Isn't Quran a timeless book? And so,isn't it open for interpretations as time progress.?

Question

..We see translators injecting their own opinion in the form of words between braces

Eg :

..idle talk (music...)

...accusing chaste women( of being adultery..)... etc etc etc..

Since they are human beings,chances are that they may be fallible and hence commited mistake knowingly or unknowingly..

Why is it that we can't have a change in the outlook..What makes Quran closed for further discussion..Who gave them the authority to do so??

Answer 1

gadgets doesnt make humans modern. humans are as old as sin,they have same desires,same needs,what has changed with humans ?

shelter,sex,food, and thats it,they have same feelings/emotions.

rome at one time was the Most powerful country in the world and the most modern one too,in its own right,so was greece.

see,what is happening in the west,dont dont care who is doing sex with whom, just like a caveman. ! incest isnt a cognizable offence,it is a sin but not offence according to their land law.

what do you think should be changed ? if one doesnt want to follow Glorious Quran ,there is no compulsion on it, not following is NOT cognizable offence by Quran itself.there is no physical punishment decreed by Allah Allmighty in Glorious Quran.

he/she will be awarded according to his/her own deeds on the judgment day.

what good have christians done,after changing their scripture ?

are they more religious or what ? they do what they have to do ,regardless of their scripture.

would there be any benefit to change the scripture ?

NO.

Ijtehad and Ijma can not overturn Allah's Word, they are not authorized to do that.scholars are NOT god.

people have to change not Glorious Quran.

Read Quran Alone ,Truth will set you free.

Follow Allah Alone,Quran Alone. Deen is very easy in Glorious Quran.very difficult in hadith books. Quran is The Scriptur,hadith is NOT.

Music is not haram, the translation of verse regarding chaste woman,is distorted,they examine Glorious Quran through hadith,and the meaning is lost.Ponder Glorious Quran Purely.



Edit

For acts of immodesty (leading towards adultery or fornication) at least four witnesses are required: (4:15) "Remember! This testimony is for cases of general shameless acts (leading towards adultery) and not for adultery itself."



In cases of calumny against chaste woman, (at least) 4 witnesses are required (24:4) "And those who make an accusation against chaste women and provide not four witnesses (to support their accusation), scourge them eighty times and reject their evidence ever after; for such men are wicked transgressors. (Also deprive them of such privileges that are available to the citizens of an Islamic State, and if they still continue with their nefarious designs inflict upon them a more grievous penalty (24:23) because these people go astray leaving the right path.



But if the charge (of adultery) is against one's own wife and other witnesses are not available, it is sufficient to take an oath. Thus it is said; (24:6-9) "And for those who raise a charge (of adultery) against their spouses and have (in support) no evidence but their own _ the solitary evidence of the husband (can be received) if he bears witness four times (with an oath) by Allah that he is solemnly telling the truth. And the fifth (oath should be) that he solemnly invokes the curse of Allah on himself if he tells a lie. But it would avert the punishment from the wife, if she bears witness four times (with an oath) by Allah that (her husband) is telling a lie. Again the fifth (oath) should be that she solemnly invokes the imprecation of Allah on herself if (her accuser) is telling the truth. With this she shall be acquitted."



the biggest problem is that hadith laws are mixed with Quranic Laws, and if one nagates hadith laws,one is declared as apostate, ! and is penalized and is executed as per hadith laws.thats the biggest problem for those who believe in hadith laws.hadith is NOT scripture Quran is.

when one Reads Glorious Quran,Quran is directly addressing you,Allah Allmighty has given immense freedom.

waxing,plucking eyebrows,music,dogs,nail color,lip color,trimming or cutting hair,drawing pictures making sculptors,laughter,playing cards,chess,and much more is declared haram in sunnism

Answer 2

The Quran is indeed for all time in this world. It is not really timeless per se. There will come a time towards the End of Time in this world, the writings on every copy of the Quran shall be lifted to the Heavens by Allah (leaving only blank white pages in every book), as a sure sign that the world will come to an end any moment from then! Only those who have memorised the contents of the Quran in its entirety will be able to recite verses from the Quran then.



