Fourthly, I do not find that the Quran teaches that the Quran cannot be read by a professed non-Muslim. I use the word “professed non-Muslim” for two reasons. Firstly, many people profess to be, for example, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Christian, etc but they never practice nor, sometimes even understand Islam, Buddhism or Christianity. Secondly, in the same vein, I have met people who profess to be a non-Muslim but I see that substantially and in substance, they are good Muslims because they are practicing the fundamental teachings of the Quran! Thirdly, I have also met people who profess to be Muslims but have no desire/interest to know what the Quran teaches them.
Surely, on Judgment Day, the Creator is not going to ask for your passport/IC to determine whether you have lived you life righteously. Superficialities and formalities will count for nothing. It is substance that will matter. (On earth, we busy ourselves with superficialities and futile, childish formalities in the name of procedure, management and protocol. Another form of divisive and inhibitive culture.)
On the other hand, I find that the Quran addresses almost all categories of people - the believers, the disbelievers, mankind in general, the rejecters, the hypocrites, the seeker, the doubter, the ignorant, the knowledgeable, the rich and the poor, everyone. The Ad-Deen approach will enable the acceptance of a non-Muslim reading the Quran or asking questions or even debating about it. If you do not inquire how do you know and learn?
“We have sent you as a bearer of glad news and a warner to the whole of mankind, but most people do not know.”. (Quran: 34:28)
“O people! surely the Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, therefore believe, (it shall be) good for you and If you disbelieve, then surely whatever is in the heavens and the earth is Allah's; and Allah is Knowing, Wise”.
“We have explained in detail in this Qur'an, for the benefit of mankind, every kind of similitude: but man is, in most things, contentious”. (Quran 18:54)
The religious approach on the other hand does not allow this. Only the professed Muslim can read the Quran. It puts some of the professed Muslims on the defensive and a proprietary mindset ie “the Quran is my property and you the professed non-Muslim have no business reading or talking about it”. The religious folks particularly want to have a monopoly over their religion especially if it gives them power, recognition, position or wealth. This is one of the reasons why you find that politicians tend to be religious, complete with the entire paraphernalia of religious qualifications, religious appearances, symbols and dressing.
These superficialities sell very well because the religious approach already would have brainwashed you not to question these folks. For those who read the Quran, this is not surprising at all as the Creator has already warned us about such tricks.
“Do you not see those who claim sanctity (purity) for themselves? Nay- Allah sanctifies (purifies) whom He pleases. But never will they fail to receive justice in the least little thing”. (Quran: 4:49)
Surely if the Quran is from the Creator it must be for all the created who want to read research or debate it? The Creator says that the Quran is a mercy for all mankind. Surely all mankind is entitled to this mercy from the Creator?
Peace !
Monday, June 29, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Ad-Deen Approach of the Quran. – Part Three: NO COMPULSION!
Thirdly, I do not find that the Quran teaches you to compel others to follow your way or belief against their wish. This is one of the more emphatic teachings of the Quran that I respect and hold great admiration for – to you your way and to me, mine. The Quran acknowledges and allows for freedom of thought, conscience and faith. The Truth is clear and those who want to understand will. At the end of it all, it is the Creator that will judge between us.
“Say: "Our Lord will gather us together and will in the end decide the matter between us (and you) in truth and justice: and He is the one to decide, the One Who knows all”. (Quran: 34:26)
In the meantime, let us live or co-exist peacefully (slm) without causing mischief. This is the Islam that I understand from the Quran.
It is arrogance and oppressive to compel your religious views on others. Today we find many modern day self-acclaimed religious people and scholars attempting to behave as gods. They wish to compel on the self claim that they alone are qualified or have authority. This is a frightening and dangerous phenomenon because they want to be the sole source of how you think. To me, this has nothing to with Islam since the Quran teaches self accountability and freedom of faith. (To me also, those who delegate their minds and hearts to others are also not really serious about what they believe in).
Indoctrination and compulsion of ideas and ideologies have caused much enmity, misery and sufferings throughout human history. Families have been destroyed, human dignity trampled upon, lives have been lost. This is not Islam to me. Attempts at indoctrination and force have in many instances had an adverse effect in that it pushes people away from the very ideology or idea that are being propagated. The Creator has predicted this too:
“Revile not you those whom they call upon besides God, lest they out of spite revile God in their ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In the end will they return to their Lord, and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did”. (Quran: 6:108)
The Creator clearly asks those who wish to play god on earth by compelling other to believe in things against their wish this question:
“If it had been your Lord's will, they would all have believed,- all who are on earth! Will you then compel/force mankind, against their will, to believe?!” (Quran: 10:99)
And to those arrogant religious ones who insist on you following their views, the Quran teaches the following response:
“Ask you of them, which of them will stand surety (guarantee) for that!” (Quran 68:40)
Instead or compelling or threatening others into faith, the Creator proposes that we discuss with one another intelligently, wisely and with decorum. There is no need for aggressive outbursts. There is no need to get worked up if someone disagrees with your views – you are simply not his saviour. After all, it may be you that needs “saving” from mental delirium caused by over dosage of religion.
"Call them to the path of your Lord through wisdom and good advice and argue with them in the best manner. God knows well about those who stray from His path and those who seek guidance". (Quran 16:125)
The Ad-Deen approach is able to comprehend the realistic and psychological basis of the teachings of the Creator. It is impossible to force people to truly believe in something they do not. At the best, when you force people, they will become hypocritical.
The religious approach on the other hand cannot accept this position because, among other things, it will involve the views of the religious scholars and tribalism behaviour of some adherents. Religious people generally have a proprietary attitude towards their religion and hence if someone does not share their belief, they take it as a personal attack on their belief. They cannot be at peace (slm) accepting that it is a difference of opinion. It also never dawns on them that they could be wrong.
