"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 straight guidance."
Quran 22:67
This passage is drawn from surah 67, al-Hajj, rendered, not surprisingly, as "The Pilgrimage." Here is yet another passage reminding Muslims that every community has their own beliefs and rituals and that you should not argue with them about the differences, even if you're pretty certain that your interpretation is correct. As Nasr tells us in the commentary: "Let them not argue with thee is understood to mean that the Prophet, and by extension all believers, should not engage in debate with members of other communities over such questions, although some understand this to mean that those who would argue with the Muslims should themselves stop their dispute and embrace Islam. If the disputants continue, the believers are to remind them of God's Knowledge and that God will judge the difference between religions not in this world, but in the Hereafter." (p. 847) I often, gently, argue with my most excellent Steve about the significance of ritual (mainly because I like to wind him up) but it's humbling and discouraging how much time we as people of faith (and that includes all people of all faith) devote to arguing about the rightness or wrongness or a particular ritual.
Quran 22:67
This passage is drawn from surah 67, al-Hajj, rendered, not surprisingly, as "The Pilgrimage." Here is yet another passage reminding Muslims that every community has their own beliefs and rituals and that you should not argue with them about the differences, even if you're pretty certain that your interpretation is correct. As Nasr tells us in the commentary: "Let them not argue with thee is understood to mean that the Prophet, and by extension all believers, should not engage in debate with members of other communities over such questions, although some understand this to mean that those who would argue with the Muslims should themselves stop their dispute and embrace Islam. If the disputants continue, the believers are to remind them of God's Knowledge and that God will judge the difference between religions not in this world, but in the Hereafter." (p. 847) I often, gently, argue with my most excellent Steve about the significance of ritual (mainly because I like to wind him up) but it's humbling and discouraging how much time we as people of faith (and that includes all people of all faith) devote to arguing about the rightness or wrongness or a particular ritual.
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