Of course the Quran can be subjected to various translations and interpretations, including by those who have ulterior motives. Muslims will only use interpretations by highly respected and well-known Islamic scholars as their guides and source of guidance, especially on matters of jurisprudence, religious duties and administration of the ummah.



As for Arab speaking individuals (especially in Middle East and Arab world) this does not pose any undue difficulty as the Quran had been revealed in their mother tongue language.

Answer 3

The Quran has contradictions like the Bible. For example,



1) According to Holy Quran mountains prevent earthquake or the shaking of the earth.In Sura Al Al-Anbiyaa (Chapter 21 verse# 31)

It says

" And We have placed on the earth firm mountains, lest it should shake with them



If Mountains are there to stop the earth from shaking, then why do we see so many earthquakes in mountainous regions?. For example, Japan is a mountainous zone but it has 1500 earthquakes every year.'Shaking of the earth' and earth quakes mean the same thing right? Mountains are created because of the movement of tectonic plates. They do not stablize the earth or prevent shaking of the earth. This verse is clearly in error



2) The Quran In Sura Al Mulk (Chapter 67) Ayaat # 5 it says



"And We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps,

and we have made such (Lamps as) missiles to drive away Satans, ... "



So the stars were created by Allah as missiles to throw at the devils? In order to not let them eavesdrop on the heavenly council?



The first ayaat says stars are lamps that is fine but lamps (stars) are not thrown at devils.

Answer 4

Yes. It is true that some translations of the Bible adhere more closely to what is in the original languages than others do. Modern paraphrase Bibles have taken liberties that at times alter the original meaning. Some translators have allowed personal beliefs to color their renderings. But these weaknesses can be identified by comparison of a variety of translations. Twisting the Scriptures to fit our own ideas can result in lasting harm. (2 Pet. 3:15, 16) Two things can help us to understand the Bible correctly. First, consider the context (surrounding verses) of any statement. Next, compare texts with other statements in the Bible that deal with the same subject. In that way we are letting God’s own Word guide our thinking, and the interpretation is not ours but his. To understand the meaning of a scripture correctly, we should consider background information, such as who wrote the Bible book and when and under what circumstances it was written. It is also helpful to know the purpose for which the book was written and, if possible, the social, moral, and religious practices of the day. In pointing out the meaning of symbolic language in the Bible, we let the Bible provide its own explanation, instead of giving our own theories as to its significance. (1 Cor. 2:13) That is the approach that needs to be taken when reading the Bible. When we allow its Author (God) to interpret it for us, it is truly “beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness.” Then, and only then, will it make us “fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.”—2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

Answer 5

Yes, the situations today differ from those of the past. I'll give you some examples:





Any open-minded person would know about these things:



1. Music is an art that is above all words. It's a universal language that can make people of the world closer to each other and it gives you feelings you cannot even describe with words. Music was haram in the past, because at that time wherever there was music, there was drinking alcohol and women danced and (even got naked) in front of men which is all sinful, so God forbad music to them. Now in the 21th cennturary you can listen to any kind of music with your cell phones, computers, DVD players and there's nothing sinful about it.



2. An educated person would know about homosexuality. Homosexuality is a term that refers to people who are involantaily attracted to the same sex. It's not a choice. Islam has never said if you feel attracted to the same sex, you're sinful. It says if you give in to your whims and actually commit sodomy it's sinful. Pedophilia is the same. Some men develop sexual feelings toward children, but it's not a choice. It's all a matter of psychology and could happen to anyone. You're not sinful unless you go abuse a child. The actions are sinful, not the way you are and feel. You should not confuse "homosexuality" with "sodomy". These are two different things which are mistakanly used in place of each other.





3. Throwing birthday parties is not sinful. It's a way of thanking God for the gift of life. It can only be sinful, if haram things are done there. God doesn't want us to be depressed frowning people. He wants us to be always happy and smiling like prophets and Imams.