The often used excuse to compel others to accept their view is that their view is the majority view. However, it is a fact that a lie repeated a thousand times transmitted through generations do not make it a truth and vice versa. On the issue of majority, this is what the Quran says:
“And if you obey most of those in the earth, they will lead you astray from Allah's way; they follow but conjecture and they only lie”. (Quran 6:116)
Today’s information technology has enabled those who are keen to do research on religion to do so quickly, easily and effectively. It is easy to browse through the Quran by using a simple search engine to find out what it has to say on various topics. The amount of open discussion and sharing of information on the internet has raised the knowledge of those who are interested. In this sense, the internet has actually threatened the monopoly of the religious scholars on matters relating to facts and truth - hence the greater insistence by some religious scholars and religionists on blind faith religion and compulsion.
“To every People have We appointed rites and ceremonies which they must follow: let them not then dispute with you on the matter, but you invite (them) to the Lord: for you are assuredly on the Right Way”. (Quran: 22:67)
And what do you do when they reject your call to come to the Way?
“But if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the clear Message”. (Quran 16:82)
PEACE !
“Say: "Our Lord will gather us together and will in the end decide the matter between us (and you) in truth and justice: and He is the one to decide, the One Who knows all”. (Quran: 34:26)
In the meantime, let us live or co-exist peacefully (slm) without causing mischief. This is the Islam that I understand from the Quran.
It is arrogance and oppressive to compel your religious views on others. Today we find many modern day self-acclaimed religious people and scholars attempting to behave as gods. They wish to compel on the self claim that they alone are qualified or have authority. This is a frightening and dangerous phenomenon because they want to be the sole source of how you think. To me, this has nothing to with Islam since the Quran teaches self accountability and freedom of faith. (To me also, those who delegate their minds and hearts to others are also not really serious about what they believe in).
Indoctrination and compulsion of ideas and ideologies have caused much enmity, misery and sufferings throughout human history. Families have been destroyed, human dignity trampled upon, lives have been lost. This is not Islam to me. Attempts at indoctrination and force have in many instances had an adverse effect in that it pushes people away from the very ideology or idea that are being propagated. The Creator has predicted this too:
“Revile not you those whom they call upon besides God, lest they out of spite revile God in their ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In the end will they return to their Lord, and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did”. (Quran: 6:108)
The Creator clearly asks those who wish to play god on earth by compelling other to believe in things against their wish this question:
“If it had been your Lord's will, they would all have believed,- all who are on earth! Will you then compel/force mankind, against their will, to believe?!” (Quran: 10:99)
And to those arrogant religious ones who insist on you following their views, the Quran teaches the following response:
“Ask you of them, which of them will stand surety (guarantee) for that!” (Quran 68:40)
Instead or compelling or threatening others into faith, the Creator proposes that we discuss with one another intelligently, wisely and with decorum. There is no need for aggressive outbursts. There is no need to get worked up if someone disagrees with your views – you are simply not his saviour. After all, it may be you that needs “saving” from mental delirium caused by over dosage of religion.
"Call them to the path of your Lord through wisdom and good advice and argue with them in the best manner. God knows well about those who stray from His path and those who seek guidance". (Quran 16:125)
The Ad-Deen approach is able to comprehend the realistic and psychological basis of the teachings of the Creator. It is impossible to force people to truly believe in something they do not. At the best, when you force people, they will become hypocritical.
The religious approach on the other hand cannot accept this position because, among other things, it will involve the views of the religious scholars and tribalism behaviour of some adherents. Religious people generally have a proprietary attitude towards their religion and hence if someone does not share their belief, they take it as a personal attack on their belief. They cannot be at peace (slm) accepting that it is a difference of opinion. It also never dawns on them that they could be wrong.
The often used excuse to compel others to accept their view is that their view is the majority view. However, it is a fact that a lie repeated a thousand times transmitted through generations do not make it a truth and vice versa. On the issue of majority, this is what the Quran says:
“And if you obey most of those in the earth, they will lead you astray from Allah's way; they follow but conjecture and they only lie”. (Quran 6:116)
Today’s information technology has enabled those who are keen to do research on religion to do so quickly, easily and effectively. It is easy to browse through the Quran by using a simple search engine to find out what it has to say on various topics. The amount of open discussion and sharing of information on the internet has raised the knowledge of those who are interested. In this sense, the internet has actually threatened the monopoly of the religious scholars on matters relating to facts and truth - hence the greater insistence by some religious scholars and religionists on blind faith religion and compulsion.
“To every People have We appointed rites and ceremonies which they must follow: let them not then dispute with you on the matter, but you invite (them) to the Lord: for you are assuredly on the Right Way”. (Quran: 22:67)
And what do you do when they reject your call to come to the Way?
“But if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the clear Message”. (Quran 16:82)
PEACE !
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Ad-Deen Approach of the Quran. – Part Two
Secondly, I do not find that the Quran ever taught blind faith. Somehow, this “faith” element” seemed to have been given a twist and “hype” it does not deserve in the objective search for knowledge and Truth by the religious folks. “Faith” has also been equated with blind belief, it seems. I must clarify that I am not suggesting that “faith” and “belief” do not have any role. It is the blind “faith” and “blind belief” that I am unable to accept. Contrary to what some religious folks say, I find that the Quran emphatically require the seeker to evaluate and query even that belief which is held by our parents and forefathers.
“When it is said to them: "Follow what God has revealed:" They say: "No! we shall follow the ways of our fathers." What! even though their fathers were void of wisdom and guidance? (Quran: 2.170) [see also verses: 5:104, 7:70, 11:87, 12:40, 21:53 and many more with the same message]
Obviously parents deserve respect and love for they are good people. However, let us not confuse “good people” with people with wisdom and knowledge. They, too, like most us, may be blind followers. For example, we do not follow the ways of our fathers by posting letters all the time, do we? We now use emails frequently. Religious approach makes us illogical. Deen approach allows us to use common sense and thinking. Another series of verses from the Quran that is relevant and interesting to consider are the following:
“No! they say: "We found our fathers following a certain path, and we do guide ourselves by their footsteps." (Quran: 43:022)
“Just in the same way, whenever We sent a warner/giver of notice before you to any people, the wealthy and arrogant ones among them said: "We found our fathers following a certain path, and we will certainly follow in their footsteps." (Quran 43:23)
“He (the giver of notice) said: "What! Even if I brought you better guidance than that which you found your fathers following?" They said: "For us, we deny that you are sent (on a mission at all)." (Quran 43:24)
It should now be obvious that sincere and intelligent inquiry is encouraged by the Quran strongly. In fact, the Quran goes on to say that on Judgment Day, we cannot blame our parents for our refusal to evaluate and think.
