Quranism in General
-
As salamu alaykum
I'm not Muslim myself, in fact I'm actually an Atheist, but I'm interested in philosophy and subsequently religion in general, including Islam. So about Quranism I found out several days ago, and I told my friend about it and he argues that hadith is an important part of Islam, as important as the Qur'an.
Now since I'm not Muslim It's very difficult for me to answer his arguments against Quranism and in favor of hadith, I was wondering if this forum might help me counter his illogicality and help me to better understand Islam and Quranism.Because Quranism seems like the most logical path in following Islam. Doesn't Islam tells that the Qur'an is complete and is the way to follow god and his way? Then why people follow hadith and say 'but the Qur'an doesn't explain that and that, and how much that, and when and how...'? Does the Qur'an really doesn't specify about very crucial parts of the religion? And if so maybe there is a concrete reason for not dwelling into details at some parts of it?
Also is one of the causes for the Muslim golden age is Quranism? Was the fall of the golden age was related to hadith?
Does the Arabic the Qur'an written in have borrowings from other languages (such as, Aramaic, Hebrew, Syriac or other Semitic or non-Semitic languages)? And if so, could that be a cause for the existence of hadiths?
Isn't Islam (among other religions) supposed to bring people together? If so why is the Muslim world so divided, with different sects and school of thoughts? Can't people see that, aren't they all joined by one holy text, the Qur'an?
Is hadith or different interpretations for the Qur'an are means to control population? Were they originally created for that purpose or was their origin less sinister than that?
Do some people memorise the Qur'an without even understanding what it means?I really hope I'm not being too curious ^___^
-
Greetings and Peace, all group
Walaikum Assalam, void welcome
I'll insert comments in red for easy reading.
As salamu alaykum
I'm not Muslim myself, in fact I'm actually an Atheist, but I'm interested in philosophy and subsequently religion in general, including Islam. So about Quranism I found out several days ago, and I told my friend about it and he argues that hadith is an important part of Islam, as important as the Qur'an.
Now since I'm not Muslim It's very difficult for me to answer his arguments against Quranism and in favor of hadith, I was wondering if this forum might help me counter his illogicality and help me to better understand Islam and Quranism.Because Quranism seems like the most logical path in following Islam. Doesn't Islam tells that the Qur'an is complete and is the way to follow god and his way?
Yes. http//www.free-minds.org/hadith-conspiracy-distortion-islam
Then why people follow hadith and say 'but the Qur'an doesn't explain that and that, and how much that, and when and how...'?
Because they are more afraid of being different/not following ancestors/not following alleged "authorities" than following Al Qur'an (abbreviated as AQ). They have been conditioned.
2170 And if they are told "Follow what GOD has sent down," they say "No, we will follow what we found our fathers doing!" What if their fathers did not comprehend anything and were not guided?
6116 And if you obey most of those on the earth they will lead you away from the path of GOD; that is because they follow conjecture, and that is because they only guess.
Does the Qur'an really doesn't specify about very crucial parts of the religion? And if so maybe there is a concrete reason for not dwelling into details at some parts of it?
Islam isn't supposed to be a religion, but a system of living/Deen. Monotheism is the key. Ritual was made for man, not man for ritual. Rituals vary, and are flexible so that more people can participate according to what is normal for them and according to their careful understanding. As an example, AQ doesn't tell one how to prepare a pizza--is it then incomplete? hmm Preparing a pizza isn't necessary to be a monotheist--but there is nothing wrong with preparing (or not preparing) pizza just the same.
Also is one of the causes for the Muslim golden age is Quranism? Was the fall of the golden age was related to hadith?
Extra-Quranic hadith (AQ actually contains hadith) began being published about 200 years after the advent of AQ. Hadith were more likely a symptom than a primal cause of the decline of Islam. People wanted to follow their own desires and introduced hadith in order to justify themselves to their fellow man.
