Religious Evolution

Salaam,

It is not only the unfortunate realization, but tragedy that after every prophet abd after every message there is the eventual deviation of that message. Hisortically if we all research since the prophet's time the Muslim community has in fact deviated. We divide ourselves into various sects and make this more ocplex by associuating them with various  "schools of thought."

Like Catholicism we have hierarchal classes where we make distinctions which elevate scholars as "divine leaders." We elevate the prophet himself on equal footing as God. In my humble opinion (which is solely my opinion) as a community we have historically, truly deviated from Islamic teachings. I include myself in this category because as a community I am as good as the "next man" and what one does is a reflection on all of us, unfortunate, but true just look at the media.

This evident truth perhaps started with the death of the prophet and the confusion on who would lead the Muslim community. Not long afterwards various individuals who considered themselves "successors of the prophet" even some claiming to be prophets themselves soon emerge.

Not long after that "schools of thought emerged" each having similar philosophies yet "essential" differences that distinguished them fom each other. Scholars emerged interpreting text in accordance to their knowledge. People sought them out for guidance and some scholars later interpret even the wrong things in order to gain popularity.

Not much different than the Spanish Inquisition........

There have been attempts by minorities within the Muslim community that have made several attempts to change. However in my belief how the pagans thought then when the prophet brought them God's revelation are how some take change. People do not like change. I find that ignorance is a comfort to some because they may feel what they learned or what is taught is the right way, even if you clearly show valid proofs that its not.

Frankly, I don't like where our community is going, especially in matters of interpreting text. Some use interpretations to justify Honor Killings. Some use it to justify racism, or sexism or even physical abuse. I find the Hadith quote "Love the prophet more than you love yourself" a contradiction to the Islamic belief in Loving God with all your being.

If the prophet is only a message and only as good as what God makes him, why must we love the prophet on equal footing as God when God has no equals in the first place? A product of our deviation? Sure. This is evident when angry mobs of people burn down flags and call for the murder on individuals who are ignorant, but are innocent nonetheless.

We get furious when the prophet is slandered. We get angry when people draw cartoons or the prophet or individuals who slander him. We show too much for a man who God had blessed at infancy but who was just like you and I. Muhammad is just a messenger. God has no equal and no true believer should revered the prophet in the sense one would reveres God.

ArabianKnight,

You are perhaps right and I didn't just realize this today I have always believed this but for fairness of others I didn't really think of commenting on it. I agree it's human nature to make err and to be "self-interested" and to imagine things you want to see.

What I'm commenting on is the tragedy that this is an acceptable trait in our society. I remember driving past a mosque one time here in Souther Cali (the area I was in is considered the "O.C" or Orange Count) and I saw the prophet's name alongside the name of God.

I don't care what sect you follow if you truly follow God why would you even elevate the name of the prophet on the same plane as God? There are countless times Muhammad is referred to as "Abdullah" or Servant (or slave) of Allah. Why do we elevate the slave of Allah on equal footing as Allah himself? Regardless whether he is the best example it is a definite error to symbolically do such a thing.

Assalamu Alaikum!

Brother Israfil: "Love the prophet more than you love yourself" a contradiction to the Islamic belief in Loving God with all your being."

It is not contradiction. It means that you love Prophet ( SAW ) more than you love yourself. Of course, you love Allah more than you love Prophet ( SAW ). Allah is Supreme, and noone can be even compared to His authority.

Peace