“In the event you should say: "Our fathers before us may have taken false gods, but we are merely (their) descendants after them: will you then destroy us because of the deeds of men who were futile?" (Quran 7:173)
The religious approach on the other hand requires a total, unquestioning acceptance coupled with the dubious notion of “fear of being sinful if questions are asked”. The religious approach negates the fact that one may already be misled by never understanding what one believes in.
On the contrary, I find the Quran explicit on the requirement of thinking, verification and evaluation of whatever you experience or hear in life. You are not expected to believe or accept anything without rational basis and or that which cannot be made sense of by using any or all the five senses plus the cognitive process. For instance, it is by using some of the five senses plus the cognitive process that I come to believe that “wind” exists even though I am unable to see it with my eyes. If you believe something without thinking or verification, you are likely to be fooled. This is Reality.
“And follow/accept not that of which you have no knowledge; for every act of hearing, or of seeing or of (feeling in) the heart will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning). (Quran: 17:36)
Even though I was “born into a Muslim family”, I like to think that it was the above verse (17:36) that actually sparked my journey to delve into the Quran seriously and eventually led me to accept the Quran as a practical guidance from the Creator.
Anyway, back to our discussion, for example, it does not matter if you blindly believe that a knife will not penetrate your body. It will if it is sharp enough. Once you know the characteristics of the knife and the human body, you will understand the physics of why the knife will penetrate your body. You may then believe it when someone else tells you to be careful with a knife. This “belief” is grounded on facts. The Ad-deen approach of the Quran is precisely that – get your facts right in life.
In the case of the person who deeply believe that knife will not penetrate normal skin, he will certainly think that he is right. We tend to get carried away with “religious fervor” due to the religious mentality. I have often seen people who have abdicated the thinking process being called “very religious”. Some of them are admired and that baffles me. Believing that you are right does not and will not make you right. The only way you can be right is if your belief is consonant or consistent with the facts.
I admit there are certain matters that require belief that may not be contemporarily comprehensible yet. For example, the belief that it is possible for someone in Malaysia to talk with and see another person in America. It is possible today with internet. However, this idea may be unimaginable just 30 years ago. My point is that the religious approach emphasizes on blind faith in substantial and fundamental matters of practical life. The Adeen approach on the other hand emphasizes substantially on reasoning, common sense, knowledge and REALITY. Less hype and more facts.
PEACE !
NEXT: Ad-Deen Approach of the Quran. – Part Three
“When it is said to them: "Follow what God has revealed:" They say: "No! we shall follow the ways of our fathers." What! even though their fathers were void of wisdom and guidance? (Quran: 2.170) [see also verses: 5:104, 7:70, 11:87, 12:40, 21:53 and many more with the same message]
Obviously parents deserve respect and love for they are good people. However, let us not confuse “good people” with people with wisdom and knowledge. They, too, like most us, may be blind followers. For example, we do not follow the ways of our fathers by posting letters all the time, do we? We now use emails frequently. Religious approach makes us illogical. Deen approach allows us to use common sense and thinking. Another series of verses from the Quran that is relevant and interesting to consider are the following:
“No! they say: "We found our fathers following a certain path, and we do guide ourselves by their footsteps." (Quran: 43:022)
“Just in the same way, whenever We sent a warner/giver of notice before you to any people, the wealthy and arrogant ones among them said: "We found our fathers following a certain path, and we will certainly follow in their footsteps." (Quran 43:23)
“He (the giver of notice) said: "What! Even if I brought you better guidance than that which you found your fathers following?" They said: "For us, we deny that you are sent (on a mission at all)." (Quran 43:24)
It should now be obvious that sincere and intelligent inquiry is encouraged by the Quran strongly. In fact, the Quran goes on to say that on Judgment Day, we cannot blame our parents for our refusal to evaluate and think.
“In the event you should say: "Our fathers before us may have taken false gods, but we are merely (their) descendants after them: will you then destroy us because of the deeds of men who were futile?" (Quran 7:173)
The religious approach on the other hand requires a total, unquestioning acceptance coupled with the dubious notion of “fear of being sinful if questions are asked”. The religious approach negates the fact that one may already be misled by never understanding what one believes in.
On the contrary, I find the Quran explicit on the requirement of thinking, verification and evaluation of whatever you experience or hear in life. You are not expected to believe or accept anything without rational basis and or that which cannot be made sense of by using any or all the five senses plus the cognitive process. For instance, it is by using some of the five senses plus the cognitive process that I come to believe that “wind” exists even though I am unable to see it with my eyes. If you believe something without thinking or verification, you are likely to be fooled. This is Reality.
“And follow/accept not that of which you have no knowledge; for every act of hearing, or of seeing or of (feeling in) the heart will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning). (Quran: 17:36)
Even though I was “born into a Muslim family”, I like to think that it was the above verse (17:36) that actually sparked my journey to delve into the Quran seriously and eventually led me to accept the Quran as a practical guidance from the Creator.
Anyway, back to our discussion, for example, it does not matter if you blindly believe that a knife will not penetrate your body. It will if it is sharp enough. Once you know the characteristics of the knife and the human body, you will understand the physics of why the knife will penetrate your body. You may then believe it when someone else tells you to be careful with a knife. This “belief” is grounded on facts. The Ad-deen approach of the Quran is precisely that – get your facts right in life.
In the case of the person who deeply believe that knife will not penetrate normal skin, he will certainly think that he is right. We tend to get carried away with “religious fervor” due to the religious mentality. I have often seen people who have abdicated the thinking process being called “very religious”. Some of them are admired and that baffles me. Believing that you are right does not and will not make you right. The only way you can be right is if your belief is consonant or consistent with the facts.