Does the Arabic the Qur'an written in have borrowings from other languages (such as, Aramaic, Hebrew, Syriac or other Semitic or non-Semitic languages)? And if so, could that be a cause for the existence of hadiths?
Arabic was probably not the world's first language! It is reasonable that some words in Arabic are derived from other languages. It probably isn't a cause for hadith though. Hadith were deliberately introduced to modify AQ in order to pursue worldly interests.
Isn't Islam (among other religions) supposed to bring people together? If so why is the Muslim world so divided, with different sects and school of thoughts? Can't people see that, aren't they all joined by one holy text, the Qur'an?
Yes, but it is divided with worldly interests and by hadith and myriad other matters. I feel more brotherhood with a nontrinitarian Christian or follower of Judaism than many so-called Muslims. The nontrinitarians are monotheists, and could rightly be called muslims.
262 Surely those who believe; and those who are Jewish, and the Nazarenes, and the Sabians, whoever of them believes in GOD and the Last Day and does good works; they will have their recompense with their Lord, and there is no fear upon them, nor will they grieve.
Is hadith or different interpretations for the Qur'an are means to control population? Were they originally created for that purpose or was their origin less sinister than that?
Some were created for fame--"My ancestors knew the Prophet" (peace upon all Prophets). Others were created to follow lusts, to form an "elite" group, and to otherwise exert control.
Do some people memorise the Qur'an without even understanding what it means?
It happens all the time.
I really hope I'm not being too curious ^___^
There is no such thing as being too curious. You are using your mind as it was surely intended to be used.
1736 And do not uphold what you have no knowledge of. For the hearing, eyesight, and heart, all these you are responsible for.
2856 You cannot guide whom you love. But it is GOD who guides whom He wills; and He is fully aware of those who receive the guidance.
2256 There is no compulsion in the system; the proper way has been clarified from the wrong way. Whoever rejects evil, and believes in GOD, indeed he has taken grasp of the strongest hold that will never break. GOD is Hearer, Knower.
296 And whoever strives is only striving for himself; for GOD is in no need of the worlds.
Feel free to peruse the articles on the main page. Not all people want to be Guided, and only ALLAH can change that.
May ALLAH see fit to Guide all seekers.
peace
~Abdul-Hadi
-
As salamu alaykum
I'm not Muslim myself, in fact I'm actually an Atheist, but I'm interested in philosophy and subsequently religion in general, including Islam. So about Quranism I found out several days ago, and I told my friend about it and he argues that hadith is an important part of Islam, as important as the Qur'an.
Now since I'm not Muslim It's very difficult for me to answer his arguments against Quranism and in favor of hadith, I was wondering if this forum might help me counter his illogicality and help me to better understand Islam and Quranism.Because Quranism seems like the most logical path in following Islam. Doesn't Islam tells that the Qur'an is complete and is the way to follow god and his way? Then why people follow hadith and say 'but the Qur'an doesn't explain that and that, and how much that, and when and how...'? Does the Qur'an really doesn't specify about very crucial parts of the religion? And if so maybe there is a concrete reason for not dwelling into details at some parts of it?
And remember Moses said to his people "Allah commands that ye sacrifice a heifer." They said "Makest thou a laughing-stock of us?" He said "Allah save me from being an ignorant (fool)!"
They said "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what (heifer) it is!" He said; "He says The heifer should be neither too old nor too young, but of middling age. Now do what ye are commanded!"
They said "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us Her colour." He said "He says A fawn-coloured heifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration of beholders!"
They said "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what she is To us are all heifers alike We wish indeed for guidance, if Allah wills."
He said "He says A heifer not trained to till the soil or water the fields; sound and without blemish." They said "Now hast thou brought the truth." Then they offered her in sacrifice, but not with good-will. 2.67 - 71The instruction was sacrifice a heifer, easy enough order/instruction, but they wanted DETAIL and that made them wrong.
obviously the detail of the cow was not something crucial they had to know.
