Some thoughts about Islam and the Quran...
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Peace brothers and sisters
The last two years, while reading the Quran, I have experienced something amazing. For example I have read one verse, got and understanding from it, and when I have read the same another other time, got another understanding of it. Isn't it amazing? Can we read a short verse that is written by a human being, 10 times, and then get 10 different understandings of the same verse? No. Perhaps it is because man-made things are not universal and timeless. The message of the Quran however, seems to be transcendental and beyond language. So the Quran, is indeed a spiritual book. But how can a person read one verse in the Quran one time and get one understanding of it, and then read the same verse in the Quran another time, and get another understanding of it? Perhaps it is because a person's understanding of the Quran, is proportional to his/her knowledge, purity of heart (sincerity), and good deeds. The Quran teaches us that we should do that which is right, and stay away from that which is wrong. In my opinion staying away from that which is wrong, is as important as doing that which is right. And if someone do that which is right, and stay away from that which is wrong, a balance will emerge. When the Quran teaches us to uphold a law, it is not without a purpose. Some laws might be strange to some people, but all the laws of the Quran are there for a reason. And if a person doesn't uphold the laws of the Quran, he/she might break "hidden laws of nature" that he/she is not aware exists (because it can't be grasped by the 5 senses). There is more to life than what the eyes can see. Believe me. So if the Quran tells us to obey a law, it will be for our own benefit.
It seems that people in this forum have different approaches when it comes to learning about "Islam and the Quran". I am oriented towards the big picture, so I dislike focusing on too much detail. I tried to learn about the linguistics of the Quran, by learning about Classical arabic, but it was too tiresome for me. It was too much detail. I am not saying that I don't focus on details at all, but some branches of knowledge are more detail-oriented while other branches of knowledge are more big picture-oriented. And I like those branches of knowledge that are more big-picture oriented. I think a person can benefit more from his/her studies if he/she learn about those branches of knowledge, which is most compatible with his/her interests, abilities and focus preferences. We all have different interests, abilities, needs and focusing preferences when it comes to "Islam and the Quran". When it comes to islam, some people enjoy to study the history of islam, some people are more interested in science, some people like philosophy, some people like politics, and some people are interested in Linguistics. When it comes to islam, I am interested in the history of islam, social and political aspescts, and other things as well. I am not saying that I can not or will not learn about the linguistics of the Quran. But that is not what I mainly focus on. In my opinion, "Islamic reform", on a global scale, can only be possible if we do what we are best at.
Sometimes we think that since we see the world in a specific way, everyone else must see the world in the same way as us. And that everyone else must have the same interests, abilities, needs and focusing preferences as us. But that's wrong. People are different. People have different abilities, interests, needs and focus preferences. Not everyone can be a philosopher. Not everyone can be a psychologist. Not everyone can be a scientist. Not everyone can be a historian. Not everyone can be a politician. Not everyone can be a linguist. Those who like philosophy, should focus on that. Those who like psychology, should focus on that. Those who like science, should focus on that. Those who like history, should focus on that. Those who like politics, should focus on that. Those who like linguistics, should focus on that. You must understand that people are different. And when I say that people are different, I mean that literally. People are different, and we have to accept that. So my advice to you is to do what you are best at. Don't focus on the approaches others have when it comes to "islam and the quran". You should have your own approach. Only you know what your interests, abilities, needs and focus preferences are. Look at yourself in the mirror. There is no one in the world that looks like you. You are a unique creation. Don't waste your time by imitating everyone else. Be original. Be yourself.
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Those who like philosophy, should focus on that. Those who like psychology, should focus on that. Those who like science, should focus on that. Those who like history, should focus on that. Those who like politics, should focus on that.
They will find interesting material about all these subjects in the Grand Qur'aan.
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They will find interesting material about all these subjects in the Grand Qur'aan.
You are right. However, to understand psychology, philosophy and science and the other subjects that are found in the Quran, one first needs knowledge about these subjects from other sources than the Quran.
Quran 37
He is the One who sent down to you the Book, from which there are firm revelations; they are the essence of the Book; and others which are similar. As for those who have a disease in their hearts, they will follow what is similar from it seeking to confuse, and seeking to derive an interpretation. But none know its interpretation except God, and those who are well founded in knowledge; they say We believe in it, all is from our Lord. And none will remember except those who possess intelligence. -
Salaam David_K,
The last two years, while reading the Quran, I have experienced something amazing. For example I have read one verse, got and understanding from it, and when I have read the same another other time, got another understanding of it. Isn't it amazing? Can we read a short verse that is written by a human being, 10 times, and then get 10 different understandings of the same verse? No. Perhaps it is because man-made things are not universal and timeless. The message of the Quran however, seems to be transcendental and beyond language. So the Quran, is indeed a spiritual book. But how can a person read one verse in the Quran one time and get one understanding of it, and then read the same verse in the Quran another time, and get another understanding of it? Perhaps it is because a person's understanding of the Quran, is proportional to his/her knowledge, purity of heart (sincerity), and good deeds.
Correct brother,
16101
16101 And when We exchange an aayat in place of another aayat; and Allah is more aware of what He is revealing; they say You are making this up! Alas, most of them do not know.
The above part is same as the following
420
420 And if you wish to replace one wife with another, and you have given one of them a large amount, then do not take anything from it. Will you take it by falsehood while it is clearly a sin?
The Quran teaches us that we should do that which is right, and stay away from that which is wrong. In my opinion staying away from that which is wrong, is as important as doing that which is right. And if someone do that which is right, and stay away from that which is wrong, a balance will emerge.
Correct again!
22
22 That is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guidance for the Muttaqeen.
"Muttaqeen" is a derivative of "Yattaqoon" and it means...
9115
9115 And it is not for Allah to misguide a people after He guided them, until He makes clear to them what they should avoid. Allah is aware of all things.
May Allah guide us all to His path pr
Mohammed M. Khan -
Quran 37
He is the One who sent down to you the Book, from which there are firm revelations; they are the essence of the Book; and others which are similar. As for those who have a disease in their hearts, they will follow what is similar from it seeking to confuse, and seeking to derive an interpretation. But none know its interpretation except God, and those who are well founded in knowledge; they say We believe in it, all is from our Lord. And none will remember except those who possess intelligence.He is the One Who has since sent to you, the Messenger the Book. Unitary verbal passages, who have the adjectival specification of containing commands and injunctions of firm, established and universal application, are a subset of him/the Book. These are the Mother/Essence/Main Purpose/Pivot of the Book. In addition, the other subset are such verbal passages who perform the act of mirroring invisible realities and facts through metaphorical presentations.
The First subset is Passive Participle and the other subset is Active Participle.
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He is the One Who has since sent to you, the Messenger the Book. Unitary verbal passages, who have the adjectival specification of containing commands and injunctions of firm, established and universal application, are a subset of him/the Book. These are the Mother/Essence/Main Purpose/Pivot of the Book. In addition, the other subset are such verbal passages who perform the act of mirroring invisible realities and facts through metaphorical presentations.
The First subset is Passive Participle and the other subset is Active Participle.
Thanks for the analysis. That in red is really interesting.