I admit there are certain matters that require belief that may not be contemporarily comprehensible yet. For example, the belief that it is possible for someone in Malaysia to talk with and see another person in America. It is possible today with internet. However, this idea may be unimaginable just 30 years ago. My point is that the religious approach emphasizes on blind faith in substantial and fundamental matters of practical life. The Adeen approach on the other hand emphasizes substantially on reasoning, common sense, knowledge and REALITY. Less hype and more facts.
PEACE !
NEXT: Ad-Deen Approach of the Quran. – Part Three
Monday, June 1, 2009
Ad-Deen Approach of the Quran. – Part One
CAUTION: This view is personally my understanding and NO ONE is expected or required to agree with it. Comments or contributions to further our understanding are welcomed. Since I will be referring to Quranic verses, I very strongly suggest that you double check with your own copy and do not accept my translation without verifying yourself. I am a learner and will never dare to call myself a scholar while I am alive.
Firstly, I find that the Quran contains practical guidance for practical living in line with Reality. It must be so if its claim to be from the Creator is true – the guidance must be applicable and relevant to the created and the environment in which the created is meant to live. For example, a car manual is useless if it is not relevant or applicable to the car. When my car air condition fails, I want to know how to repair it. No point in you telling me that I have to chant the car maker’s name for the air condition to work. Chanting “honda, honda, honda” will not make the honda move. It may relax me, but the car still will not move. The air condition works on a particular system as created and I need to know and understand that system. A good car manual must be able to provide that general information and guidance.
“This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear
God (muttaquun)” (Quran 2:2)
The word “muttaqun” has often been translated as “fear God” though there is no “God” mentioned in the verse. My preference is to translate the verse as follows:
“This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who are most dutiful and guard against evil (muttaquun)” (Quran 2:2)
I find that the Quran says it is a clear guidance BUT there are prerequisites/preconditions if this guidance is to be useful to you – you must be a person who is responsible and you must be a person who is guarding against evil (for example: you do not drive recklessly such that people’s lives are at stake. That is an evil thing to do). To me, this makes practical sense. You can only take the horse to the water; you cannot force it to drink. Nothing religious. The best car manual is useless in the hands of a person who does not have good reading attitudes or worse, one who does not take it seriously. Or worse, he does not really care about the condition of his car ie irresponsible car owner. Makes sense. Nothing religious. How do you guide a car owner who has decided to be irresponsible about his car on good car maintenance? Impossible!
What happens if you really do not understand about cars or air conditions? Simple. Ask people who know. Ask the mechanic. Consult them. Better still, consult a few mechanics. In life, that is what we do. Each mechanic may specialize in one area. No mechanic can claim to know all about all cars. Sometimes, we change mechanics. We consult each other; we have meetings, discussions, etc. This makes sense. Nothing religious.
“Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish solaa; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for sustenance” (Quran 42:38)
I think the guidance of mutual consultation is good advice, especially in matters that are complex or involves other people’s interest. Realistic. Nothing religious. Also, the verse above talks about spending from what we have for ourselves or to assist others. Makes sense too. Why in the world do you want to borrow to spend? Had I understood this guidance much earlier, I would not have taken credit cards!
This kind of approach to me is the Ad-deen or realistic or lifestyle or “way” approach to the Quran. The religious approach to the Quran will be something completely different and mind-boggling! Let me give you an example of what I mean by considering the following verse:
“Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied: They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith therein, - the loss is their own”.(Quran 2:121)
Interpreting this verse, the religious approach will emphasis on the recitation of the Arabic, the taking of the ablution before touching the Quran, the manner of sitting and such physical things. Form is given prominence. The Ad-Deen or practical approach is to understand the following:
a) Reading something MUST include attempting to understand what is read – otherwise you are either a kid or a parrot or plain mad.
b) Since the verse says “read it/study it as it should be read/studied”, you have to refer back to the Quran to find out how it says it should be read. There are many guidance on this, for example, use your brain and think when you read. The Quran has convinced me (and this is common sense) that the Creator did not create brains merely for decoration.
The Ad-deen approach to the Quran places importance over substance. It emphasizes results in reality. If I read something in a language I understand, I benefit from the knowledge I gain. If I sing Hindi songs which I do not understand, I may enjoy myself but I do not get any knowledge. Apart from the emotional/psychological benefit of enjoying myself, I do not get any benefit of knowledge (ilm). Common sense. Nothing religious.
PEACE !
NEXT: Ad-Deen Approach of the Quran. – Part Two
Firstly, I find that the Quran contains practical guidance for practical living in line with Reality. It must be so if its claim to be from the Creator is true – the guidance must be applicable and relevant to the created and the environment in which the created is meant to live. For example, a car manual is useless if it is not relevant or applicable to the car. When my car air condition fails, I want to know how to repair it. No point in you telling me that I have to chant the car maker’s name for the air condition to work. Chanting “honda, honda, honda” will not make the honda move. It may relax me, but the car still will not move. The air condition works on a particular system as created and I need to know and understand that system. A good car manual must be able to provide that general information and guidance.
“This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear
God (muttaquun)” (Quran 2:2)
The word “muttaqun” has often been translated as “fear God” though there is no “God” mentioned in the verse. My preference is to translate the verse as follows:
“This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who are most dutiful and guard against evil (muttaquun)” (Quran 2:2)
I find that the Quran says it is a clear guidance BUT there are prerequisites/preconditions if this guidance is to be useful to you – you must be a person who is responsible and you must be a person who is guarding against evil (for example: you do not drive recklessly such that people’s lives are at stake. That is an evil thing to do). To me, this makes practical sense. You can only take the horse to the water; you cannot force it to drink. Nothing religious. The best car manual is useless in the hands of a person who does not have good reading attitudes or worse, one who does not take it seriously. Or worse, he does not really care about the condition of his car ie irresponsible car owner. Makes sense. Nothing religious. How do you guide a car owner who has decided to be irresponsible about his car on good car maintenance? Impossible!
