This is so beautifully true I am moved to share.
CHAPTER V.
THE FOOL.
60. Long is the night to him who is awake; long is a mile to him who is tired; long is life to the foolish who do not know the true law.
61. If a traveller does not meet with one who is his better, or his equal, let him firmly keep to his solitary journey; there is no companionship with a fool.
62. 'These sons belong to me, and this wealth belongs to me,' with such thoughts a fool is tormented. He himself does not belong to himself; how much less sons and wealth?
63. The fool who knows his foolishness, is wise at least so far. But a fool who thinks himself wise, he is called a fool indeed.
64. If a fool be associated with a wise man even all his life, he will perceive the truth as little as a spoon perceives the taste of soup.
65. If an intelligent man be associated for one minute only with a wise man, he will soon perceive the truth, as the tongue perceives the taste of soup.
66. Fools of little understanding have themselves
[Taken from Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 10: The Dhammapada and Sutta Nipata, by Max Müller and Max Fausböll, [1881], at sacred-texts.com ]
Peace !
Next: The above verses compared with the Quran.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
My Quranic Understanding: NO PRIESTHOOD IN ISLAM
1. The Quran does not in any way condone nor allow the establishment of priesthood in the lives of human beings. Relationship between the Creator and human beings is personal and non-delegable. We have a direct relationship with God without any intercessors. The non-delegable nature of faith in God is clear from the following verse:
"And behold! you come to us bare and alone as We created you for the first time: you have left behind you all (the favours) which We bestowed on you: We see not with you your intercessors whom you thought to be partners in your affairs: so now all relations between you have been cut off, and your (pet) fancies have left you in the lurch!" (Quran: 6:94)
2. There will be no one to defend us before God for our deeds on earth as our deeds will be self-explanatory. Due to this, there as never been, probably until recent times, any semblance of priesthood in the “Islamic world”. Priesthood necessarily implies a group of persons dictating and formulating what the structure of beliefs should be and how it should be practiced. Any departure from such established and accepted “priestly” considerations and agreements are frowned upon as deviating from the “accepted norms of the religion”.
3. In other words, in the world of man, it is always probable that priests will invent a religion in the name of God. However, the Quran clearly states that no man can dictate back to God what God’s Way (religion) should be. (I have written elsewhere that Islam is not a religion but a Way of Life ordained by the creator)
“Say: "What! Will you instruct God about your religion? But God knows all that is in the heavens and on earth: He has full knowledge of all things”. (Quran: 49:16)
“What! have they partners (in godhead), who have established for them some religion without the permission of God? Had it not been for the Decree of Judgment, the matter would have been decided between them (at once). But verily the Wrong-doers will have a grievous Penalty”.(Quran 42:21)
4. The Quran is abundantly clear that God and God alone is to be served and he alone is the source of all knowledge. Hence, any “religious knowledge” about Islam must primarily be obtained directly from the Quran. Any other knowledge from any other sources, including the alleged reported Hadith of the Prophet must not contradict the Quran. Likewise, any fatawas (views) of acclaimed “Islamic scholars” also have to be verified with the teachings of the Quran regardless of how learned the scholar is claimed to be. This is important because non-verification of teachings from other sources with the teachings of the Quran may lead to the unpardonable sin of syirik. Syirik is tantamount to alluding partners to God. For example, we accept blindly the teaching of an Islamic scholar or anyone as the teaching of God - we are placing our trust solely in him rather than in God. He now has become our god or gods. If we follow our vain desires as opposed to God, our desire becomes our god - this is syirik.
“And most of them believe not in God without associating (other as partners) with Him” (Quran 12:106)
5. Priests, by whatever name they may be called, are human beings. As human beings, they are subjected to the usual human temptations of wealth, glory and power. Allah has warned mankind that many priests prey on people’s need for faith, ignorance, fear and hope simply to enrich and glorify themselves.