-
Thank you so much Abdul-Hadi, you were very helpfull )
And I just forgot to congratulate everyone before, so here it goes ^^
Happy second day of Autumn, may your days be cold, your beverages be warm, and your sky wet and gloomy (I don't like sunny weather ^^)I know that Quranism is not some sect of Islam or anything, but to shorten 'the doctrine of following only the Qur'an without the supplementing hadith and other sources' I'll just write 'Quranism'...
Don't worry I have no doubt that Arabic wasn't the first language, I am also a linguistics junky after all, so I know that Arabic had developed from Central Semitic, which in turn developed from Proto-Semitic, which developed from Proto-Afroasiatic, and so on and so on...
I was wondering, are there countries that consider Quranism followers apostates? And if so is the death penalty enforced in those cases? As well I was wondering, what is the general attitude towards Quranists; violence, general animosity, curiosity, or favorable? And is there statistics about Quranists, are you in the minority in the Muslim world, or is this kind of thought actually quite prevalent?
What is the general attitude towards capital punishment & 'eye for an eye' kind of punishments in Quranism? What is the general attitude towards the Taliban, terrorism & jihad, the different sects and cults (mainly Sunni and Shia), Sharia law?
Salat, is it praying 3 or 5 times a day, or is it not praying at all? I'm also very curious about the Shahada, as I understood, in Quranism it's 'there is no god but god' but Sunni and Shia has added more to it, was it necessary? Does Quranism forbids certain clothing, food, activities (music, dancing)? If the Qur'an didn't specify a death penalty for adultery & homosexuality why do many countries do that? What is the Quranist view on transsexualism?
http//www.zikr.co.uk/content/view/72/113/
Does the Qur'an specifies about going to the toilet, cutting nails, drinking agua?I found out that Quranism is very similar to Karaite Judaism, as you both follow your original scriptures and deny all the "helpful tips" added to it over the course of time. What is the Quranist view on the the same situation happening in Judaism?
What is the Quranist view on Zoroastrianism? As (probably) the oldest monotheistic (?) religion, could Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have taken elements from that religion and incorporated it inside their own systems of beliefs?
Why had Islam devolved so much over the course of time? at the beginning of the middle ages it was one (was it?) of the causes for the great progress the Muslim world had done in science, medicine, astronomy, math, and so on, and then the religion became more and more conservative, and now it basically threatens the daily lives of its own people...
And do "regular" Muslims consider Quranism secularism? What is the Quranist view on Baha'i, Scientology, Hinduism? Is being pagan deserves capital punishment in Quranism?
And now I should probably go to sleep cause I have a very important biology exam on all of past year material ~(>.<~
-
Salam Void and wow, you have all your questions in order nicely!
Can I ask if you have read Quran?
I will say that Quranists, and I hate that term, brickwall don't have a set belief. What someone in here will believe, others won't, hence the debates and the debates are on things IN Quran. So what one person answers another will not believe or will, and so on.... so there are many answers to your questions.
What we all do tend to agree on is the worship of God Alone............but some paths are different to others. laugh
-
Greetings and Peace, all
Last verse, same as the first...my comments in red.
Thank you so much Abdul-Hadi, you were very helpfull )
sun handshake
And I just forgot to congratulate everyone before, so here it goes ^^
Happy second day of Autumn, may your days be cold, your beverages be warm, and your sky wet and gloomy (I don't like sunny weather ^^)Cool is better. After all, there is only so much clothing that one can take off when it is hot! The rain average has been off for the year, so rain is also welcome.
I know that Quranism is not some sect of Islam or anything, but to shorten 'the doctrine of following only the Qur'an without the supplementing hadith and other sources' I'll just write 'Quranism'...
Don't worry I have no doubt that Arabic wasn't the first language, I am also a linguistics junky after all, so I know that Arabic had developed from Central Semitic, which in turn developed from Proto-Semitic, which developed from Proto-Afroasiatic, and so on and so on...
