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

Hi believer,

Can you please clarify your question that arises from what you have quoted above? Thanks.

Peace

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?

Why would Allah send a revelation that a common man can't read and understand on his own?

Good question martha!

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

As Salamu Alaikum

Masha Allah a good response by brother Peacemaker.

If everyone can be a religious scholar, then everyone can be a doctor, scientist etc.

On the other hand, every Muslim is encouraged to seek knowledge but only after many, many years of studying and research can someone qualify to be a religious scholar.

Wa Alaikum Salam

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

Believer,

I dont believe Allah/God is hidden from any person, common or not. Do you make your comment based on my question directly above your post? If so, dont feel sorry for me please. I am quite happy with my relationship with Allah/God.

I am asking questions because it is necessary.

If your comment is not refering to me, perhaps you can elaborate further?

believer wrote: Sad that Allah is hidden from the common person.

"Soon will We show them our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things?"

Qur'an 41:53

Martha: "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?"

Assalamu Alaikum, I will respond to this later, insha Allah, unless a brother/sister replies to this before I do.

Peace

http://www.altafsir.com/Quran.asp?SoraNo=41&Ayah=53&NewPage=0&img=D - [41:53]
We shall show them Our portents on the horizons and within themselves until it will be manifest unto them that it is the Truth. Doth not thy Lord suffice, since He is Witness over all things ?

Thank you.  Common man can read and understand the Quran on their own.

Assalamu Alaikum,

Martha:

Following may be helpful:

Fundamentally speaking, we have much more in common. We believe in one God ( Allah ), final Messenger Muhammad ( SAW ) and last revelation, Qur�an. Practices such as prayers, fasting, charity ( Zakat ), pilgrimage, family values etc. do come within our religious practices. We believe in one�s accountability on the day of judgement as well. Scholars agree on the most of the issues; their agreement on major issues outweighs the disagreement they may have on minor ones.

The true appreciation of commonalties we have ( something that even many non-Muslims refer to as an outstanding example of simplicity ) should help us unite our hearts when it comes to understand minor differences that may exist among us. Those differences are there with a purpose; their acceptance can make us stronger.

Edward Gibbon and Simon Ocklay
History Of The Saracen Empire, London, 1870, p. 54

Let us now focus on unity in diversity while maintaining our Islamic and Muslim identity.

May Allah guide us all.

Peace

http://www.islamicity.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11555&PN=1&TPN=11 - http://www.islamicity.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11555&am p;PN=1&TPN=11

martha wrote: 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

As Salamu Alaikum Sister Martha

Never feel shy to ask questions, that is the only way to learn and there is no just thing as an odd question.

For a long time, IC to me, was a home away from home and a place to learn and share.

I don�t know the correct answer to your question about having such a person as a pope in Islam, but I can guess to avoid corruption. I don�t know much about Christianity either but what I do know is that the Christians follow the teachings of Paul and not Isa (Alayhi Salam).

The differences we see are a Blessing and Mercy from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.

I would advise you to concentrate on one thing at a time and take baby steps, make each day special. Sister despite my own views and method of learning I advise you to try and learn from one Imam of the four, you will not get confused.

Sometimes the discussions here are more confusing then helpful.

Insha Allah you will see, as you study things will become clearer and you will be able to put everything in their correct prospective.

May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala guide and keep us on the Siratul-Mustaqeem Ameen!

Wa Alaikum Salam  

I disagree with brother Alwardah and Peacemaker......

Muslims scholars are NOT scientist for one. I spent 6 years of my life studying science (Neuriscience to be exact) and know more about that field than probably 90% of the religious Muslim scholars in the world. In the field of science there is no Muslim scholar. There are Muslims like myself, but none presume to be world famous scholars especially in the field of biochemistry where some of the studies may very well in fact challenge their religious beliefs. It's kind of like an insult to me to say if you can be a religious scholar you can be a scientist, lawyer etc and that is not true. Religious scholarship is not learning about the sciences its a different category.

Israfil wrote: I disagree with brother Alwardah and Peacemaker...... Muslims scholars are NOT scientist for one. I spent 6 years of my life studying science (Neuriscience to be exact) and know more about that field than probably 90% of the religious Muslim scholars in the world. In the field of science there is no Muslim scholar. There are Muslims like myself, but none presume to be world famous scholars especially in the field of biochemistry where some of the studies may very well in fact challenge their religious beliefs. It's kind of like an insult to me to say if you can be a religious scholar you can be a scientist, lawyer etc and that is not true. Religious scholarship is not learning about the sciences its a different category.

Assalamu Alaikum,

I just wanted to show how one becomes a scientist in order to relate to how one becomes a scholar. Nowhere was it mentioned in my post that a scholar is a scientist; that was just an example to put forth the understanding of what is a scholar.

Another thing is that I know many Islamic scholars here in Canada and abroad who are also world class scientists.

Let us stick to the topic please.

May Allah guide us all.

Peace

Surah 2-62 it says "Verily, those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians and Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve."

yes they have nothing to fear

what is it here that is hard to understand

to be JEW CHRISTAIN SABIANS one must believe in one ALLAH and his Prophets

not those KAFFIRS who said ALLAH have one son

even now or in future who ever will believes in one ALLAH he will not commit any SHIRK he too will become recipient of his mercy

but those who know about ISLAM and MUHAMMAD Sallel La Hu Alahi Wa Sallim and still wants to remain in his old belief because of fear and persecution they will be forgiven

but those who rejects knowingly without any reason they will be held accountable

believer wrote: Sad that Allah is hidden from the common person.

Hi believer,

Allah, or God is not a physical being in Islam to be visible of hidden. Sad that you understand it that way after being around so long. We, Muslims are at peace that He is closer to us than our life line, according to the Quran. The truth is that we know Him and believe in Him and Love Him more than anyone else. This would not be possible if He was "hidden from us the common people" as you say.

Hasan

No honeto, at first it seemed that this was the case, then not, then when the Pope mentioned as example of one leader for Christianity and possibly one for Islam.  LOL!!

A person can not generalize and GOD can not be put into a simple explanation that man can understand or even begin to agree with.

Just because we can not understand does not mean GOD is hidden!!

believer wrote: Just because we can not understand does not mean GOD is hidden!!

This may speaks for you,  but I as a Mulsim don't believe that, I completely understand God and He is not hidden anywhere as you claim on others behalf.

In fact as I have said, he is closer to you and me then ourselves.

Hasan

martha wrote: 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

 Martha, your question seems to be genuine. There is a need for unity amongst Muslims. But it is not there. There is no unity in any religion Judaism, christianity and Islam. The christians have a pope for one sect. The Protestants don't like him. Some of them abuse him terribly.

 Same is the case with Muslims. They do not have a leader (Imam). There are some sects amongst Muslims ( The Bohris and Agha Khanis etc) who do have an Imam. But most others, i.e. the majority group are on their own without a single leader. That is why they are suffering.