What happens if you really do not understand about cars or air conditions? Simple. Ask people who know. Ask the mechanic. Consult them. Better still, consult a few mechanics. In life, that is what we do. Each mechanic may specialize in one area. No mechanic can claim to know all about all cars. Sometimes, we change mechanics. We consult each other; we have meetings, discussions, etc. This makes sense. Nothing religious.
“Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish solaa; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for sustenance” (Quran 42:38)
I think the guidance of mutual consultation is good advice, especially in matters that are complex or involves other people’s interest. Realistic. Nothing religious. Also, the verse above talks about spending from what we have for ourselves or to assist others. Makes sense too. Why in the world do you want to borrow to spend? Had I understood this guidance much earlier, I would not have taken credit cards!
This kind of approach to me is the Ad-deen or realistic or lifestyle or “way” approach to the Quran. The religious approach to the Quran will be something completely different and mind-boggling! Let me give you an example of what I mean by considering the following verse:
“Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied: They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith therein, - the loss is their own”.(Quran 2:121)
Interpreting this verse, the religious approach will emphasis on the recitation of the Arabic, the taking of the ablution before touching the Quran, the manner of sitting and such physical things. Form is given prominence. The Ad-Deen or practical approach is to understand the following:
a) Reading something MUST include attempting to understand what is read – otherwise you are either a kid or a parrot or plain mad.
b) Since the verse says “read it/study it as it should be read/studied”, you have to refer back to the Quran to find out how it says it should be read. There are many guidance on this, for example, use your brain and think when you read. The Quran has convinced me (and this is common sense) that the Creator did not create brains merely for decoration.
The Ad-deen approach to the Quran places importance over substance. It emphasizes results in reality. If I read something in a language I understand, I benefit from the knowledge I gain. If I sing Hindi songs which I do not understand, I may enjoy myself but I do not get any knowledge. Apart from the emotional/psychological benefit of enjoying myself, I do not get any benefit of knowledge (ilm). Common sense. Nothing religious.
PEACE !
NEXT: Ad-Deen Approach of the Quran. – Part Two
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Religion or Ad-Deen (“Way of Life”) – Part One
I am taking a great risk by sharing this view, in a sense. But I must stress that it is my personal view based on my own reflections, research and reading and I do not expect nor need anyone to accept this view. However, I do welcome criticisms or comments so that I may learn.
I reject “religions”. By religion, I mean generally a set of belief complete with its rituals, dogmas, and symbols.
Firstly, I find that they are based largely on superstitions and conjectures that have been transmitted from generation to generation. Each generation accepts what it has inherited unthinkingly. It is difficult to validate or prove superstitions or beliefs that are founded on conjectures – hence the insistence of “belief or faith” as opposed to reason. “This is my belief” is often the concluding remark of religious people who are unable to reason out the contents of their belief.
I find that religions are man-made. Due to the fact that religion is man-made, the later inheritors of the religion usually have to refer to the experts of the religion ie those who are well versed with it. It is usually impossible to discern the teachings of a particular religion with Reality because it often departs from Reality. For example, if I was to tell you that the sun-God mithra will be furious if you do not worship it, how can you validate this claim with Reality? Thus, you need the expert or clergy of the sun-god Mithra religion to explain, what “worship”, “furious” and even who this mithra back to you. If you belong to this Mithra religion, obviously, you will be at a loss to practice it without the help of their clergy. Common sense, intelligence and knowledge of facts/Reality will be insufficient to make you a religious Mithra worshipper. You need the clergy, the ‘knowledgeable people of the mithra religion”.
On the other hand, if I was to tell you that the plant will die if you do not constantly water it, you will be able to validate this yourself with reality. You do not need the botanist to explain this to you, though he will be able to explain it clearly by referring to further realistic experiments. All you need is common sense, intelligence and knowledge of botany. You can get all this from Reality. Whether you believe or disbelieve is irrelevant to the plant – it will die if you do not water it. This is Reality. This is Ad-deen.
Secondly, Religions also appear to be cultural in nature but seem to derive its authority and “higher status” from a claim of “divine source”. It is this claim of divine source that seems to blur the fact that it is actually cultural practices. Religious culture, if I may call it, is again at variance with the demands of Reality. For instance, if you are a Mithra worshipper, you may be required to chant certain prayers to him/her/it if say you have a new born baby as way of expressing gratitude. Logic and common sense will not be able to understand how this chanting will in any way affect the well being of the baby. Like wise it may defeat reasoning to figure out how this act of chanting equals expression of gratitude to the god.
On the other hand, making the best possible efforts for the well being of the baby would appear to be the common sensical approach inline with the Reality of the baby’s needs. This is Ad-deen or the “way of life which is consistent with the general laws of nature”. For example, feeding the baby with the proper baby food will have an impact on the baby while chanting “holy words” will not. If mere words can have an effect on the laws of nature, than it will seem that all we got to do to avoid floods is to chant the rain or the water away. Obviously that will not work. The way to avoid floods is to take realistic steps to avoid them in line with nature. Taking positive actions in line with Reality is Ad-deen. Chanting is religious.
Thirdly, religions are much occupied with symbols and rituals. Form to them is important rather than substance. To a Mithra worshipper, for example, it may be important that he constantly bows to the sun in the middle of the afternoon. He may be taught that the best form of worship is when the sun is high in the sky such that there is no shadow. So, to attain this “best form of worship”, he spends his entire life trying to achieve this.. He will also spend his life talking about it, the “virtues” of so doing, the “inner peace attained” and will also try to persuade his family, especially the children to follow suit. The fact that his quest to attain this worship does not positively contribute to the betterment of the world or those around him is irrelevant. To him, it is a religious duty that must be performed.