I was wondering, are there countries that consider Quranism followers apostates? And if so is the death penalty enforced in those cases? As well I was wondering, what is the general attitude towards Quranists; violence, general animosity, curiosity, or favorable? And is there statistics about Quranists, are you in the minority in the Muslim world, or is this kind of thought actually quite prevalent?
There are countries where "Quranists" are considered apostate as a matter of law, and in some of these countries the penalty for apostasy is death. Even in more secular countries, most "mainstream" followers consider "Quranists" to be apostates. The overall attitude towards "Quranists" is unfavorable. We are in the minority. It saddens us that we there aren't more, but won't compromise ourselves for popularity/conformity.
What is the general attitude towards capital punishment & 'eye for an eye' kind of punishments in Quranism? What is the general attitude towards the Taliban, terrorism & jihad, the different sects and cults (mainly Sunni and Shia), Sharia law?
Attitudes vary; some believe that cutting the hand of a thief is metaphorical for denying resources, for instance. There are important contexts in AQ--it is not always possible to be succinct in quoting a particular Ayah. There is no general consensus.
The Taliban was a form of government. People should have the right to choose their own government. On the other hand, the Taliban was oppressive. This violates the "no compulsion in the system" in AQ 2256, among other things.
Terrorism is of course unlawful--but be mindful that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter. When America fought for independence against the British, the Americans could have been considered as terrorists/rebels. Likewise when Afghans fought against the Soviet occupation. Sometimes, it boils down to the victor to define the terms!
Jihad means struggle, not necessarily violence. Mastering one's emotions, studying hard to get a college degree, devoping a vaccine are all forms of jihad. Violence is not generally advocated. Consider the following Ayah
497 Those whose lives are terminated by the angels, while they had wronged themselves; they said "What situation were you in?" They said "We were oppressed on the earth." They said "Was the earth of GOD not wide enough that you could emigrate in it?" To these their abode will be Hell; what a miserable destiny!
Salat, is it praying 3 or 5 times a day, or is it not praying at all?
It varies according to individual understanding. To some, it is as simple as constant remembrance. Some pray formally, some informally, at varying times in varying iterations.
I'm also very curious about the Shahada, as I understood, in Quranism it's 'there is no god but god' but Sunni and Shia has added more to it, was it necessary?
The Shahada is an innovation. If one wanted to say it, why not follow the example of Abraham (peace upon all Prophets)?
2131 When his Lord said to him "Submit," he said "I submit to the Lord of the worlds."
Does Quranism forbids certain clothing, food, activities (music, dancing)? If the Qur'an didn't specify a death penalty for adultery & homosexuality why do many countries do that? What is the Quranist view on transsexualism?
Anything that is lewd is disallowed, but what is considered lewd varies with person and society and time. There are some foods that are prohibited. Many make a distinction between meat of the pig and other parts of the pig. Each to their own best understanding.
733 Say "My Lord has made unlawful lewdness; what is evident of it and what is subtle; and sin, and aggression without cause, and that you set up partners with God that which He has never authorized, and that you say about GOD what you do not know."
2173 He has only made unlawful for you that which is already dead, and the blood, and the meat of pig, and what was dedicated with to other than GOD. But whoever is forced to, without seeking disobedience or transgression, then there is no sin upon him. GOD is Forgiving, Merciful.
Homosexuality has usually been taboo in many cultures throughout history. It is easy to pick upon the unpopular, especially to boost oneself up. Other systems are usually harsh towards LBGT, so "authorities" in Islam decided to take a page from the other systems playbooks.
http//www.zikr.co.uk/content/view/72/113/
Does the Qur'an specifies about going to the toilet, cutting nails, drinking agua?56 O you who believe, if you rise to hold the contact prayer, then wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe your heads and your feet to the ankles; and if you have had intercourse, then you shall bathe. And if you are ill, or traveling, or you have excreted feces, or you have had sexual contact with the women, and you cannot not find water, then you shall select from the clean soil; you shall wipe your faces and your hands with it. GOD does not want to place any hardship on you, but He wants to cleanse you and to complete His blessings upon you that you may be thankful.
