salam alikom
I was brought up in the Middle East where Sunni Islam is the most prevalent. My country is well known by its pliable view of Islam; however, in the past few years Salafism has crept into our society. Unfortunately, many people have adopted this ultraorthodox stream, believing it's the pristine form that Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) had preached.
I was admitted to an Islamic school and at the age of seven, boys and girls were segregated. I grew up believing that having a conversation with a guy was a major sin, I even looked down upon girls who did so. My school gave a lot of attention to superficial details and looked over the essence of Islam; e.g. my teachers focused immensely on the veil and left out many important values and morals. I remember being reluctant at first as I didn?t want to wear the veil at a very young age (12 years). During school years, I was dubious of some prophetic sayings, especially those laden with misogyny. I couldn't accept that a religion so keen on equality would degrade any social group. However, I used to solace myself with the scholars' interpretations i.e. their twisting of the original negative connotation so that it gives positive impression.
It wasn't until recently that I began questioning the authenticity of Hadith and so often I asked dad about the compilation of hadith. He told me about its late compilation, the chain of narrators...etc and other things that left me wondering.
Around two years ago, I wanted to become very religious and strictly obey God's commands. I downloaded Quran exegesis, Sahih Bukhari and the commentary on Sahih bukhari; and I started my reading journey, but my advancement was absolutely slow. So I tried a different approach, which was downloading an English translation of the Quran. (For me reading an English translation was much easier since our spoken Arabic is very slang and I couldn?t understand many Arabic words in the Quran). At this point, I realized how simple the Quran is and how easy it is to follow. I found a lot of discrepancy between the spirit of the Quran and what our scholars preach.
I had many questions and thoughts flowing in my mind. I didn?t speak up because I knew this will push me into a lot of arguments. I don't like arguing especially if there are no satisfying answers. I think it's a waste of time to get into arguments that are eventually fruitless. One day I was searching for the meaning of a verse and accidentally I entered the site for Ahl Al Quran; this site belongs to a movement called Al Quranyoon which I haven't heard of before. To my surprise, those people shared some of my opinions and there I found answers to some of my questions, but I had fears from the idea of rejecting the Sunnah because we have been indoctrinated that the basics of Islam are Quran and Sunnah and they are inseparable.
Since then I have done a lot of research into Hadith. I have always wondered, if hadith are revelations from, why is there disparity among the nine books of Hadith. Why aren't they consistent as the Quran? At the same time, I can't reject all hadith because some of them are in accordance with the Quran, some contain wisdom and some call for good work.
During my research, I came across this forum and I liked the way people here discuss their different viewpoints; no one belittles or curses, unlike other Sunni forums. I need to know people who can support me to reach the level of spirituality and purity I dream of, because the purpose of the divine message is to be in peace with God, the society and most importantly myself.
26:83 ?My Lord, grant me authority and join me with the good doers.?
26:84 ?And give me a tongue that is true for those who will follow.?
26:85 ?And make me of the inheritors of gardens of bliss.?
26:86 ?And forgive my father, for he was of those misguided.?
26:87 ?And do not disgrace me on the Day when they are resurrected.?
26:88 ?The Day when no money or sons can help.?
26:89 ?Except for he who comes to God with a pure heart.?
