Mrs. Afzalunnisa Begum
A series of Reflections on the concept of Sabr (patience) in the Quran.
In the Name of God,
The Most Benevolent, The Most Merciful
Those who listen
to the Word (Al Quran) and follow the best meaning in it: those are the
ones whom Allah has guided and those are the one's endowed with
understanding
(Al Quran; 39:18).
This Verse has a
very important message for those who tend to use a literalist approach
to Islamic injunctions. The verse suggests that many meanings are
decipherable from the text of the Quran. It also suggests that some
meanings are better than others. Most importantly the verse recommends
that we follow the best of meanings.
At face value this
may seem like a simple command. But consider this dilemma: When more
than one understanding of a Quranic injunction is possible, how do we
conclude which is the best meaning? What criteria should be employed to
determine which is the best of meanings?
Invariable the
tendency is to turn to past interpretations of the Quran and privilege
the opinion of past scholars. The practice of hero-worship of past
scholars determines which interpretation is accepted.
I believe that
this traditionalist approach is counter-productive. It merely recycles
past opinions without actually making Islam relevant to specific times
and circumstances. This is not intended as disrespect to past scholars
or past opinions. It is only a reminder that all interpretive opinions
are contextual.
I recommend that
contemporary maslaha, or the public welfare in our time should be the
criterion that determines what is the best meaning of any Quranic
injunction.
Through Shura we can reach an understanding of what constitutes public good and that consensual concern should guide our selection of Quranic meanings.
Let people advance competing interpretations of the Quran. Let there be freedom of thought and creativity. Let there be difference of opinion. Let there be heated debates. This will only enrich the Ummah and make the Islamic world vibrant and alive.
Which interpretation becomes authoritative, let local communities decide through Shura. If there is a need for a global ijma on a specific issue, then we can have a global conference and bring different global perspectives to the forum and once again let the best case for the well being of humanity prevail as the authority that determines which is the most beautiful, most compassionate, most fair and most reasonable understanding of Islam.
Wallahu Alam.
Muqtedar Khan
SIGNS OF GOD
Our
signs in the Horizons and in their own souls
(41:53).
Those who listen to the Word (Al Quran) and follow the best meaning in it (39:18).
