Salam everyone
There's something I have trouble understanding, and I would like some thoughts on this.
In the Qur'an, verse 17:36 states the following: And do not follow what you have no knowledge of. The hearing, and the sight, and the brains/heart—all these will be questioned.
And in 18:4-5: And to warn those who say, “The Lofty Refuge has begotten a son.” They have no knowledge of this, nor did their forefathers. Grave is the word that comes out of their mouths. They say nothing but a lie.
The Qur'an says we should not follow what we have no knowledge of, and criticizes those (Christians) who say that God has begotten a son, because they have no knowledge of this.
But... Followers of various religious beliefs have no more 'knowledge' about the factual legitimacy of their beliefs than Christians. This includes followers of the Qur'an. A follower of the Qur'an does not, cannot and will not know anything pertaining to God, or the lack thereof, until perhaps his death. He can only choose to believe one thing or another, with more or less basis in logic, history, science etc., but he can never have knowledge. This is why religions such as Christianity, Islam, etc. are called faiths.
So, can anyone inform me of why it is considered an illegitimate act due to lack of knowledge on the matter for people to have faith in Jesus as the son of God, but not an illegitimate act, despite lack of knowledge on the matter, for people to have faith in the Qur'an?
I'm wondering if the answer to my question lies in the meaning of the Arabic word used, "'ilm"? I have looked up the root in several dictionaries, but the definitions have failed to enlighten me.
People of the free-minds forum, please come to my aid and gift me with your insights and thoughts on this.
Peace
I am glad I am back in this forum and hope someone would benefit … also glad having to go duty and get back on track….. wish you all same and better future….
Dear Wanderer…
I think you are in a little confusion but seems strangled in that little confusion… “Ilm” Knowledge is something to seek by exploration and verification….Knowledge is a gift from God …. That’s why we ask from God to increase our knowledge… we don’t ask to increase unless it is truth…. Knowledge is truth…
First be neutral when you are not aware or confused….If you are not aware or confused, that means you have no specific knowledge on it to be certain… If you give weight to something while in confusion then that looks true to you… Be neutral while you read my response…
22:8 “And of the people is he who disputes about God without
knowledge or
guidance or an
enlightening book”
Above verse clarifies that to dispute or talk about God three key factors are required…based on that they can debate or talk or dispute… Can’t they? Yes.. They can..
Let me turn to your concerned verses…
** 17:36 “And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.”
Do you accept the above verse (17:36) in general? Whether you accept or not… what is intelligent way for human being to speak… That’s with knowledge… Knowledge comes with effort and dedication… That’s what we all believe … but as per God He gives it… all incorporated…
So above verse is so common in everything we do …. Pursue with what you have knowledge….that leads to success… regardless of aspect…
Your next verse…compared with above is 18:4-5 “and to warn those who say, 'God has taken to Himself a son'; they have no knowledge of it, they nor their fathers; a monstrous word it is, issuing out of their mouths; they say nothing but a lie.”
About whom the above verse is? About God…leave the Jesus aside.. It’s about God.. while the verse 17:36 is general instruction… Key word used to denote is “DON’T PURSUE” …
Okay let me ask you simple question to simplify this further…
Do you have KNOWLEDGE about yourself more or I have more knowledge about you? That’s pretty obvious….
God says about God… God speaks out about God …. Does God know about Himself more or those who say that God has begotten a son? How come these people know more than God? And that also about God they know better than God Himself?
That’s why God says “Warn” … “They have no knowledge about IT”… Of course they have no knowledge… it’s mere guess work out of curiosity and what their forefathers were keep guessing…
Doesn’t God know about God? Why they want to give a child to God while God doesn’t have a child? From where they got this KNOWLEDGE? How can it be a knowledge which has no proof? Lies are not knowledge even how high or how true they may look or even how well it is written and documented…. Knowledge is based on mere truth….Truth is knowledge.. knowing the truth will expose the lies… That’s common to Christians or muslims or anyone… 17:36 is perfect for anyone to follow if needs clarity..
So.. Dear Wanderer…18:4-5 was their imagination in total blindness without KNOWLEDGE without GUIDANCE without ENLIGHTENING BOOK 22:8 …. They have no base….Unfortunately People followed them.. So… if in any scripture/s in which it is written God has taken a Son then it is a big lie… it is the duty of the person who believe such book/s to verify how the God can have a son and why? If God has a son how can He be One?
Even Quran explore and verify… 17:36 is not exempted to verify quran as well… why to believe in quran just coz people say it is from God…