring or at least made him very ineffective. With this background read “……smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them……” as one of the orders that the Muslim soldiers received on the battle field of Badr. I find it very appropriate and relevant. Do you? May Allah Ta’aala guide us to comprehend and bless us with the courage to live up to HIS commandments, Aameen.

In parenthesis, a very important principle and practice of Fiqh, Islamic Law was demonstrated hear which unfortunately remains an enigma to majority of Muslims. Once it was decided that Muslims will stay at Badr and fight the Infidels, our Holy Prophet selected a spot for the Muslim army to camp. One of the Sahaabaa Hubab ibn al-Mundhir who knew this territory very well thought that this spot was inappropriate strategically. Note what he does. He asks the Holy Prophet whether his decision was based on a Divine directive or was it his personal opinion? On learning that it was the latter, he suggested an alternative spot for camping, explaining the reasons for this. The noble Prophet accepted his advise and gave his orders accordingly. There are numerous other occasions wherein the sahaabaa drew a sharp line between Mohammed, the Prophet who has to be obeyed completely and whole heartedly without any say in it and Mohammed, the man, albeit the finest, greatest and unsurpassed yet a human being who could be questioned and discussed with.

A couple of ayahs favorite of the so called jihadists remain to be discussed.

TO BE CONTINUED

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

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

FOOTNOTES