On the other hand, in life one must forever seek to control his own base desires, emotions and ability to think. If you allow negative traits, for example like greed, to control you, you may harm yourself and others. Thinking skills are very important in life to survive. You must cultivate the habit of gaining knowledge and evaluating what you see and hear so that you can grasp Reality. A proper understanding of Reality will allow you to live as effectively as possible. For example, it is from our understanding of physics and mathematics that we are able to improve the way we live. Understanding Realistic knowledge has a real effect on life. This is Ad-Deen. To me religious knowledge actually sedates one’s understanding of reality, sort of creating a “dream world”. When you do or think about things that are contrary to nature, then you are being zalim or “unjust” to yourself.
Fourthly, since Ad-Deen is grounded in Reality, there can be no real disputes. For example, no one will dispute that one need food and water to live. There is unity in Ad-Deen. Only a fool will say, for example, that you do not need transport to move from one place to another. On the other hand, religions, since they are man-made and founded on conjectures, invariably leads to disputes and disunity. Even the clerics will dispute among themselves. This is possibly the reason why you find that sectarianism is common among religions. Since common sense has no place, it is usual that emotional stances among the diverse sects results not only in disunity but enmity between them. This is due to the need to “uphold” religious beliefs.
Would you be angry if anyone disagrees with you that water is essential for living? Of course you wouldn’t because it is a fact grounded in Reality or Ad-Deen. On the other hand, a Mithra worshipper may get angry and call you a disbeliever if you tell him that standing constantly under the sun may cause skin cancer. IN the face of pure faith, reason does not have a role. Your act of reasoning with a religious person will be taken to mean that you are challenging his belief. To him, you are trying to burst his fragile bubble that he has carefully and painstakingly build around him.
PEACE !
Part Two: Ad-Deen Approach of the Quran.
I reject “religions”. By religion, I mean generally a set of belief complete with its rituals, dogmas, and symbols.
Firstly, I find that they are based largely on superstitions and conjectures that have been transmitted from generation to generation. Each generation accepts what it has inherited unthinkingly. It is difficult to validate or prove superstitions or beliefs that are founded on conjectures – hence the insistence of “belief or faith” as opposed to reason. “This is my belief” is often the concluding remark of religious people who are unable to reason out the contents of their belief.
I find that religions are man-made. Due to the fact that religion is man-made, the later inheritors of the religion usually have to refer to the experts of the religion ie those who are well versed with it. It is usually impossible to discern the teachings of a particular religion with Reality because it often departs from Reality. For example, if I was to tell you that the sun-God mithra will be furious if you do not worship it, how can you validate this claim with Reality? Thus, you need the expert or clergy of the sun-god Mithra religion to explain, what “worship”, “furious” and even who this mithra back to you. If you belong to this Mithra religion, obviously, you will be at a loss to practice it without the help of their clergy. Common sense, intelligence and knowledge of facts/Reality will be insufficient to make you a religious Mithra worshipper. You need the clergy, the ‘knowledgeable people of the mithra religion”.
On the other hand, if I was to tell you that the plant will die if you do not constantly water it, you will be able to validate this yourself with reality. You do not need the botanist to explain this to you, though he will be able to explain it clearly by referring to further realistic experiments. All you need is common sense, intelligence and knowledge of botany. You can get all this from Reality. Whether you believe or disbelieve is irrelevant to the plant – it will die if you do not water it. This is Reality. This is Ad-deen.
Secondly, Religions also appear to be cultural in nature but seem to derive its authority and “higher status” from a claim of “divine source”. It is this claim of divine source that seems to blur the fact that it is actually cultural practices. Religious culture, if I may call it, is again at variance with the demands of Reality. For instance, if you are a Mithra worshipper, you may be required to chant certain prayers to him/her/it if say you have a new born baby as way of expressing gratitude. Logic and common sense will not be able to understand how this chanting will in any way affect the well being of the baby. Like wise it may defeat reasoning to figure out how this act of chanting equals expression of gratitude to the god.
On the other hand, making the best possible efforts for the well being of the baby would appear to be the common sensical approach inline with the Reality of the baby’s needs. This is Ad-deen or the “way of life which is consistent with the general laws of nature”. For example, feeding the baby with the proper baby food will have an impact on the baby while chanting “holy words” will not. If mere words can have an effect on the laws of nature, than it will seem that all we got to do to avoid floods is to chant the rain or the water away. Obviously that will not work. The way to avoid floods is to take realistic steps to avoid them in line with nature. Taking positive actions in line with Reality is Ad-deen. Chanting is religious.
Thirdly, religions are much occupied with symbols and rituals. Form to them is important rather than substance. To a Mithra worshipper, for example, it may be important that he constantly bows to the sun in the middle of the afternoon. He may be taught that the best form of worship is when the sun is high in the sky such that there is no shadow. So, to attain this “best form of worship”, he spends his entire life trying to achieve this.. He will also spend his life talking about it, the “virtues” of so doing, the “inner peace attained” and will also try to persuade his family, especially the children to follow suit. The fact that his quest to attain this worship does not positively contribute to the betterment of the world or those around him is irrelevant. To him, it is a religious duty that must be performed.
On the other hand, in life one must forever seek to control his own base desires, emotions and ability to think. If you allow negative traits, for example like greed, to control you, you may harm yourself and others. Thinking skills are very important in life to survive. You must cultivate the habit of gaining knowledge and evaluating what you see and hear so that you can grasp Reality. A proper understanding of Reality will allow you to live as effectively as possible. For example, it is from our understanding of physics and mathematics that we are able to improve the way we live. Understanding Realistic knowledge has a real effect on life. This is Ad-Deen. To me religious knowledge actually sedates one’s understanding of reality, sort of creating a “dream world”. When you do or think about things that are contrary to nature, then you are being zalim or “unjust” to yourself.
Fourthly, since Ad-Deen is grounded in Reality, there can be no real disputes. For example, no one will dispute that one need food and water to live. There is unity in Ad-Deen. Only a fool will say, for example, that you do not need transport to move from one place to another. On the other hand, religions, since they are man-made and founded on conjectures, invariably leads to disputes and disunity. Even the clerics will dispute among themselves. This is possibly the reason why you find that sectarianism is common among religions. Since common sense has no place, it is usual that emotional stances among the diverse sects results not only in disunity but enmity between them. This is due to the need to “uphold” religious beliefs.