I found out that Quranism is very similar to Karaite Judaism, as you both follow your original scriptures and deny all the "helpful tips" added to it over the course of time. What is the Quranist view on the the same situation happening in Judaism?
I'm unfamiliar with it, but gladly recognize ALL monotheists as brothers and sisters.
What is the Quranist view on Zoroastrianism? As (probably) the oldest monotheistic (?) religion, could Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have taken elements from that religion and incorporated it inside their own systems of beliefs?
There are elements of monotheism in all religions, and so all religions have ~some~ monotheists in them. Many of the extra-Quranic hadith "borrow" from Christianity and Judaism. Plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery! )
Why had Islam devolved so much over the course of time? at the beginning of the middle ages it was one (was it?) of the causes for the great progress the Muslim world had done in science, medicine, astronomy, math, and so on, and then the religion became more and more conservative, and now it basically threatens the daily lives of its own people...
And do "regular" Muslims consider Quranism secularism? What is the Quranist view on Baha'i, Scientology, Hinduism? Is being pagan deserves capital punishment in Quranism?
Many "mainstream" consider "Quranism" to be apostasy. Some consider it an attempt to pander to secularism. AQ specifies that people are free to choose according to their belief, and the consequences are with ALLAH.
494 O you who believe, if you go forth in the cause of GOD, you shall investigate carefully. And do not say to those who greet you with peace "You are not a believer!" You are seeking the vanity of this world; but with GOD are many riches. That is how you were before, but GOD graced you, so investigate carefully. GOD is expert over what you do.
And now I should probably go to sleep cause I have a very important biology exam on all of past year material ~(>.<~
Me too! I'm taking cell biology, microbiology and A&P 2 this semester.
Please accept this in the spirit given
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.peace
~Abdul-Hadi
-
Peace be with you as well,
Congrats on being Using your mind and intelligence, the worst creations in the sight of God are those who are "deaf, dump-- those who do not comprehend" (822)(Thanks Abdul-hadi for your quick reply)...things i want to add
Both the Quran and the Tablets given to Moses are cited to explain EVERYTHING in the Quran (7145, 6114), Yet both traditionalist Muslims and Orthodox Jews would have to argue otherwise, that they need Hadiths/Sunnah, Mishna/Gamarah(Talmud), in order to explain their Scripture...
Notice in the NT, ow jesus kind of disparaged the jews of upholding the traditions of men over the Laws of God., and theyby "nullifying" God's laws (Mark 713)....
Some Answers
The Quran doesn't really mention a way to of drinking water (unless you want to take the example of 2249 as a way), or cutting nails etc... (However, the Quran cites from every example 3059= that we may reflect etc.)On Zoroasterians, i think the only time they're mention as per my understanding is 3317, as "Majoos"... similar to the Magis, or Zoroastrian priests.
Between the two popular sects in Islam, Sunni/Shia, there are differences of beliefs and doctrines, from how to do salat, to which traditions and hadiths they accept....
I would say, what would tie them together is the Quran, what would untie them is the man made doctrines and beliefs etc
And what you would see as "Islam", like stoning adulterous, killing blasphemers, witches etc.... this is actually the Biblical Laws, not the Quran.
-
And remember Moses said to his people "Allah commands that ye sacrifice a heifer." They said "Makest thou a laughing-stock of us?" He said "Allah save me from being an ignorant (fool)!"
They said "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what (heifer) it is!" He said; "He says The heifer should be neither too old nor too young, but of middling age. Now do what ye are commanded!"
They said "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us Her colour." He said "He says A fawn-coloured heifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration of beholders!"
They said "Beseech on our behalf Thy Lord to make plain to us what she is To us are all heifers alike We wish indeed for guidance, if Allah wills."
