Resolving apparent contradictions in the Quran
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Peace progressive
It is from a talk I presented at the conference entitled "The Economic Values of the Quran".
Imraan
Wow! You were at the conference and held a speech? Congrats! handshake
What were the reactions to your opinion/speech? -
A study of the concept of zakaat in the Quran shows that there is no way that this could simply refer to an obligatory charity, whether it be 2.5% or any other amount for that matter. A key issue in understanding this is presented in (417) which shows us that one who rejects the aakhir cannot uphold the zakaat, whatever it is. Now surely someone who denies the aakhir is capable of giving 2.5% or even much more than that in charity. Zakaat is the fulfilment of opportunities to develop the nafs by causing the development of the community in every respect. It is also stated that if established in power, it is incumbent on such a group to arrange for the establishment of the salaah (which is itself a much broader concept than generally accepted) and the fulfilment of opportunities to develop the nafs of each member of the society through the development of the entire community in every respect and to constantly serve Allah (2173). It is clear that it is a function of the community or state through its leader to ensure that it provides this complete concept of zakaat to the community.
This is about Pagans/Worshippers of idols that they do not pay Az Zakat. It thus shows that in the Muslim state Zakat is to be paid to the State by believers as well as the non believers????
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Peace
Wow! You were at the conference and held a speech? Congrats! handshake
What were the reactions to your opinion/speech?Thanks.
The response was very good & positive. The only unfortunate part is that I ran out of time & was unable to fully put forward my views on the topic. We are publishing all the speakers presentattions. I will try to make the text availlable on our googlegroup site & post the link for those interested. We will also be trying to upload the video footage.
If you want, I can email a copy of my full presentation o you.
Imraan
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Peace Mazhar
This is about Pagans/Worshippers of idols that they do not pay Az Zakat. It thus shows that in the Muslim state Zakat is to be paid to the State by believers as well as the non believers????
There are translations that support your view. There are also translations that support the view that I have presented. Either way, my studies have led me to believe that zakat is the responsibility of the community, just as the establishment of salat is the community's responsibility. Zakat is confused with sadqat & these to terms are used interchangeably without any merit.
Imraan
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In your opinion is sadaqat voluntary or a compulsory duty?
What is the arabic equivalent of metaphorical in the quran?
How is rizq defined in the quran?
Forgive the response filled with questions, but I would just like to see what your stance is on these before we move forward discussing this.
Imraan
Peace,
Sadaqaat is for al-mumumineen. Voluntary? Yes, and no. Since, no one is forcing you to do/believe anything. It is one of the characteristics/duties of al-mumineen. In contrast, not 'spending' makes one a kafir - 3647
Re- metaphorical, 2/26 - mathal. See also 16/75, which uses a mathal, says that we are to spend from our rizq.
Rizq- a provision (from God) . Contextually, anything that God provides is a 'rizq'. We are supposed to give from this, according to 8/3 (among other signs), again, for al-mumineen. I couldn't find a reference where rizq is used for anyone other than Allah; still studying the concept.
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Peace Joker
Peace,
Sadaqaat is for al-mumumineen. Voluntary? Yes, and no. Since, no one is forcing you to do/believe anything. It is one of the characteristics/duties of al-mumineen. In contrast, not 'spending' makes one a kafir - 3647
Re- metaphorical, 2/26 - mathal. See also 16/75, which uses a mathal, says that we are to spend from our rizq.
Rizq- a provision (from God) . Contextually, anything that God provides is a 'rizq'. We are supposed to give from this, according to 8/3 (among other signs), again, for al-mumineen. I couldn't find a reference where rizq is used for anyone other than Allah; still studying the concept.
When we speak of something being compulsory in the context of the quran, we are discussing those who accept the truth of the quran. I find that there is a misconception about the term "laa ikraha fideen" in 2256. This seems to be understood as "there is no compulsion in religion" & taken to mean that nobody can be forced to do anything in deen. This then tends to shift people in the direction that says "I cannot be compelled to do any thing in my deen". I find this view absurd. My understanding is that nobody can be compelled to choose any specific deen. Everybody is free to choose whichever deen they want. However, once you chose a deen, you ARE compelled to abide by rules & regulations of that deen. Ideally in the case of a community of individuals who subscribe to the quranic values, then, you would agree that sadaqaat is not voluntary. Would you agree that in such a community, the community could demand sadaqat from its members for its members who are in need?
