Why would Allah require this for

a message meant for all mankind?

"First, no one can offer a correct explanation of the Qur'an except scholars who have mastered all sciences that qualify them to understand its occasions of revelation, linguistic style, structure, and all other imports and aspects. Even with their near-perfect explanation, we can still safely say that their explanations are not totally perfect; rather, they are subject to error just like the product of any human mind.

This actually is good because God's words are beyond the limitations of a human mind, hence, man can comprehend and grasp only some aspects of those words but not all of them, otherwise God's words will be limited and restricted."

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Islam Online-English-AAbout_Islam/AskAboutIslamE/AskAboutIslamE&am p;cid=1168265477728

Can someone tell me what defines a scholar? And with what authority can he speak for others? Are we not all scholars to some extent? Is it possible for us to understand something that a scholar does not?

Assalamu Alaikum,

Let me give an example to elucidate as to why Islamic scholarship is required to derive or explain pertinent rulings:

To become a scientist, one should normally first learn basic science and then go on securing bachelor�s, master�s and doctoral degrees. Even after that, years of further research may be required to become established as a scientist. A person not knowing even basic sciences cannot be trusted to derive scientific formulas; the credentials of such a person would be questioned. And this methodology is not limited to scientific aspect; it applies to any profession at large.

There are many basic precepts in both Qur�an and Sunnah that require no explanation; they are self-explanatory. For example: speak truth, don�t cheat, don�t steal, take care of your neighbors etc.

There are other aspects that are at advanced level. Here an individual without appropriate credentials should not attempt to interpret things; scholars ( example of the scientist given before can help understand about what a scholar is ) who have devoted their lives to learning and researching Islam should be consulted to explain the ruling in a given matter.

A Muslim is not required to become like one of those scholars just as not everyone is required to become a lawyer. A basic understanding of what is the ruling in a given matter, just as every citizen of a nation is expected to know the law of the land for compliance, would be enough for an average Muslim to lead the life appropriately.

Islam is very simple�belief in one God ( Allah ) and Muhammad ( SAW ) as His Messenger makes one Muslim. After that one can grow in faith and knowledge gradually. Both faith and knowledge help one get closer to God.

May Allah guide us all.

Peace

Peacemaker and Alwardah,

Thankyou for your replies so far. And I have to ask questions in IC as this is my main source of understanding Islam. To some I am probably asking strange questions.

In Islam these days, is there one man(scholar) that is more important than others? And why dont we have one main person ie like the Catholics have the Pope? I know that after the Prophet Muhammed (pbuH) that we need no other messenger, but having a main scholar to lead the muslims is necessary isnt it?

Excuse the question if it sounds a bit odd