Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!bu.edu!m2c!wpi.WPI.EDU!zahle.wpi.edu!shari
From: darwish@eng.umd.edu (Mamdouh Maher)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.islam
Subject: Re: Earth is the Center of the Universe
Message-ID: <1991Apr24.182457.28891@wpi.WPI.EDU>
Date: 24 Apr 91 18:24:57 GMT
References: <1991Apr23.153835.31416@wpi.WPI.EDU>
Sender: news@wpi.WPI.EDU (News)
Organization: College of Engineering, Maryversity of Uniland, College Park
Lines: 59
Approved: shari@zahle.wpi.edu
Originator: shari@zahle.wpi.edu
Nntp-Posting-Host: zahle.wpi.edu


Assalamu `alaykum.

  Sister Hanan Lutfiyya writes:
>
>    I'm not disagreeing with you.  What I resent is the following:
>Sometimes, when a person tries to investigate the questionable points, 
>they are given labels.  The original posting that started this thread
>seemed to imply that a person who does question, is being influenced
>by Satan.  I consider this unfair especially if one believes that
>Allah has given us free will.  There are many differences between
>the way religious scholars perceive things.  It is because they
>question.  I believe that the "average person" also has this right.
>The right to question, investigate and learn and not be labeled.  Of
>course, the learning process will involve learning from many
>of these religious scholars.

   The original posting was refering to questioning what is correct, ie: trying
to find excuses for not following it. I think the poster was not
implying that one should not question, rather that one should not wait
till one understands fully the exact reason for a ruling before following
it. I pray three rak`a for Maghreb, but I have no idea why it is not two
or four. I am certainly not going to wait till I fully understand the
digestive system before I eat. 
   
  As for the right to question, the Muslim has the OBLIGATION to question,
to wonder, to try and understand some of the wisdom of the Creator.
The Qur'an constantly tells us to contemplate IT. God tells us that it is 
guidance to the right path, but also that it is guidance to those who
contemplate, ("Afala tatafakkarun" Will you not contemplate, think), to those
who think ("Ulu alalbab" those who have thought).

  One way Islam sets itself apart from most other religions is in that it
appeals to the intellect as well as to the spirit. Islam not only 'feels'
right, but it also makes sense. We are told to accept God's blessings
on us, that is why we should enjoy the good bounties of this world, but
that is also why we should understand this divine way of life. This can only be
achieved through learning it, thinking about it, questioning it.
  
  Islamic history is full of debate of questions that often seem forbidden
under Islamic law. It is only after the weakness of the Muslims, caused
by the weakness of their hearts, that corrupt systems that restrict
freedom of expression have arisen. Islam restricts corruption, pornography
and trickery (false claims), I am not aware of any upright form of expression
that is forbidden. And tgat which God has allowed may not be forbidden in 
Islam.

>Hanan Lutfiyya
>University if Missouri-Rolla
 
I hope this helps answer your question. Distorting Islam is perhapse the
only way to fight it; certainly the only way that has worked historically.
I am as frustrated as you are by some of the misunderstandings. If my
article seems long, I apologise, but I feel it is my duty to clear up
some of the confusion.
  
Assalamu `alaykum
  
Mamdouh Maher