I think Quran and all of the Books were the inspired word of God, meaning that the words were filtered through humans. This does not mean they are any less sacred. ALLAH/God is infinitely more radiant than what can be contained in the word that took many years to compile. The Book did not just fall out of the sky. His word needed to be comprehended by humanity, finite beings. Additionally, Quran states that it is 'a guidance', indicating that it is not the 'only guidance', in my humble opinion. This does not diminish its sacred relevance to humanity. I have a problem when some people read into Quran to assert that Islam is exclusive...A merciful and compassionate Allah, which is written at the heading of all but one or two Surrah, would never will his creation to experience eternal hellfire. Human will is not stronger than the will of Allah. Human frailties will never thwart the will of Allah for universal salvation of humanity. That would mean Shaitan has more power than Allah, let it never be so, to corrupt Allah's creation and claim them from Allah. Allah created the world and saw that it was good...and humanity is part of this world. Would a merciful and loving Allah hand over part of His creation to Shaitan for eternal punishment? No, because Allah is not a liar. Allah created the world and saw that it was good...Allah did not see that in was partially good. And so, I think interpretations of ayah have been corrupted. And most importantly, Allah is bigger than the Book. When we confine our knowledge of Allah to the Book, we ultimately commit idolatry and spiritual adultery.

Is eternal punishment retribution against those astray, or restorative justice, as described in Quran? If Allah wills that all humanity will be drawn to Him, would Allah hand over those astray to Shaitan if Allah created the cosmos and saw that is was good? Is humanity's imperfection strong enough to negate Allah's will, proving to Shaitan that humanity is not worthy of being the assistants of humanity?? And if Allah is most merciful and compassionate, would Allah will the eternal tortures of his creation?

Hello brothers and sisters!
I am not new to Islam. I am very progressive. I look forward to meeting you here.
Nazrani