“O you who believe! there are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in Falsehood devour the substance of men and hinder (them) from the way of
God. And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of
God: announce unto them a most grievous penalty” (Quran: 9:34)
6. Most priests, doctors of religion and religious scholars have a tendency to promote themselves and hold themselves out to society as “men of God”, “the experts or the learned ones” and they invariably surround themselves with an aura of sanctity with diverse paraphernalia and language. These personas often mislead many unthinking people away from the path of God such that the word and opinions of these groups of persons are treated as godly. In time, they are treated as gods whose views cannot be opposed or challenged by others outside their circle.
“Have you not seen those who claim sanctity for themselves? No! – it is God who sanctifies whom He pleases. But never will they fail to receive justice in the least little thing”. (Quran 4: 49)
7. In the Quran, God has given the example of the Pharaoh who positioned himself as a god. None of the Egyptians are at liberty to have their own religious views other than that which is sanctioned or permitted by him.
“(Pharaoh) said: "Believe you in Him before I give you permission? Surely this must be your leader, who has taught you magic! be sure I will cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will have you crucified on trunks of palm-trees: so shall you know for certain, which of us can give the more severe and the more lasting punishment!" (Quran 20:71)
8. God has stated in the Quran, that you have persons, by whatever name they are called, who will sound like they are quoting from the book of God but in fact, they distort and corrupt the true meanings to suit their personal opinions. This can only be done by people with knowledge but have a desire to manipulate things for their benefit.
“There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues: (As they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and they say, "That is from God," but it is not from God: It is they who tell a lie against God, and (well) they know it!” (Quran 3:78)
“Behold! how they invent a lie against God! but that by itself is a manifest sin!” (Quran: 4:50)
9. Even though the institution of priesthood is not allowed in Islam, it is evident that informal priesthood has evolved in the “Islamic world” where you have sections of so-called people of knowledge who take upon themselves as the final and sole interpreter of God’s words. In Iran, this is very evident where various “ayatollahs” have taken very active roles in politics. This new culture of religious persons/priests taking partisan stands often tends to bring people away from the path of God. This is because, the priests, now armed with political powers are able to coerce weak people into adopting their ideologies in the name of God even though it far from God’s teachings.
10. One of the techniques of social and political persuasion used by priests to force their ideas onto the ordinary believers is by using the logic of majority or consensus. I humbly suggest that the argument of consensus and majority, however expedient it may be for administrative purposes, does not guarantee the truth nor is it relevant to the determination of a person’s true faith. A thousand lies agreed upon by a thousand people repeated a thousand times from generation to generation do not make it a truth. Once upon a time, the majority believed that the world was flat. Ideally, truth must be founded on facts and reason and must be consistent with the “natural laws”. True faith cannot be born from compulsion.
“Were you to follow the majority of those on earth, they will lead you away from the way of God. They follow nothing but conjecture: they do nothing but lie”. (Quran 6:116)
The Creator knows best.
Peace!
"And behold! you come to us bare and alone as We created you for the first time: you have left behind you all (the favours) which We bestowed on you: We see not with you your intercessors whom you thought to be partners in your affairs: so now all relations between you have been cut off, and your (pet) fancies have left you in the lurch!" (Quran: 6:94)
2. There will be no one to defend us before God for our deeds on earth as our deeds will be self-explanatory. Due to this, there as never been, probably until recent times, any semblance of priesthood in the “Islamic world”. Priesthood necessarily implies a group of persons dictating and formulating what the structure of beliefs should be and how it should be practiced. Any departure from such established and accepted “priestly” considerations and agreements are frowned upon as deviating from the “accepted norms of the religion”.
