In the realm of faith, there is no single interpretation that can be considered valid. So long as the author himself is not present to expound on his own work, no one can assume to know what the original intention was, or is.
What we deem then to be valid is relative. Ultimately its based on who we are as individuals or society. So for a person (or society by extension) that is inherently liberal, the Koran and hadeeth will take on a liberal leaning, and vice versa with conservatives.
To rely to much on established "scholars" risks turning a deeply personal faith into one that is exceedingly esoteric and hence prone to the same inequities that befall any system that is left in the hands of a chosen few.
The best approach to Islam I believe, and indeed any system, is to keep in mind the very basic tenets that we all agree on. Equity and justice, avoiding harm, and pursuing the greatest good for all those in our dealings within our means. So long as we abide by these tenets, and establish that we will interpret our faith in pursuance of these ends, we are serving Islam.
God has gifted us with reason and logic. Employing these faculties in an sincere manner will answer many questions regardless of sect or creed.
Everything else is unknowable and is best left in the hands of the almighty. We as mortals can only do our best.
Very, very well said.
God has definitely gifted us with reason and logic and this, to me, is the primary explanation for why we are all accountable for our deeds.
I do find that we doubt our ability to comprehend and reason more than we should and rely upon "scholars" to define the do's and don'ts a bit too much.
Do you think there might be a possibility in accessing things that are beyond the scientific method, yet not entirely beyond our reach … In other words … Admitted there are things beyond our reach, and there is science, but is it possible that those who claim to have something obtained from what lies beyond science, i.e. the metaphysical realm, can be true as well?..
Do you think there might be a possibility in accessing things that are beyond the scientific method, yet not entirely beyond our reach ... In other words ... Admitted there are things beyond our reach, and there is science, but is it possible that those who claim to have something obtained from what lies beyond science, i.e. the metaphysical realm, can be true as well?....
change 'beyond' to 'separate from' and I agree.
science answers some questions now and not others, the what, why and how
it can at some point in time even describe or answer something which is currently not understood or explained by science.
but I dont consider it 'beyond' scientific realm, i think of it as something in parallel..so not a more than, but separate from what is currently explained in the scientific realm.
change 'beyond' to 'separate from' and I agree.
science answers some questions now and not others, the what, why and how
it can at some point in time even describe or answer something which is currently not understood or explained by science.
but I dont consider it 'beyond' scientific realm, i think of it as something in parallel..so not a more than, but separate from what is currently explained in the scientific realm.
Ok I'm fine with that ... The reason why I used the word beyond is for a number of reasons, one reason is because of darajah, it is harder for us to access than our own physical vision. Also, those who are said to have experienced it are greater than me and the lay folk in their efforts and piety ... But essentially yes, a different aspect to being which the eyesight cannot reach, hence science is blind to it. If that is the case ... Then we should try to access that place to see what it can offer in the way of unlocking secrets to life ... Just like we do for science.
Ok I'm fine with that ... The reason why I used the word beyond is for a number of reasons, one reason is because of darajah, it is harder for us to access than our own physical vision. Also, those who are said to have experienced it are greater than me and the lay folk in their efforts and piety ... But essentially yes, a different aspect to being which the eyesight cannot reach, hence science is blind to it. If that is the case ... Then we should try to access that place to see what it can offer in the way of unlocking secrets to life ... Just like we do for science.
I think advanced knowledge in any field or realm of knowledge is hard, so someone who has some advanced knowledge in esoteric and spiritual arena could have minimal knowledge of quantum physics, an advanced mathematician can know minimal about advanced psychology. so I dont consider it at a different 'darajah' but a different yet parallel path of knowledge. and for this esoteric/spiritual knowledge there may be multiple sub paths as well, some may not be recommended by different approaches to life..whether it is some zen monk in a monastery, a kabbalah rabbi, a sufi, a theological scientist, a shaman, a peyote smoking with doctor...I have to give all of them and their ways some credence.
I think advanced knowledge in any field or realm of knowledge is hard, so someone who has some advanced knowledge in esoteric and spiritual arena could have minimal knowledge of quantum physics, an advanced mathematician can know minimal about advanced psychology. so I dont consider it at a different 'darajah' but a different yet parallel path of knowledge. and for this esoteric/spiritual knowledge there may be multiple sub paths as well, some may not be recommended by different approaches to life..whether it is some zen monk in a monastery, a kabbalah rabbi, a sufi, a theological scientist, a shaman, a peyote smoking with doctor...I have to give all of them and their ways some credence.
Peace X2
If we go by Islam, Iman, Ihsan, being, Physical, Internal and Spiritual then I would say that parallel perception can happen to a certain extent, but on the whole perceiving spiritually is higher than physical. My opinion. Also, as kids we are more focused on the apparent before we internalise before we try to reflect ...
I think advanced knowledge in any field or realm of knowledge is hard, so someone who has some advanced knowledge in esoteric and spiritual arena could have minimal knowledge of quantum physics, an advanced mathematician can know minimal about advanced psychology. so I dont consider it at a different 'darajah' but a different yet parallel path of knowledge. and for this esoteric/spiritual knowledge there may be multiple sub paths as well, some may not be recommended by different approaches to life..whether it is some zen monk in a monastery, a kabbalah rabbi, a sufi, a theological scientist, a shaman, a peyote smoking with doctor...I have to give all of them and their ways some credence.
Spirituality and knowledge of spirituality are entirely different, writing an authentic book about spirituality does not make a you wali. Don't confuse acquired knowledge with spirituality, they are't parallel.
