Do you think it reasonable that there is enough evidence in the Qur'an and Sunnah to justify immitating Muhammad (SAW) as closely as that has been allowed by him to earn the pleasure of Allah (SWT)? If so, then the line or argumentation is irrelevant for us Muslims.
I don't think they is enough Quranic justification or even evidence to follow hadith as if they are scripture, so no. I intereptret the Quran to follow the ways of the prophet in his piety and his example of worshipping one God - not imitating his life down to the way he combs his hair. That is excessive adoration and idolization IMO that leads to excessive statements like this one that blows my mind is acccepted by you and most here. That is a huge statement to accept or to not care bout its truthfulness.
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But if for you it is critical to know either way then let's say this ... Let's say that the statement is not true, will you then accept Muhammad (SAW) as the last messenger of Allah (SWT) The One Deity beyond which nothing is worthy of worship? And if such a matter troubles you to know that people are saying things out of adoration that defies your logic then remove those barriers from your perception as you see fit ... will that be enough to convince you of the truth of Islam? If not ... why not?
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I already believe there is one God worthy of worship. The reasons I don't accept Muhammad as the last messenger are many. I see the truth of Islam but I differ in my beliefs in 2 main ways: I do not think there is one path to God, and I believe the interpretation of Islam has changed from its original meaning in the past 1000 years that puts this emphasis on the prophet, hadith and sunnah instead of God, where Muhammad intended the emphasis and glory to be.
I don't think they is enough Quranic justification or even evidence to follow hadith as if they are scripture, so no. I intereptret the Quran to follow the ways of the prophet in his piety and his example of worshipping one God - not imitating his life down to the way he combs his hair. That is excessive adoration and idolization IMO that leads to excessive statements like this one that blows my mind is acccepted by you and most here. That is a huge statement to accept or to not care bout its truthfulness.
I already believe there is one God worthy of worship. The reasons I don't accept Muhammad as the last messenger are many. I see the truth of Islam but I differ in my beliefs in 2 main ways: I do not think there is one path to God, and I believe the interpretation of Islam has changed from its original meaning in the past 1000 years that puts this emphasis on the prophet, hadith and sunnah instead of God, where Muhammad intended the emphasis and glory to be.
Peace Seminole
Some would say kissing the black stone is worship of the stone too. That does not make it so we only do things because we are told to do them by the agents of God (AS) who themselves command only what God instructed them to say. The problem is in your over confidence in your on logic over scripture and that is pick-n-choose syndrome.
As a matter of fact I personally do not believe that statement but I said I do not have a problem in accepting if it can be shown to originate from an authentic source. The different between your stance and mine is that you will deny its validity even if it can be shown to originate from an authentic source. The finality of prophethood is mentioned in the Qur'an and that is a muttawatir collection. It is undeniably authentic and dates back to Muhammad (SAW). If the Qur'an says he is the last then I believe it. If the authentic hadith say to do such and such I will try my best to do it no questions. That is the meaning of being a Muslim ... one who submits to the Will of God entirely.
At the same time we need to be aware of the mistakes of past generations and I totally sympathise with your stance that excessiveness leads to dangerous ground and in fact it should be I telling you that, because usually Muslims are the ones talking about refraining from over adulation. So you are already sounding like a Muslim. You even believe the truth in Islam ... and you like me believe that that Islam is not the only path to God. As far as I know all paths lead to God some paths according to my belief are preferred over others however. Islam is the preferred path in this matter. You already believe in One God. I guess perhaps you could try doing Sajood (prostration) with a mind that you are worshipping God next? But I guess we will never know if you have or will ever try to do that ... I guess I should warn you that you are treading dreadfully close to some of the steps taken by pious people who have now accepted Islam as their way of life ... Again it has nothing to do with me it is a matter between you and Your Lord.
Some would say kissing the black stone is worship of the stone too. That does not make it so we only do things because we are told to do them by the agents of God (AS) who themselves command only what God instructed them to say. The problem is in your over confidence in your on logic over scripture and that is pick-n-choose syndrome.
Others' problem is their over confidence in what they consider scripture (words/commands of God).
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As a matter of fact I personally do not believe that statement but I said I do not have a problem in accepting if it can be shown to originate from an authentic source. The different between your stance and mine is that you will deny its validity even if it can be shown to originate from an authentic source.
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I am pretty confident there isn't any scripture that validates that statement, I feel sure it would have been posted by now. I sure can't find it. If there is, then I'm wrong and there is one more reason why I can't accept Islam as the ONE religion. But I am surprised that a student such as yourself cannot verify or rule out such a strong, strong statement.
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The finality of prophethood is mentioned in the Qur'an and that is a muttawatir collection. It is undeniably authentic and dates back to Muhammad (SAW). If the Qur'an says he is the last then I believe it. If the authentic hadith say to do such and such I will try my best to do it no questions. That is the meaning of being a Muslim ... one who submits to the Will of God entirely.
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I don't question that as an authentic Quranic and Muslim belief.
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At the same time we need to be aware of the mistakes of past generations and I totally sympathise with your stance that excessiveness leads to dangerous ground and in fact it should be I telling you that, because usually Muslims are the ones talking about refraining from over adulation. So you are already sounding like a Muslim. You even believe the truth in Islam ...
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There is obvious truth in the Quran, and I have no doubt a pious Muslim is rewarded after death.
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and you like me believe that that Islam is not the only path to God. As far as I know all paths lead to God some paths according to my belief are preferred over others however. Islam is the preferred path in this matter. You already believe in One God. I guess perhaps you could try doing Sajood (prostration) with a mind that you are worshipping God next? But I guess we will never know if you have or will ever try to do that ... I guess I should warn you that you are treading dreadfully close to some of the steps taken by pious people who have now accepted Islam as their way of life ... Again it has nothing to do with me it is a matter between you and Your Lord.
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We have more in common than one would think, eh? I very much believe in prayer. I have tried prostration but do not feel it a necessary practice (for me).
Finding common ground bro … All paths of life lead to Him and He will Judge them accordingly. We have but been told to convey the truth and the best example to mankind. That is our role. Islam has been chosen for us. That is not say others will not enter Jannah, because Allah (SWT) can forgive all sins but Shirk. In which case either the good outweigh the bad and cancel or one serves his time for his sins. Even for Muslims this is the case.
