Taking scripture literally

[kkawohl1]

I am not learned, but yes, some of them have historical context to them. I remember them as verses revealed during battles.

Since terrorist leaders use the above Qur'an verses to hi-jack this religion in order to further their own needs and desires rather than seeing them in a historical context, should the Qur'an then be interpreted literally or should it be used for historical referencing?

 

[ardianto]

While I am interested in what some of the more learned members here have to say about these verses, I have a feeling that in some of these verses were written in a specific historical context. This is certainly something that I plan on studying in detail before making any conclusive statements.

There are "asbabun nuzul" (cause of revelation) behind many verses. It's related to specific event that happened in that time.

 

[h-n]

Since terrorist leaders use the above Qur'an verses to hi-jack this religion in order to further their own needs and desires rather than seeing them in a historical context, should the Qur'an then be interpreted literally or should it be used for historical referencing?

You say that you believe in God, but then go on to say that you don't think he created the world in a short space of time, you say that its up to people how they wish to live and do well and that God has nothing to do with this journey. You say you become part of God-which is abhorrent to us. You say that the Prophets made up religion and so that is why we are wrong. Then you say that its up to us to live in harmony without discrimination.

You make broad statements of being good, when this includes in Islam to forbid evil and to enjoin what is good so we believe-

-in the death penalty for murder (do you disagree with this??)
-we believe in being good is not being lewd, which is to dress modestly and to not have sex outside of marriage
-to be good is to worship God and to thank him for everything


God is All Powerful, and he has created us, as he SPECIFICALLY CREATED US, he also wanted us to do well in our limited existence which we need God's help to get our food, to have our home, to overcome illnesses if we can.

God has chosen Prophets where he has given direct message to them, so the following examples are treated as fact;-

- Prophet Noah peace be upon him came and told people to worship God, remember the Day of Judgement, Paradise and Hell -this same message was given to all the Prophets up and till the last one-Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. This is the message of God.

- The events of the plagues of Egypt, the flood at the time of Prophet Noah peace be upon him, the death of the homosexuals at the time of Prophet Lut peace be upon him are ALL factual events.

You are not better then the Prophets Noah, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad peace be upon them that we would ever listen to you over them.

You say that religion needs to change with the times-in what way?? When life is the same, people sleep, eat, have children, have illnesses and die, regardless of what people do. I'm not always on forums, but the answer is there, it is a fact that the Prophets are messengers of God, and that God has ie Archangel Gabriel bowing down to him in worship, where even Archangel Gabriel isn't a part of God-so who the hell are you to say such a thing.

The verses about war in the Quran is about fighting against those those who fight the Muslims and who prevent Muslims from practising their religion. So if you wish to discuss those versee-then you should quote the events surrounding them instead of claiming that your speaking from an intellectual standpoint-where your picking and choosing.

As we are coming to the Major signs of the Day of Judgement, where Prophet Jesus peace be upon him is returning, as God is bringing him back into this world-this is also a factual event that every Muslim believes in as we would never take someone, who may even be having sex outside of marriage, accepting homosexuality splashing about in pools with barely dressed females/males. So instead of waffling on, need to give examples on how you live your life-were we have the examples of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and his companions.

 

[greenhill]

Kkawohl1,

Can't do the quote thing in the mobile device..

The Quran is not just that. It has plenty of elements in there scattered about all over the book. It has guidance, it has warnings, prayers (dua), it has praises (tasbih), statements (can be science or signs), advice, guidance, history (not his - story but Allah's story) and more.

So really, we can't bundle the Quran to being just a specific thing but a general guide to life.

eace:

 

[greenhill]

Eshai,

That is why we need to study it. Not on our own but with various teachers.

What makes it difficult is that it is very concise and no word is superfluous and written to such a high standard (not possible by man) it would not be a stroll in the park to fully digest it.

It starts to make more sense the more it is read. Like any book, if it is not read properly, it too would be confusing.

Add to the fact that there are people who read it with a fixed perspective and when they come across statements that goes contrary, confusion results. Worse still, rather than to seek clarification in the proper place, they inject these so called 'findings' into their casual conversation with people who are not in the know.

eace:

 

[ardianto]

deleted post

Not the Qur'an itself which is confusing me, but behavior of some Muslims that interpret qur'an according to their own way, for the sake of their own.

I always realize that Qur'an is a holy book that contain metaphorical words, not math book that should be read always literally. That's why I never confused.

 

[kkawohl1]

I believe that the Holy Books serve as a guide and the Holy Spirit fills out the rest and reveals what is relevant.