We need scholars for the intepretation of certain ahadith and surahs since these have been translated into English and have therefore lost their full meaning.

An important thing to note is this: the Quran was revealed in Arabic simply because Arabic was the only language that was powerful enough for the Quranic verses. Proof of this: look at the english translation - see how easy it is to get confused or point out ''mistakes'', without a scholar/imam's interpretation.

Now read it in arabic - not only does it sound cooler (seriously, suratul Kafirun sounds easily 10 times better in arabic than it does in english) but the meaning of the words is indeed far more meaningful.

Another thing to note is that society's vernacular has changed considerably from 1400 years back - certain words are phrased or interpreted far differently from way back when in addition to certain customs. Another reason for ''mistakes'' found in the Quran.

Indeed there are differences amongst muslims - minor cracks throughout. This is simply because as muslims we are not doing our job properly, we are not following Islam as it should be. This is not the fault of Islam, the Quran, the Prophets [peace be upon them] or Allah - it is the fault of muslims on the whole.

As for the comment about opinions; different situations will require different methods of dealing with them ergo different opinions.