An Approach to Quran

Sometimes I feel similarly simply because of what has gone before us.

As Muslims we are well aware of the corruption of the people of the book.

Jews and Christians.

And yet if one were to question narration or authenticity or sincerity it is similar to blasphemy from there viewpoint.

So the introduction of volume after volume of authentic practices can clear or muddy the water.

I have no knowledge of which.

Imo, there is much leeway as long as basic tenets are followed.

The inclusion of sabiens amongst the people of the book is where I get the idea.

But in the end its not the law that you should worry about..

It's the application of law that defines us as a people or religious denomination.

The difference between having the book and actually being acknowledged to be part of it.

It's just an idea lol, have no idea how it actually plays out.

...and to be fair, I'd settle for a nice car.

format_quote Originally Posted by umairlooms

I have been wondering about an approach to Quran that I believe truly ensures that Islam is for the whole world and for all times.

The very revelation and preservation of the Qur'an, has already ensured that it is. Allah already took care of that over 1400 years ago. Since it's inception, Islam has been, is, and always will be, for the whole world and all times.

format_quote Originally Posted by umairlooms

First of all is my conviction that it is possible that many hadiths, even sahih might actually not be true. Allah hu Alim, he knows best

There is no other literature/records of that era, that are so accurately preserved. No other man of that area, whose every detail of life, is known, through those records. No other source of law, so accurately preserved. While some ahadeeth may not be authentic, those declared saheeh, go through a rigorous checking process by the scholars. Each transmitters memory, character, other ahadeeth they transmitted, everything is looked at. So it is not for a lay person, to say that many saheeh ahadeeth may not be true when we don't even have one fraction of the knowledge to make such a supposition.

format_quote Originally Posted by umairlooms

Secondly, and more importantly, is my conviction that Quran and Islamic practices are the bare minimum that Human beings have to adhere to. We can go above and beyond eg when it comes to such things as human rights, or child care or slave rights.

Again, this is a misconception. We have to abide by the Qur'an, and sunnah of the Prophet , as recorded in the hadeeth, together. We cannot follow Qur'an only and disregard the hadeeth. The sunnah of the prophet , is not only his example, but also his commands, some of which are compulsory. Sunnah used in this sense is not in the sense fard (compulsory), sunnah (optional), but the source of law outside of the Qur'an, that Allah inspired to the Prophet , and is recorded in the hadeeth, that is compulsory for us to follow. The hadeeth is the source of law that goes together with the Qur'an. When we say laa ilaaha illallaah muhmammadun rasoolullah, that implies, by default, acceptance of the Allah's Qur'an and the Prophet's sunnah (as recorded in the hadeeth).

Many people are under the misperception that the hadeeth are just something written by men hundreds of years after the Prophets death and are not really relevant because they are not divine. People don't realise, that in matters of deen, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) didn't make up anything himself. He was taught by Allah. He didn't make up how to do hajj, or how much zakat to give, or how many units in each prayer or what to say. He was taught by Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He. Those teachings, which he taught us, to teach us our religion, are recorded in the hadeeth, and as we know, salaat, zakaat, hajj etc are compulsory (the latter two on those who have the means). If we don't perform them according to the rules, they are at risk of being completely invalid. Apart from that, the sunnah is a source of law in itself, with some commands given that aren't in the Qur'an but are equally compulsory. Rejection of the sunnah as unnecessary is tantamount to rejection of Allah's teachings given to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and strikes at the very roots and the very foundation of ones faith.

Without following the sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), we cannot follow Islam properly, and it is extremely dangerous.

To reiterate, the first pillar of Islam is bearing witness and accepting and believing, wholeheartedly, that there is no God and none worthy of worship except Allah, and the Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. The messengers are sent by Allah, to show people how to put into practice the law and guidance that has been sent by Allah, and also, to give commands, issue regulations, and be a source of law, as taught to them by Allah. When a person takes or believes in the shahaadah, by default you have to accept what comes with that. If you claim to accept the messenger as the messenger Allah sent for you, but you are not going to follow what he said and commanded, then the question arises, how much of an acceptance is that?

The Qur'an itself tells us in numerous verses, that we must obey the Prophet , which be default means that we must follow the sunnah, as his commands came through that and are recorded in the hadeeth.

This concept of not following the sunnah, and following "only the Qur'an", strikes at the very roots, and the very foundations, of one's Islam and one's imaan, in a way that can completely nullify both.

It feels like you downplay the importance of the Quran..

And ultimately overlook the method by which most "laymen" come to hadith..

By word of mouth.

A person has to set solid foundations to build upon and cutting ones nose to spite his face is an age old tactic.

If you set a line to oppose the Quran only Muslims, then you can't really overtake.

Imo. And I'm probably wrong..

But the official line irks me lol

Better go watch some kung fu panda.

Reading this thread again, it brings to mind something I discover every time I read the life of our prophet saw. Only, I didn't quite realise it..

When I read of his struggles, it sets the tone in my being about how he approaches things, his intention with every action that in a way, guides me on to the path without actually having to refer to the Quran or the hadiths.

Now, what I'm NOT saying is that we can do away with Quran and hadeeth and just read the life and times of our prophet, what I AM saying is that so much emphasis is put on the Quran and the hadeeth that we forget to learn the human side of the deen, and his life story illustrates it perfectly. I dare to admit that it has given me a great lesson in humility and humbling oneself. I'm sure others will pick up other traits..if you have read..