Would you be angry if anyone disagrees with you that water is essential for living? Of course you wouldn’t because it is a fact grounded in Reality or Ad-Deen. On the other hand, a Mithra worshipper may get angry and call you a disbeliever if you tell him that standing constantly under the sun may cause skin cancer. IN the face of pure faith, reason does not have a role. Your act of reasoning with a religious person will be taken to mean that you are challenging his belief. To him, you are trying to burst his fragile bubble that he has carefully and painstakingly build around him.
PEACE !
Part Two: Ad-Deen Approach of the Quran.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
IS YOUR BELIEF A PERSONALITY DISORDER?
It easy to say that you believe in God or a Supreme Being. It is more difficult to actually try to understand what you mean when you say that. What does it mean when you say that you believe in a Supreme Being? If you care to analyse yourself (honestly and objectively) you will find that we often go through life saying things to ourselves that we do not fully understand. These things we do not understand, we repeat to others and they in turn repeat to others.
Through this process, what was never understood becomes a "reality" held by many. Since it is held by many, it then becomes accepted as the "reality" or the "truth". It then becomes even more difficult to analyse the belief or thought objectively because subjective factors tend to block critical thinking. Example, the person who told you about "believing" is someone you love or your parents or your friends or someone you or society regard as "knowledgeable" or "good person". All these subjective factors may be formidable obstacles in the search for "truth" unless you are focused only on letting your research unfold itself - whatever the results.
The sentence 'I believe in God". Is it simply a sentence? Is it simply a "feeling"? Is it simply something that you feel "right to say" and uncomfortable if you do not say it? Do you know what it entails when you say that?
Let us say you strongly believe that drinking more than 2 pints of water will make you dizzy. Most probably, you may abstain from drinking that amount. But what does believe in God make you abstain from? And how did you come to believe that drinking that amount of water will make you dizzy? Was it a personal experience? Did you validate the experience though research, inquiry and thinking?
What if you believed that you are fat when actually you are thin and thus you abstain from food until you become bulimic? Doctors say this is a personality disorder. Such beliefs can cause damage to self and to others. Unvalidated beliefs may be dangerous.
What about your belief in a Supreme being? Does that cause personality disorder in you such that you lose all sense of rationality, and common sense? To answer this question, if you want to, you have to examine your belief - what is it founded on, what does it do to you, why you believe, how does that belief manifest in reality and so on.
Just sharing. What do you think?
PEACE .
Through this process, what was never understood becomes a "reality" held by many. Since it is held by many, it then becomes accepted as the "reality" or the "truth". It then becomes even more difficult to analyse the belief or thought objectively because subjective factors tend to block critical thinking. Example, the person who told you about "believing" is someone you love or your parents or your friends or someone you or society regard as "knowledgeable" or "good person". All these subjective factors may be formidable obstacles in the search for "truth" unless you are focused only on letting your research unfold itself - whatever the results.
The sentence 'I believe in God". Is it simply a sentence? Is it simply a "feeling"? Is it simply something that you feel "right to say" and uncomfortable if you do not say it? Do you know what it entails when you say that?
Let us say you strongly believe that drinking more than 2 pints of water will make you dizzy. Most probably, you may abstain from drinking that amount. But what does believe in God make you abstain from? And how did you come to believe that drinking that amount of water will make you dizzy? Was it a personal experience? Did you validate the experience though research, inquiry and thinking?
What if you believed that you are fat when actually you are thin and thus you abstain from food until you become bulimic? Doctors say this is a personality disorder. Such beliefs can cause damage to self and to others. Unvalidated beliefs may be dangerous.
What about your belief in a Supreme being? Does that cause personality disorder in you such that you lose all sense of rationality, and common sense? To answer this question, if you want to, you have to examine your belief - what is it founded on, what does it do to you, why you believe, how does that belief manifest in reality and so on.
Just sharing. What do you think?
PEACE .
Sunday, May 3, 2009
How did you become a Muslim?
I was completely shocked when a Muslim responded to me saying: “so what if I do not read the Quran? I am already doing all the essentials of Islam. So I really cannot understand why you are going on and on about me reading the Quran?”
[I also cannot understand why he, being a Muslim, was upset when all I did was to share with him the idea that the Quran should be read to understand its content]
ME: “But if you did not read the Quran, how did you become a Muslim?”
HIM: “You think that reading the Quran means you are a good Muslim?”
ME: “But if you did not read the Quran, how did you become a Muslim?”
HIM: “You didn’t answer my question!”
ME: “ Of course not necessarily. But if you did not read the Quran, how did you become a Muslim?”
HIM: “Well I like to think that I am an okay Muslim. I do all the essentials, I do not hurt others.
ME: “But if you did not read the Quran, how did you become a Muslim?”
HIM: “You do not understand at all. Just because you know the Quran, you think you are clever. What about those who do not know about the Quran?”
ME: “but YOU know about the Quran. You have read it without understanding when you were young. So, if you did not make an effort to understand the teachings of the Quran, how did you become a Muslim?”
HIM: (looking annoyed): “Don’t be stupid lah. Of course they taught us in the mengaji and agama classes. Cant you see I am doing the same thing as every other Muslims. Tak kan tak nampak? Why? Is there anything sesat that I am doing ka?”
ME: “That’s not the point. My point is and I sincerely want to understand … why do you not want to read the Quran to understand it”
HIM: “ Bila sampai seru, of course lah I will”.
ME: “Well, at least let me share some verses with you.”
HIM: “ Tak payah lah. We can just discuss generally without referring to the Quran. You ni, discus agama pun sikit sikit nak rujuk Quran. It is very distracting tau?”
ME: “How is it possible to discuss Islam without referring to the Quran bro? be reasonable”
HIM: “You are the one being unreasonable. Kan I told you, we discuss generally okay?”
ME: “Meaning what?”
