Sara, i am not rebuking those who read other scriptures for gaining secular knowledge, but to say that doing so for the purpose of strenghthening your iman or validating the “existence” of half the world’s population sounds extremely placatory to me, not to mention specious.
I read Nietzche in my spare time. But I dont incorporate the rantings of a semi-demented mortal philosopher into the divine interpretations of the Qur’an; nor do i antithetically juxtapose them with Qur’anic injunctions as a means to solidify my belief in islam. I do it simply for a secular purpose.
Some, however, will argue that learning of other scriptures will arm one with the necessary tools and knowledge to bring more non-muslims into the fold of islam. Nothing wrong with that, except it makes more rational sense for only those who have already perfected the practice of islam – learning the meaning of Qur’an, hadith, memorizing verses, islamic jurisprudence, etc.-- for their own salvation.
But for the rest – like myself, you and many others – let’s focus on our own salvation first.
Umar brought to the Prophet (peace be upon him) a book that he had gotten from some of the People of the Scripture. Umar read to him from it, which angered the Prophet (peace be upon him). He said: “I have brought to you what is clear and pure. Do not ask them about anything, lest they inform you of something true and you deny it or inform you of something false and you believe it. I swear by Him in whose hand is my soul, if Moses were alive today, he would do naught but follow me.” Musnad Ahmad (3/387)]
This hadith has a weak chain of transmission. Ibn Hajar says: “It contains Mujâlid b. Sa`îd who is a weak narrator.” Fath al-Bârî (13/334)] However, there are other chains of transmission for this hadith that might, taken together, bring it to the level of being acceptable ( hasan li-ghayrihi ).
In any event, this hadith must be understood to indicate that there is a restriction upon looking into the books of the Jews and Christians when there is no assurance that the person reading them is secure from being influenced by them. The reason for this is the other hadith that reads: “You may relate from the Children of Israel without objection.” This hadith indicates permissibility, that the restriction is lifted when the reason for that restriction is no longer present.
Ibn Hajar writes, while commenting on this hadîth:
It means: “There is no restriction upon you in relating from them.” This is because the Prophet (peace be upon him) had formerly denounced taking from them and looking into their books. Then he relaxed this restriction. It seems as if the prohibition had come before the Islamic rulings and religious principles had been firmly established, to prevent any possible confusion from taking place. Then, when the negative consequences ceased to be present, permission was given. This is because of the lessons to be gotten from listening to the stories of their times. Fath al-Bârî (6/498)]
Islam is a perfect religion if these muftis, ulemas, MULLAHS(!!) don't convolute it. I know many questions amongst the so-called farsighted people arise concerning certain issues .. but if you look no farther than basic, simple, down to earth Islam (which is the easiest and best "legitimate" religion of all), you will find an easier answer around these questions then you would if you studied the other nonsense itself. Am i confusing?
i agree with all points sarah made. Especially, the fact that we shouldnt be afriad to explore other idealogies and beliefs. Reading about taoism or doing yoga shouldnt diminish one's faith. You would only be afriad to embrace other views if you were insecure about your own.
I think if those has been taught World Religions: Islam Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, in a primary/elementary multicultural school by a Muslim Class teacher. And imagine this class has all said faith students in it from different races i.e. asian, white, black. Then people might be having a real perception of a multicultural society.
Some people are not aware Religious and Moral Education is a part of Curriculum and Muslim Primary/Elementary Teachers are teaching these world religions in their classes in UK.