He said "He says A heifer not trained to till the soil or water the fields; sound and without blemish." They said "Now hast thou brought the truth." Then they offered her in sacrifice, but not with good-will. 2.67 - 71The instruction was sacrifice a heifer, easy enough order/instruction, but they wanted DETAIL and that made them wrong.
obviously the detail of the cow was not something crucial they had to know.
Owned.
And lol your username/avatar is funny. p
-
Salaam
Thanks everyone!Salam Void and wow, you have all your questions in order nicely!
Can I ask if you have read Quran?
Thanks, and no I can't say that I have. For most of my school life I was forced to study theism, and learn and memorise many religious text, this has caused a 'slight' trauma from religion as well as a phobia from all religious texts...
Not to mention I'm extremely lazy... ^^Both the Quran and the Tablets given to Moses are cited to explain EVERYTHING in the Quran (7145, 6114), Yet both traditionalist Muslims and Orthodox Jews would have to argue otherwise, that they need Hadiths/Sunnah, Mishna/Gamarah(Talmud), in order to explain their Scripture...
Notice in the NT, ow jesus kind of disparaged the jews of upholding the traditions of men over the Laws of God., and theyby "nullifying" God's laws (Mark 713)....
On Zoroasterians, i think the only time they're mention as per my understanding is 3317, as "Majoos"... similar to the Magis, or Zoroastrian priests.
As I understood the situation in Judaism is much worse than in Islam, they know the bible but choose the talmud to interpret things as they want...
Zoroastrianism is a very mysterious religion, I have read about it and still got no clue on what, who, how, and when. I do remember reading that Muslim conquerors in Persia left zoroastrinists alone since they had a book, and that fire is an integral part of zoroastrianism. And that's pretty much the only things I know about Zoroastrianism...
And thanks again Abdul-Hadi, you keep being so helpful 3
-
As salamu alaykum
I'm not Muslim myself, in fact I'm actually an Atheist, but I'm interested in philosophy and subsequently religion in general, including Islam. So about Quranism I found out several days ago, and I told my friend about it and he argues that hadith is an important part of Islam, as important as the Qur'an.
Now since I'm not Muslim It's very difficult for me to answer his arguments against Quranism and in favor of hadith, I was wondering if this forum might help me counter his illogicality and help me to better understand Islam and Quranism.Because Quranism seems like the most logical path in following Islam. Doesn't Islam tells that the Qur'an is complete and is the way to follow god and his way? Then why people follow hadith and say 'but the Qur'an doesn't explain that and that, and how much that, and when and how...'? Does the Qur'an really doesn't specify about very crucial parts of the religion? And if so maybe there is a concrete reason for not dwelling into details at some parts of it?
Also is one of the causes for the Muslim golden age is Quranism? Was the fall of the golden age was related to hadith?
Does the Arabic the Qur'an written in have borrowings from other languages (such as, Aramaic, Hebrew, Syriac or other Semitic or non-Semitic languages)? And if so, could that be a cause for the existence of hadiths?
Isn't Islam (among other religions) supposed to bring people together? If so why is the Muslim world so divided, with different sects and school of thoughts? Can't people see that, aren't they all joined by one holy text, the Qur'an?
Is hadith or different interpretations for the Qur'an are means to control population? Were they originally created for that purpose or was their origin less sinister than that?
Do some people memorise the Qur'an without even understanding what it means?I really hope I'm not being too curious ^___^
"Doesn't Islam tells that the Qur'an is complete and is the way to follow god and his way? Then why people follow hadith and say 'but the Qur'an doesn't explain that and that, and how much that, and when and how...'? Does the Qur'an really doesn't specify about very crucial parts of the religion? And if so maybe there is a concrete reason for not dwelling into details at some parts of it?"
The point you raised is the crucial part you talked about. Thepeople who ask how do we know this and that have a prior understanding of Islam based on Sunni/Shiasm where many non crucial aspects are made to them as crucial. So they see the things they raised as crucial such as how many prostrations per prayer. That is how they understand Islam.