HIM: “ Don’t pretend to be stupid lah. You are a lawyer. You know what I mean”.
ME (being sincerely baffled): “ No, I really do not know what ‘discussing generally means apart from the fact that it is clear we are not supposed to refer to the Quran”.
HIM: “ Bro. You are a very nice guy and I like you. I tengok bila discuss religion, you ni serious sangat”.
ME: “But bro, isn’t discussing truth and Allah’s verses a serious matter?.
HIM: “There you go again. All I was saying was that kita kena tingkatkan pengetahuan agama among the youth. You yang lari topic saying we must read the Quran lah, we must understand it lah. Of course. Siapa tak tau?”
ME: “Bro, sorry lah…you are 45 years old and you nak tunggu seru baru nak baca. How in the world are you going to motivate the young to understand Islam? What is this tunggu seru anyway?”
HIM: “You ni tak baik lah buat buat bodoh. Don’t lah play lawyer with me. Tak kan seru pun you tak tau?
ME: “ya lah bro, if we want to motivate the young, we must know the first basis of Islam that is the Quran. That’s what I have been meaning all through our chat tonight”.
HIM: “You are being difficult. Use common sense lah brother. Don’t we have the experts huh? Tak kan kita tak ada ustad, ulamak dan orang pengetahuan. Mereka lah yang perlu buat semua tu”.
ME: “If they are going to do it, why are you telling me this?”
HIM: “Sharing lah. Since you are so interested in Islam. I also feel much more should be done. Tengok lah pemuda pemudi Melayu, teruk sangat nilai dia orang. Simple as that”.
ME: “Your concern for them is good. But why do you forget about yourself?”.
HIM: “Mana ada I forget myself pula?”
ME: “Well, you are stopping me from referring to the Quran in our chat. And you say you want to tunggu seru, whatever that means. Anyway, how do you know what the experts are going to do is in line with the Quran if you do not understand it?”
HIM: “ Bro, malas lah nak discuss this topic with you. Tukar topic lah”.
Then he discussed current politics and after about 15 minutes of patience, I excused myself and went home.
SALAM.
P.S. Brother, if you do read this posting, know that I still love you as my friend.
[I also cannot understand why he, being a Muslim, was upset when all I did was to share with him the idea that the Quran should be read to understand its content]
ME: “But if you did not read the Quran, how did you become a Muslim?”
HIM: “You think that reading the Quran means you are a good Muslim?”
ME: “But if you did not read the Quran, how did you become a Muslim?”
HIM: “You didn’t answer my question!”
ME: “ Of course not necessarily. But if you did not read the Quran, how did you become a Muslim?”
HIM: “Well I like to think that I am an okay Muslim. I do all the essentials, I do not hurt others.
ME: “But if you did not read the Quran, how did you become a Muslim?”
HIM: “You do not understand at all. Just because you know the Quran, you think you are clever. What about those who do not know about the Quran?”
ME: “but YOU know about the Quran. You have read it without understanding when you were young. So, if you did not make an effort to understand the teachings of the Quran, how did you become a Muslim?”
HIM: (looking annoyed): “Don’t be stupid lah. Of course they taught us in the mengaji and agama classes. Cant you see I am doing the same thing as every other Muslims. Tak kan tak nampak? Why? Is there anything sesat that I am doing ka?”
ME: “That’s not the point. My point is and I sincerely want to understand … why do you not want to read the Quran to understand it”
HIM: “ Bila sampai seru, of course lah I will”.
ME: “Well, at least let me share some verses with you.”
HIM: “ Tak payah lah. We can just discuss generally without referring to the Quran. You ni, discus agama pun sikit sikit nak rujuk Quran. It is very distracting tau?”
ME: “How is it possible to discuss Islam without referring to the Quran bro? be reasonable”
HIM: “You are the one being unreasonable. Kan I told you, we discuss generally okay?”
ME: “Meaning what?”
HIM: “ Don’t pretend to be stupid lah. You are a lawyer. You know what I mean”.
ME (being sincerely baffled): “ No, I really do not know what ‘discussing generally means apart from the fact that it is clear we are not supposed to refer to the Quran”.
HIM: “ Bro. You are a very nice guy and I like you. I tengok bila discuss religion, you ni serious sangat”.
ME: “But bro, isn’t discussing truth and Allah’s verses a serious matter?.
HIM: “There you go again. All I was saying was that kita kena tingkatkan pengetahuan agama among the youth. You yang lari topic saying we must read the Quran lah, we must understand it lah. Of course. Siapa tak tau?”
ME: “Bro, sorry lah…you are 45 years old and you nak tunggu seru baru nak baca. How in the world are you going to motivate the young to understand Islam? What is this tunggu seru anyway?”
HIM: “You ni tak baik lah buat buat bodoh. Don’t lah play lawyer with me. Tak kan seru pun you tak tau?
ME: “ya lah bro, if we want to motivate the young, we must know the first basis of Islam that is the Quran. That’s what I have been meaning all through our chat tonight”.
HIM: “You are being difficult. Use common sense lah brother. Don’t we have the experts huh? Tak kan kita tak ada ustad, ulamak dan orang pengetahuan. Mereka lah yang perlu buat semua tu”.
ME: “If they are going to do it, why are you telling me this?”
HIM: “Sharing lah. Since you are so interested in Islam. I also feel much more should be done. Tengok lah pemuda pemudi Melayu, teruk sangat nilai dia orang. Simple as that”.
ME: “Your concern for them is good. But why do you forget about yourself?”.
HIM: “Mana ada I forget myself pula?”
ME: “Well, you are stopping me from referring to the Quran in our chat. And you say you want to tunggu seru, whatever that means. Anyway, how do you know what the experts are going to do is in line with the Quran if you do not understand it?”
HIM: “ Bro, malas lah nak discuss this topic with you. Tukar topic lah”.
Then he discussed current politics and after about 15 minutes of patience, I excused myself and went home.
SALAM.
P.S. Brother, if you do read this posting, know that I still love you as my friend.
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