4. Drawing pictures, photography, composing poems and stuff are all parts of art. Those who say these are sinful do not know the nature of man. God has given the man the power of creativity. Nowadays it's even prooved that art can reduce your destresses and even cure psychological problems. Art is a God-given gift. There's nothing sinful about it.



5. Masturbation while many will bash it, is allowed under some circumstances. If you feel that you will get involved in sinful activities such as fornication or gay activities, masturbation is not sinful. It only reduces your stress and rids you of lustful feelings and thoughts and helps you to think like a real human for the rest of your day. Even some Sunnis agree with that. (Read Wikipedia: Masturbation is Islam)



6. Playing chess and cards is not sinful. God banned them because people normally played cards to gamble. Actually it's gambling which make them sinful. You can gamble with any game. Playing cards is sinful only if you gamble but not otherwise.



7. You shouldn't stop being friends with someone who has different beliefs fromt hat of yours. If you think hanging out with such a person would destroy your beliefs, you may not be a true believes after all.

Answer 6

Those commentaries in the brackets are based on Ahadith and were added by scholars and translators. You know how that looks to me? Like changing the Qur'an by adding stuff into it. And that's like a big NO-NO in Islam. You know the rest.



As for your question, I believe it should be interpreted as the time progresses. The essentials will never change, but things like ''dharab, khimar, etc.'' have changed their meaning with time. After all, He said that Qur'an is for all times. Muslims just need to learn to keep pace with it.



EDIT: And with all due respect towards those scholars and their contribution to religion, who are they to determine what ''idle talk'' means? Idle talk is such a broad term, it could mean many things. Logically speaking, it would be a bigger sin to spend hours and hours on Yahoo Answers discussing favourite colours and dishes. That's idle talk - not productive. At least one can learn something from music.



I will be the first one to come back to Islam if some reform is made. There I said it, black on white.

Answer 7

Salam my dear brother Nimmy. Yes the holy Qur'an is timeless since the era of Muhammad pbuh upto the qiyamah (the collapse of this universe)Allah maintains and protects the genuity of this Qur'an

But the interpretation is not open because it has been explained by Muhammad pbuh in his hadith.The questions or problems should be answered or solved in line with the holy Qur'an and hadith as muslim life guide. It should be learned and understood well, and practise in the daily life. We must obey it.A new problem should be solved by ijma of ulamas. by discussing it in depth. It could not be interpreted by a lay man .In 2:170 Allah spoke that if anything told to them (kafirs) Please follow to what have been given by Allah .They (kafirs) answered (No) We want to follow to what our ancestors did While their ancestors did not know anything and they did not accept guidance The sunnah or hadith should be tested by the verses of the Qur'an.

Answer 8

The door of ijtihad is not closed. it is open.

mostly the tafseers claim they made it according to hadeethes, which are authentic and the explanation of early scholars.

the great tafseers explaining how they come to that conclusion.

there are minority opinions about some, but now a days no body pointing to such opinions.

eg the second coming of jesus. many insist as it a clear statement of quran,

Answer 9

Yes, I agree. The best way is to read Quran in its original language, rather than reading someone's else interpretations.

Answer 10

Yes, the Holy Q'uran is a timeless book. No, it is not open for interpretations as time progresses. The Prophet Mohammed, may Allah bless his bippy! determined that the Quran has but one meaning, after consulting with the witch Endora from Bewitched! TV show, and with Darrin and Samantha Stevens, and that is this: Keep thy eyes on thy fries!

Allah! Allah y'all are invited to have a Nice Day!

Answer 11

Poppy Pickette said it perfectly, and I agree with her on the matter of returning to Islam if some reform is made.

Answer 12

I know where you're coming from. And I kinda agree with you.



Have you read Muhammad Asad's The Message of the Quran commentary? He's with you.



Commentaries from traditional tafsir like ibn Kathir are still very much relevant but they are not infallible. However, I'm not learned and therefore will refrain from making any examples.

Answer 13

Yes it is, and it revelation is in tandem with man intelligence.