As far as why people follow hadiths, that is because this is the Islam that dominated the political dynasties ever since the Mutawakkil of the Abbasids made Sunni Islam the official and only state religion. This is the only Islam allowed to be preached in mosques and public squares. In time it becamse the only Islam people know. This was not the case prior to Al Mutawakkil. The Mutazilite Islam (Quranic Islam ) was the dominant one before that. In fact most people until recently did not even have access to hadith but understood Sunni Islam based on fatwas. Only recently wit the advent of modern technology has hadiths become available to the masses. With that we see the spread of extremism and violence and a heavy emphasis in politics. The Sufis dominate dthe Sunnni discourse for most of the time and they did not dwell too much in legalism or politcis. Their era however is vanishing as hadiths become more and more available.
"Also is one of the causes for the Muslim golden age is Quranism? Was the fall of the golden age was related to hadith?"
I think it was in many ways at least on the political front as it made progress very different. Hadiths have a suffocating consequence. There is also the argument that increase wealth corrupted the Abbasid Empire. But i do believe hadiths made progress very difficult since every view point was presented as prophetic making it enjoy absolute authority and over ride any other authority. The rise of Quranism is probably due to that since the Quran is the only hgher authority that can challenge and prophetic claim especially when that prophetic claim is claiming to contradict the Quran. The real question is whether the prophet can aborogate and contradict the Quran and whether the he received one or two revelations. There is no evidence anywhere in the Quran that Muhammad received more revelations than the Quran accept in a very few instances hinted to in the Quran. Eevn in those instances there is no indication in the Quran that this is something for the rest of the believers to consider. The Quran only speaks of itself and the previous scriptures as authority for the believers. There is no explicit verse in the Quran about any revelation that came to Muhamamad other than the Quran. The Quran does however speak of the previous scriptures.
"Does the Arabic the Qur'an written in have borrowings from other languages (such as, Aramaic, Hebrew, Syriac or other Semitic or non-Semitic languages)? And if so, could that be a cause for the existence of hadiths?"
I am not sure about that. i think this is a very academic question.
"Isn't Islam (among other religions) supposed to bring people together? If so why is the Muslim world so divided, with different sects and school of thoughts? Can't people see that, aren't they all joined by one holy text, the Qur'an? "
Sectarianism is talked baout in the Quran. This comes when people abandon scriptures. The Quran allows differences but not seperation. People dividing to sects usually happen after the message was made clear to them due to animosity and hostility. In Islam this took place after the prophet when various tribes started fighting for power and broke up into politicla parties. Later they becamse sects. This also happened with Judiasm and Christianity. They usually also may indicate political devlopments as religion becomes a powerful force.
"Is hadith or different interpretations for the Qur'an are means to control population? Were they originally created for that purpose or was their origin less sinister than that?
Do some people memorise the Qur'an without even understanding what it means? "Is hadith or different interpretations for the Qur'an are means to control population? Were they originally created for that purpose or was their origin less sinister than that?
Do some people memorise the Qur'an without even understanding what it means?Very much so. Many hadiths were made to give the rulers absolute authority and to change many aspects of the Quranic commands, especially regarding authority, freedom and justice for fit the ruler's desires. In turn the rulers will support these sects. The Quran does not allow the ruler absolute authority the way Sunni and Shia Islam claim.
Many people memorize the Quran without understanding it. There is nothing wrong with that since the Quran is also a spiritual scripture. But this should not mean we take our understanding of Islam outside from it. The Quran never said memorizing but it did say reciting. Not everybody has to study the Quran but people should take their understanding of Islam from somone who did. Its all about specialization.
That is my two cents.
-
peace,
Re Golden Age of Islam
Good question, please see
http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9596514.msg2848#msg2848Brief history on Hadith and Sunna within Islam
http//mypercept.co.uk/articles/Rethinking_Tradition_Modern_Islamic_Thought.htmPlease also see
http//learn-about-islam.com
