Islam: ’A Diverse Tradition’ II

First, if one were to read my column, its preface indicates that I sincerely hope that Margaret Lawston will truly pursue a genuine search for truth. And ends with a similar imploration for searching, reading, and study.

Second, I am not an apologist for any religion or belief system (except maybe Americanism), and I try to keep my spiritual beliefs separate from any discourse. I have always set out to learn and examine as much as possible about things of interest. I am sorry that I have not read the requisite number of books that would have satisfied Yassin-Kassab’s level of expertise, but I self-proclaim, in front of the entire world, “I am not a definitive expert on Islam.” I just report on what I’ve read and studied. As it turns out, I have read and studied more than many (read most) of my Muslim acquaintances.

As one can see from Yassin-Kassab’s article, it is replete with the standard Islamic intellectual dishonesties that are always found in their apologia. True, I am not an Arabic linguist and though I have degrees in English and other disciplines, I certainly can’t even call myself an English linguist...but I certainly know how to read and write. I am studying Arabic, so as to someday be able to read the book in its original and not completely need to rely on translations. However, this brings up the point that Yassin-Kassab illuminates; which word or meaning is the proper word or meaning to use when translating in the situation specified? I searched and studied...and deceit is the word that most Muslim writers use when commenting on the original. The fact that it can be argued that cunning, planning and deceit are possible usages (interchangeable?), is certainly telling and informative in itself as a linguistic debate!

In his commentary, Yaweeka, states;

First of all, I’m an Arab... I don’t judge a religion by its followers, but by its teachings. Here is (but) a small hint in understanding Islam:

Understanding the concept of abrogation is very important in order to understand Islam. Within the Qur’an there are statements that contradict others. For example, I have recently read an article by Karen Armstrong saying: "the only permissible war (in the Koran) is one of self-defense. Muslims may not begin hostilities (2:190)." Others quote verses from the Qur’an like: "Let there be no compulsion in religion (2:256)” This verse seems to say clearly enough that the Qur’an teaches a peaceful response to those who oppose Islam. But there are other verses in the Qur’an which say quite the opposite. For example: "But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war) (9:5).” How to solve this conflict? And which verse should the Muslims follow?

Please allow me to explain briefly: There is a concept called "Abrogation" in the Qur’an, and that is: The Qur’an was (supposedly) revealed to Muhammad in a sequence of events, the latter verses supercede and nullify the earlier verses. Out of the whole Qur’an, there are 124 verses that teach some tolerance towards non-Muslims... but here is the striking fact...all of these verses are (made) void, and were abrogated by the last verse (supposedly) revealed upon Muhammad (verse 9.5).

Yaweeka continues:

Suyuti (one of the most respected authorities in Islam), in his book "Istenbat al tanzeel" says: "Everything in the Qur’an about forgiveness is abrogated by verse 9:5." Al-Shawkani in his book "Alsaylu Jarar" (4:518-519) says: "Islam is unanimous about fighting the unbelievers and forcing them to Islam or submitting and paying Jiziah (special tax paid only by Christians or Jews) or being killed. [The verses] about forgiving them are abrogated unanimously by the obligation of fighting in any case." Finally here is what Muhammad the prophet of Islam himself said: Ibn Haban in his Sahih, vol. 14, p. 529, narrates: Muhammad said: "I swear by Him who has my soul in His hands, I was sent to you with nothing but slaughter."

Another Qur’anic scholar, M.S.M. Saifullah, states:

Islam abrogates all the previous religions, Christianity and Judaism included. And hence if the Jews and Christians do not accept Islam, they are the losers. Whatever good deeds they have will be scattered like dust on the Day of Judgement. We will only quote the Islamic position is on this issue.

In The Reliance Of The Traveler, a book of Islamic jurisprudence, we read: Previously revealed religions were valid in their own eras, as is attested by many verses of the Holy Koran, but were abrogated by the universal message of Islam, as is equally attested to by many verses of the Koran. Both points are worthy of attention for English-speaking Muslims, who are occasionally exposed to erroneous theories advanced by some teachers and Koran translators affirming these religions’ validity but denying not mentioning their abrogation, or that it is unbelief (kufr) to hold that the remnant cults now bearing the names of formerly valid religions, such as "Christianity" or "Judaism", are acceptable to Allah Most High after He sent the final Messenger (Allah bless him give him peace) to the entire world. This is a matter over which there is no disagreement among Islamic scholars....

M.S.M. Saifullah further states, “Please note that there is no disagreement among the Islamic scholars concerning the abrogation of previous religions like Judaism and Christian and that believing in their validity is a form of kufr.”

So much for a Diverse Tradition. If, as Yassin Kassab states, there is a diverse tradition, why do we not hear it shouted from the rooftops, the minarets, and the airwaves? (as an aside, we must all pray for the life of Abdul Rahman, an Afghan Christian who is the object of Islam’s Diverse Tradition). Even Yassin-Kassab does not refute the basics of what I stated, only the “interpretation.” How’s the Diverse Tradition doing in the Sudan these days? Do a search on East Timor and Muslim tolerance. I could go on and on, but no need. As I previously entreated, please go search, read, and study... the truth is out there to be uncovered by any one of us...and a special thanks to Gaby for the cogent expressions of understanding. In conclusion, I leave the readers with a homework assignment: Why does Islam use a crescent moon as its symbol?