"From a Quranic perspective, there are thus different ways of revering and worshipping God for different communities. God has not revealed one laws, but many laws, and to each law corresponds a particular path that is based upon the performance of rites particular to that form of worship."
Joseph Lumbard, "The Quranic View of Sacred History and Other Religions," in Seyyed Nasr, The Study Quran, p. 1767
Yes, another advantage of The Study Quran: many fascinating supportive essays. Here Lumbard makes a point, granted with much greater authority and doubtless a more assured knowledge of the English language, that I've made several times: there are many paths to God. Human nature being what it is we all, at least on some level, think that our own religion is the best path, but that's not the same as believing that it's the only path. I've had brothers and sisters tell me that Islam is the perfect religion, and I always, despite knowing I should probably just smile and nod, say, "But, you know, it's not." Now, why do I get myself in trouble like this? Hint: it's not simply that I'm a contrarian, at least not completely. First off, we simply are told in the Quran, repeatedly, that there are other paths. Secondly, anything that humans have played a role in creating can't be perfect; no matter the purity of the initial revelations we've had fourteen centuries of very human interaction in the construction of the faith. Thirdly, you should never believe your own press clippings, and if you're too full of yourself (and your faith) then you stop trying to improve. Islam is a path to moral improvement, not a shield that you hold up to prove how amazing you already are.
Not surprisingly Lumbard points out this passage from the 22nd surah: "For every community We have appointed a rite they are to perform; so let them not argue with thee over the matter. And call to thy Lord. Truly thou art following a straight guidance. And if they dispute with thee, say, 'God knows best what you do. God will judge between you on the Day of Resurrection concerning that wherein you used to differ.'" (22:67-69) Even if you read this in the most exclusive fashion (which I don't) the worst you can logically go is to disagree, nod your head, and shut up. Lumbard also cites 2:97, 3:3, 10:37, 35:31 and 46:30.
Obviously, this is far more than a reminder to people to not being annoying. If you think, truly believe, that your path is the only true path then that can take you - no matter your faith - to a very dark place in a hurry.
Joseph Lumbard, "The Quranic View of Sacred History and Other Religions," in Seyyed Nasr, The Study Quran, p. 1767
Yes, another advantage of The Study Quran: many fascinating supportive essays. Here Lumbard makes a point, granted with much greater authority and doubtless a more assured knowledge of the English language, that I've made several times: there are many paths to God. Human nature being what it is we all, at least on some level, think that our own religion is the best path, but that's not the same as believing that it's the only path. I've had brothers and sisters tell me that Islam is the perfect religion, and I always, despite knowing I should probably just smile and nod, say, "But, you know, it's not." Now, why do I get myself in trouble like this? Hint: it's not simply that I'm a contrarian, at least not completely. First off, we simply are told in the Quran, repeatedly, that there are other paths. Secondly, anything that humans have played a role in creating can't be perfect; no matter the purity of the initial revelations we've had fourteen centuries of very human interaction in the construction of the faith. Thirdly, you should never believe your own press clippings, and if you're too full of yourself (and your faith) then you stop trying to improve. Islam is a path to moral improvement, not a shield that you hold up to prove how amazing you already are.
Not surprisingly Lumbard points out this passage from the 22nd surah: "For every community We have appointed a rite they are to perform; so let them not argue with thee over the matter. And call to thy Lord. Truly thou art following a straight guidance. And if they dispute with thee, say, 'God knows best what you do. God will judge between you on the Day of Resurrection concerning that wherein you used to differ.'" (22:67-69) Even if you read this in the most exclusive fashion (which I don't) the worst you can logically go is to disagree, nod your head, and shut up. Lumbard also cites 2:97, 3:3, 10:37, 35:31 and 46:30.
Obviously, this is far more than a reminder to people to not being annoying. If you think, truly believe, that your path is the only true path then that can take you - no matter your faith - to a very dark place in a hurry.
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