By Interviews on 2/13/2010 7:05 PM

 

Leading Islamic reformist and literary scholar, Nasr Hamid Abu Zaid, believes that individual freedom is an essential prerequisite to faith. Everyone, therefore, also has the right to convert to another faith. He talked to Erhard Brunn about some of his ideas The relationship between the Muslim and the non-Muslim worlds is one that is deeper and more historical than we think, believes Abu Zaid The question of what the Muslim attitude to violence is still one that very much preoccupies the West. You recently pointed out that recourse to the Koranic suras is totally misleading in today's context… Abu Zaid: Of course, the Koran sometimes uses very strong language in its exhortations to fight. Researchers have to question why the Koran employs such strong, persuasive language in this case. The context is crucial here. The Arabs who believed in Mohammed were to be convinced of the need to fight against their...

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By Guest articles on 2/11/2010 3:21 AM

 

By Abdul Mustaqim, MA.

 



 

The theory of limits makes four significant contributions to the enhancement of fikh. Firstly, by the theory of limits, Shahrur makes a fundamental paradigm shift for fikh. The meaning of hudûd is perceived rigidly by the fukaha (experts in canon law) as verses and hadits concerning legal punishment (al-`uqûbât) which should not be added to nor reduced, such as hand amputation for the thief, 100 lashes for adultery, and so on. Apart from that, the theory of limits (nadzariyyat al-hudûd) offered by Shahrur tends to be dynamic and contextual, not only in regards to legal punishment (al-`uqûbât). One fresh contribution to the contemporary study of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) is the theory of limits (nadzariyyat al-hudûd) promoted by a Syrian liberal Islamic figure, Muhammad Shahrur. According to Wael B. Hallaq, Shahrur’s theory of limits solves the epistemological...

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By Guest articles on 2/8/2010 2:55 AM

Wilders manipulates Qur'an texts and is suggestive and misleading.

That says five Dutch non-Muslim experts in Quran, Islam and Law on the attempt by Wilders to prove the violent nature of Islam. The PVV leader cuts Quran verses in half. He hides the peaceful part, the orders for soldiers on the battlefield he links to images of civilian casualties in peacetime.

With a logical analysis of complete Quran quotes and information from other sources shows that the ruling Wilders about the inherent violence of Islam contradicts the current scientific facts and methods. Both Christians and Muslims today are turning away from spreading their faith by the sword. Muslims are in majority against terror, they themselves are far more likely than victims of Westerners.

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By Dr.Lubna Almenoar on 2-2-2010 17:08

 

As I read a poem and at the end of it, give a sigh of relief and satisfaction and say,”What a beautiful poem!” Where does the beauty come from? I believe it is beautiful because of the meaning I have managed to extract from its words. I have achieved an optimal level of understanding of its words and thus a deep appreciation is felt by the reader (me).

Similarly, if an optimal level of understanding is achieved of the verses from the Quran, whether it be in Arabic or any other language, the deep appreciation will be felt by the reader. Muslims are encouraged to strive, to seek knowledge on understanding the verses and content of the Quran.

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