3. In other words, in the world of man, it is always probable that priests will invent a religion in the name of God. However, the Quran clearly states that no man can dictate back to God what God’s Way (religion) should be. (I have written elsewhere that Islam is not a religion but a Way of Life ordained by the creator)
“Say: "What! Will you instruct God about your religion? But God knows all that is in the heavens and on earth: He has full knowledge of all things”. (Quran: 49:16)
“What! have they partners (in godhead), who have established for them some religion without the permission of God? Had it not been for the Decree of Judgment, the matter would have been decided between them (at once). But verily the Wrong-doers will have a grievous Penalty”.(Quran 42:21)
4. The Quran is abundantly clear that God and God alone is to be served and he alone is the source of all knowledge. Hence, any “religious knowledge” about Islam must primarily be obtained directly from the Quran. Any other knowledge from any other sources, including the alleged reported Hadith of the Prophet must not contradict the Quran. Likewise, any fatawas (views) of acclaimed “Islamic scholars” also have to be verified with the teachings of the Quran regardless of how learned the scholar is claimed to be. This is important because non-verification of teachings from other sources with the teachings of the Quran may lead to the unpardonable sin of syirik. Syirik is tantamount to alluding partners to God. For example, we accept blindly the teaching of an Islamic scholar or anyone as the teaching of God - we are placing our trust solely in him rather than in God. He now has become our god or gods. If we follow our vain desires as opposed to God, our desire becomes our god - this is syirik.
“And most of them believe not in God without associating (other as partners) with Him” (Quran 12:106)
5. Priests, by whatever name they may be called, are human beings. As human beings, they are subjected to the usual human temptations of wealth, glory and power. Allah has warned mankind that many priests prey on people’s need for faith, ignorance, fear and hope simply to enrich and glorify themselves.
“O you who believe! there are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in Falsehood devour the substance of men and hinder (them) from the way of
God. And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of
God: announce unto them a most grievous penalty” (Quran: 9:34)
6. Most priests, doctors of religion and religious scholars have a tendency to promote themselves and hold themselves out to society as “men of God”, “the experts or the learned ones” and they invariably surround themselves with an aura of sanctity with diverse paraphernalia and language. These personas often mislead many unthinking people away from the path of God such that the word and opinions of these groups of persons are treated as godly. In time, they are treated as gods whose views cannot be opposed or challenged by others outside their circle.
“Have you not seen those who claim sanctity for themselves? No! – it is God who sanctifies whom He pleases. But never will they fail to receive justice in the least little thing”. (Quran 4: 49)
7. In the Quran, God has given the example of the Pharaoh who positioned himself as a god. None of the Egyptians are at liberty to have their own religious views other than that which is sanctioned or permitted by him.
“(Pharaoh) said: "Believe you in Him before I give you permission? Surely this must be your leader, who has taught you magic! be sure I will cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will have you crucified on trunks of palm-trees: so shall you know for certain, which of us can give the more severe and the more lasting punishment!" (Quran 20:71)
8. God has stated in the Quran, that you have persons, by whatever name they are called, who will sound like they are quoting from the book of God but in fact, they distort and corrupt the true meanings to suit their personal opinions. This can only be done by people with knowledge but have a desire to manipulate things for their benefit.
“There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues: (As they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and they say, "That is from God," but it is not from God: It is they who tell a lie against God, and (well) they know it!” (Quran 3:78)
“Behold! how they invent a lie against God! but that by itself is a manifest sin!” (Quran: 4:50)
9. Even though the institution of priesthood is not allowed in Islam, it is evident that informal priesthood has evolved in the “Islamic world” where you have sections of so-called people of knowledge who take upon themselves as the final and sole interpreter of God’s words. In Iran, this is very evident where various “ayatollahs” have taken very active roles in politics. This new culture of religious persons/priests taking partisan stands often tends to bring people away from the path of God. This is because, the priests, now armed with political powers are able to coerce weak people into adopting their ideologies in the name of God even though it far from God’s teachings.
10. One of the techniques of social and political persuasion used by priests to force their ideas onto the ordinary believers is by using the logic of majority or consensus. I humbly suggest that the argument of consensus and majority, however expedient it may be for administrative purposes, does not guarantee the truth nor is it relevant to the determination of a person’s true faith. A thousand lies agreed upon by a thousand people repeated a thousand times from generation to generation do not make it a truth. Once upon a time, the majority believed that the world was flat. Ideally, truth must be founded on facts and reason and must be consistent with the “natural laws”. True faith cannot be born from compulsion.