I will respond to the other items in your post later as I have to go right now.
Imraan
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Sadaqaat is for al-mumumineen. Voluntary? Yes, and no. Since, no one is forcing you to do/believe anything. It is one of the characteristics/duties of al-mumineen. In contrast, not 'spending' makes one a kafir - 3647
Wow...if we take your logic, does that mean that people who offer don't offer salat are kafirs too, based on 7443?
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Before you jump to conclusions (I notice a trend), actually research the subject.
salat for al-kafireen is different... See chapter 9. In al kafireen's case, It has to do with upholding their agreements/contracts, etc...chapter 9...
Upholding as-salaat makes al kafireen brothers in the deen (9/11-13).
See the following article, for starters. Not my site, fyi...
http//mypercept.co.uk/articles/disproved_traditional_salat.htm
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Peace Joker
When we speak of something being compulsory in the context of the quran, we are discussing those who accept the truth of the quran. I find that there is a misconception about the term "laa ikraha fideen" in 2256. This seems to be understood as "there is no compulsion in religion" & taken to mean that nobody can be forced to do anything in deen. This then tends to shift people in the direction that says "I cannot be compelled to do any thing in my deen". I find this view absurd. My understanding is that nobody can be compelled to choose any specific deen. Everybody is free to choose whichever deen they want. However, once you chose a deen, you ARE compelled to abide by rules & regulations of that deen. Ideally in the case of a community of individuals who subscribe to the quranic values, then, you would agree that sadaqaat is not voluntary. Would you agree that in such a community, the community could demand sadaqat from its members for its members who are in need?
I will respond to the other items in your post later as I have to go right now.
Imraan
Peace,
I agree that the 'no compulsion' is often taken out of context. Agreed-- not voluntary for al-mumineen. But, the question is what is ad-deen? From what I've noticed of your other posts, you don't view it as a religion, which I agree with.
Would you agree that in such a community, the community could demand sadaqat from its members for its members who are in need?
Define members? Since al kafireen can be part of our system also, which makes them our brothers (9/11-13). Should they? no. It is a choice for those who don't fall under 'al mumineen'. We can't force them to give, which I take from 10/99. Furthermore, chapter 107 is vital on the subject. That is, encouraging feeding the poor, etc...
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Peace Joker
Peace,
I agree that the 'no compulsion' is often taken out of context. Agreed-- not voluntary for al-mumineen. But, the question is what is ad-deen? From what I've noticed of your other posts, you don't view it as a religion, which I agree with.
Define members? Since al kafireen can be part of our system also, which makes them our brothers (9/11-13). Should they? no. It is a choice for those who don't fall under 'al mumineen'. We can't force them to give, which I take from 10/99. Furthermore, chapter 107 is vital on the subject. That is, encouraging feeding the poor, etc...
Regarding 911-13, I think you have to look at it from 96 or even 91 to understand what the reason for the cessation of hostilities is. In my opinion it is clear that it is a period for reasonable discussion with the mushrikeen. If you look at the verses from 96, you will see that there a few things that they must repent for/from (this would mean not returning to their former ways which would include their "shirk" for them to be considered your brothers. Also, it would require establishing the salat & being part of a community that provides zakat to its members. I don't believe that those who don't recognise the right of others in their wealth can participate in being part of a community that provides zakat to its members.
Looking at this has actually brought up some interesting points in these verses regarding covenants that I must look into before I can give you a full response, but above is my general understanding (at present) drawn from my study of the issue.
As for 1099, freedom of choice extends only to the system you choose to follow, not what you are permitted/not permitted to do within that system. If we look back to 1098, we see that there is only one community that is mentioned as having accepted the truth, & as a result were given a life of comfort for a time (as long as they, as a community, followed the laws of God).
I will post some more on this GW, once I have studied what I have noticed regarding covenants in chapter 9.
Imraan