Answer 14

Would like to know more about this as well

Answer 15

The Mutashabihat and Muhkamat Ayat



Allah states that in the Qur'an, there are Ayat that are Muhkamat, entirely clear and plain, and these are the foundations of the Book which are plain for everyone. And there are Ayat in the Qur'an that are Mutashabihat not entirely clear for many, or some people. So those who refer to the Muhkam Ayat to understand the Mutashabih Ayat, will have acquired the correct guidance, and vice versa. This is why Allah said,



(They are the foundations of the Book), meaning, they are the basis of the Qur'an, and should be referred to for clarification, when warranted,



(And others not entirely clear) as they have several meanings, some that agree with the Muhkam and some that carry other literal indications, although these meaning might not be desired.



The Muhkamat (Commandment etc.) are the Ayat that explain the abrogating rulings, the allowed, prohibited, laws, limits, obligations and rulings that should be believed in and implemented. As for the Mutashabihat Ayat, they include the abrogated Ayat, parables, oaths, and what should be believed in, but not implemented.



Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar commented on,



(In it are verses that are entirely clear) as "Containing proof of the Lord, immunity for the servants and a refutation of opponents and of falsehood. They cannot be changed or altered from what they were meant for.'' He also said, "As for the unclear Ayat, they can (but must not) be altered and changed, and this is a test from Allah to the servants, just as He tested them with the allowed and prohibited things. So these Ayat must not be altered to imply a false meaning or be distorted from the truth.''



Therefore, Allah said,



(So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation) meaning, those who are misguided and deviate from truth to falsehood,



(they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof) meaning, they refer to the Mutashabih, because they are able to alter its meanings to conform with their false interpretation since the wordings of the Mutashabihat encompass such a wide area of meanings. As for the Muhkam Ayat, they cannot be altered because they are clear and, thus, constitute unequivocal proof against the misguided people. This is why Allah said,



(seeking Al-Fitnah) meaning, they seek to misguide their following by pretending to prove their innovation by relying on the Qur'an -- the Mutashabih of it -- but, this is proof against and not for them. For instance, Christians might claim that `Isa (Jesus) is divine because the Qur'an states that he is Ruhullah and His Word, which He gave to Mary, all the while ignoring Allah's statements,



(He ﴿`Isa ﴾jesus) was not more than a servant. We granted Our favor to him.(43:59), and,



(Verily, the likeness of `Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!'' and he was. (3:59).



There are other Ayat that clearly assert that `Isa is but one of Allah's creatures and that he is the servant and Messenger of Allah, among other Messengers.



Allah's statement,



(And seeking for its Ta'wil (hidden meaning) to alter them as they desire. Imam Ahmad recorded that `A'ishah said, "The Messenger of Allah recited,



(It is He Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book; and others not entirely clear,), until,



(Men of understanding) and he said,



(When you see those who argue in it (using the Mutashabihat), then they are those whom Allah meant. Therefore, beware of them.''



Al-Bukhari recorded a similar Hadith in the Tafsir of this Ayah ﴿3:7﴾, as did Muslim in the book of Qadar (the Divine Will) in his Sahih, and Abu Dawud in the Sunnah section of his Sunan, from `A'ishah; "The Messenger of Allah recited this Ayah,



(It is He Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are verses that are entirely clear,) until,



(And none receive admonition except men of understanding.)



He then said,



(When you see those who follow what is not so clear of the Qur'an, then they are those whom Allah described, so beware of them.)''



This is the wording recorded by Al-Bukhari.

Answer 16

The words of the Lord are perfect in truth and justice;

there is NONE who can change His words.

He both heareth and knoweth.

-- Sura 6:115

None can change the words of God;

-- Sura 6:34



There is no changing the words of God;

that is the mighty triumph.

-- Sura 10:64



And recite what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord,

there is none who can alter His words;

and you shall not find any refuge besides Him.

-- Sura 18:27

Answer 17

That's what Muslim shia scholars believe, that's why we have ijtehad.

Answer 18

i agree. koran is timeless when it says the earth is flat and jinn fly at night



lol

Answer 19

Well, it depends..