“Were you to follow the majority of those on earth, they will lead you away from the way of God. They follow nothing but conjecture: they do nothing but lie”. (Quran 6:116)
The Creator knows best.
Peace!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Islam's propagation of violence against non-Muslims - correcting a misconception
An interesting and informative article by Art Harun.
He writes: "Most of the non-Muslims' misconception about Islam being a religion which propagates violence against non-Muslims stems from several verses in the Quran which seem to suggest that Muslims should go all out to kill non-Muslims. And the killing of non-Muslims is considered as a "jihad".
You can read the rest of the article here: http://art-harun.blogspot.com/2009/09/islam-propagation-of-violence-against.html
Peace !
He writes: "Most of the non-Muslims' misconception about Islam being a religion which propagates violence against non-Muslims stems from several verses in the Quran which seem to suggest that Muslims should go all out to kill non-Muslims. And the killing of non-Muslims is considered as a "jihad".
You can read the rest of the article here: http://art-harun.blogspot.com/2009/09/islam-propagation-of-violence-against.html
Peace !
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Ad-Deen Approach of the Quran. – Part FIVE: DIALOGUES AND DISCUSSIONS
Fifthly, I find that the Quran encourages discussions and dialogues. Communication is one the many gifts that the Creator has given mankind. It is through communication that civilization may evolve and develop. There more communication skills we have (not to be confused with capitalistic marketing tools, which to me is shameless manipulation, mostly), the more effective the communication. The Quran teaches much communication etiquettes, attitudes and modes (I will not be specifically covering these topics here).
One such skill is speaking relevantly and not “beating about the bush” or engaging in “intellectual dishonesty”.
“O you who believe! Guard your duty to Allah, and speak words straight to the point;” (Quran: 33:70)
Communication is so vital to living such that constitutions around the world, including in Malaysia guarantees freedom of expression and speech. The Ad-Deen approach of the Quran will accept these guarantees with ease. It welcomes dialogues, discussions and debates.
“Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue/discuss with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Lord knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance”. (Quran: 16.125)
The religious approach, on the other hand will try to set various unreasonable limits on what can be discussed, who can discuss and so on. This is largely because the religious approach comes from a monopolistic mindset and those who restrain others from discussing the religion take upon themselves as the “protector of the religion” while forgetting that it is they who need protection from the Creator! Some are arrogant enough to shamelessly take on the claim of being experts. Hence, they self assert that only they can speak on “religious matters” to the exclusion even of those who profess to believe in that religion!
But the Quran clearly warns mankind of such people (see also Quran 4:49):
“There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life may dazzle you, and he calls God to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies (Quran: 2.204)
To me it is impossible to be an “expert” on the “Way of God”, as the Creator has said in the Quran that if all His words were to be recorded, even the entire ocean will be insufficient as ink for His words. It is impossible to be an expert on the Words of the Creator. For this reason, I consider myself as a student of the Quran till I die.
“Say: "If the ocean were ink (wherewith to write out) the words of my Lord, sooner would the ocean be exhausted than would the words of my Lord, even if we added another ocean like it, for its aid”. (Quran 18:109)
Hence, the Ad-Deen approach allows for discussions, mutual learning and dialogues with those who are willing. In fact, it is common sense that discussions are not possible with a person who takes a stand he is the “all-knower” or has a condescending attitude. It is for this reason that in the “religious world”, all we see is monologues and no dialogues. The preacher preaches and all say “amen”. There is no active participation, mutual learning and self accountability which are important in the Ad-Deen approach.
Sincere discussions and dialogues apart from being educational may allow for the best interpretation of something.
“Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best (meaning) in it: those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones endued with understanding”. (Quran: 39:18)
Obviously, in some discussions, some of the participants may try to be naughty and try to unfairly trap you in some of your arguments. The best approach may be to be patient and to simply focus on the subject-matter. For the true seeker (scientists, for example), it is never about winning. However, human nature may want to retaliate and on this the Quran advises as follows:
“And if you do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: But if you show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient”. (Quran:16.126)
Admittedly, some discussions may descend to very low levels with no regard for the subject matter being discussed. In such instances, frustration and even anger may mount. If the situation becomes very tense, possibly the advice below from the Quran may assist:
“When you see men engaged in vain discourse about Our signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes you forget, then after recollection, sit not in the company of those who do wrong”.(Quran: 6:68)
Discussions and dialogues are never the place to trade insults. The important thing should be the invitation to the journey of seeking the truth and to do good works.
“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)
“Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to God, works righteousness, and says, "I am of those who bow in Islam/submission"? (Quran 41:33)
Peace !
One such skill is speaking relevantly and not “beating about the bush” or engaging in “intellectual dishonesty”.
“O you who believe! Guard your duty to Allah, and speak words straight to the point;” (Quran: 33:70)
Communication is so vital to living such that constitutions around the world, including in Malaysia guarantees freedom of expression and speech. The Ad-Deen approach of the Quran will accept these guarantees with ease. It welcomes dialogues, discussions and debates.
“Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue/discuss with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Lord knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance”. (Quran: 16.125)
The religious approach, on the other hand will try to set various unreasonable limits on what can be discussed, who can discuss and so on. This is largely because the religious approach comes from a monopolistic mindset and those who restrain others from discussing the religion take upon themselves as the “protector of the religion” while forgetting that it is they who need protection from the Creator! Some are arrogant enough to shamelessly take on the claim of being experts. Hence, they self assert that only they can speak on “religious matters” to the exclusion even of those who profess to believe in that religion!
But the Quran clearly warns mankind of such people (see also Quran 4:49):
“There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life may dazzle you, and he calls God to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies (Quran: 2.204)
To me it is impossible to be an “expert” on the “Way of God”, as the Creator has said in the Quran that if all His words were to be recorded, even the entire ocean will be insufficient as ink for His words. It is impossible to be an expert on the Words of the Creator. For this reason, I consider myself as a student of the Quran till I die.
“Say: "If the ocean were ink (wherewith to write out) the words of my Lord, sooner would the ocean be exhausted than would the words of my Lord, even if we added another ocean like it, for its aid”. (Quran 18:109)
Hence, the Ad-Deen approach allows for discussions, mutual learning and dialogues with those who are willing. In fact, it is common sense that discussions are not possible with a person who takes a stand he is the “all-knower” or has a condescending attitude. It is for this reason that in the “religious world”, all we see is monologues and no dialogues. The preacher preaches and all say “amen”. There is no active participation, mutual learning and self accountability which are important in the Ad-Deen approach.
Sincere discussions and dialogues apart from being educational may allow for the best interpretation of something.
“Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best (meaning) in it: those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones endued with understanding”. (Quran: 39:18)
Obviously, in some discussions, some of the participants may try to be naughty and try to unfairly trap you in some of your arguments. The best approach may be to be patient and to simply focus on the subject-matter. For the true seeker (scientists, for example), it is never about winning. However, human nature may want to retaliate and on this the Quran advises as follows:
“And if you do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: But if you show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient”. (Quran:16.126)
Admittedly, some discussions may descend to very low levels with no regard for the subject matter being discussed. In such instances, frustration and even anger may mount. If the situation becomes very tense, possibly the advice below from the Quran may assist:
“When you see men engaged in vain discourse about Our signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes you forget, then after recollection, sit not in the company of those who do wrong”.(Quran: 6:68)
Discussions and dialogues are never the place to trade insults. The important thing should be the invitation to the journey of seeking the truth and to do good works.
“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)
“Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to God, works righteousness, and says, "I am of those who bow in Islam/submission"? (Quran 41:33)
Peace !
Monday, June 29, 2009
Ad-Deen Approach of the Quran. – Part Four: QURAN IS FOR ALL WHO ARE WILLING.
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 !
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 !
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
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