Re: Literalism and its effects.

Salaam,
The question is much more sanguine than just a matter of 'literal' or
'allegorical' understanding of the Quran.
The problem really is different.

1. First please note that when we say we go by literal meanings, it still
does not assert that there is just one meaning to the statement in Quran.
The literature, more often than not, expressly allows multiple meanings to a
word or a construct. The usage over historical extent multiplies that
multiplicity even further.

2. So it is given that there can be no 'one' meaning to most of the Quran,
whether we go literal or otherwise. The express conduct of the Prophet
vividly acknowledged it and accepted it, and may be even encouraged it.

So the real problem is the attitude of the Ulama and self appointed
Scholars. They often disregard the richness of the Quranic message, and
rigidly insist that there is just THAT meaning to the Quran that the
particular Alim or Ulama group claims it to be. Any other understanding is
quickly labeled as UNISLAMIC or DEVIATION and the person proposing it is
quickly labeled as DEVIANT, or FITNAMONGER, or even KAFIR.

It is this attitude and practice of the ULAMA that is the WALL against which
MUSLIMS have been hitting their heads for centuries, and hurting themselves
enormously. These ULAMA are a very POWERFUL group and they have learn to
enjoy this power in the name of ALLAH. It is the task of the Muslims to
first of all DETHRONE these adamant non understanding ULAMA. Only then some
headway can be made. But the good news is that the process is already on its
way. These non-listening non-observing ULAMA are already being largely
ignored by the Muslims in the street.



"Zuiko Azumazi" <azumazi@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:43038836$0$22808$afc38c87@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> In another recent SRI thread, the disconcerting and contentious idea was
> floated that strict 'literal' adherence to unbending Islamic dogma, plays
> into the hands of the Muslim extremists (i.e. mad bandits), making
> civilised
> discourse over any kind of reform agenda, in theory or in practice,
> virtually impossible. What do Muslim subscribers think about this idea and
> its consequences in the context of SRI for example? Does it limit, curtail
> or circumvent free-flowing discussion? Do Muslim subscribers unconsciously
> refrain from activist participation because of a potential 'literalist'
> backlash and censure in SRI or, more generally, within their local
> community? Does newsgroup anonymity help in this regard?
>
>
> --
> Peace
> --
> To illustrate a principle, you must exaggerate much and you must omit
> much.
> [Walter Bagehot]
>
> Zuiko Azumazi
> azumazi@xxxxxxxxxxx
>

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Literalism and its effects.
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