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new article: al kitab wa al hikma / the book and the wisdom argument

Started by Wakas, July 05, 2024, 08:42:21 AM

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Wakas

peace all,

The book and the wisdom (al kitab wa al hikma) argument: Traditionalist/Sunni Islam Vs Quran alone

Draft article
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/kitab-hikma.html

The argument goes like this: The Quran tells us prophet Muhammad was given the book (al kitab) and the wisdom (al hikma) and they say "al kitab" is The Quran and "al hikma" is separated by "wa" (and) so must be something else, which they take to mean the prophet's sunna. Thus using this as a Quranic justification for following the prophet's sunna, which they claim is documented in traditions (e.g. hadith), thus making those traditions a valid source of law.

There are a number of assumptions in this argument:
1) "al kitab" means the book
2) the kitab/book refers to The Quran
3) the conjunction "wa" (and) means a separate and distinct thing
4) "al hikma" refers to prophet Muhammad's sunna
5) this sunna is preserved/documented accurately
6) this documented sunna is authoritative i.e. must be obeyed

This article will address points 1-4.

#####

https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/kitab-hikma.html

You can read more from the above link. The article will be updated next few months unless The God wills otherwise.

 
All information in my posts is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should seek knowledge and verify: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11. [url="http://mypercept.co.uk/articles/"]My articles[/url]

[url="//www.studyquran.org"]www.studyQuran.org[/url]

centi50

Quote from: Wakas on July 05, 2024, 08:42:21 AMpeace all,

The book and the wisdom (al kitab wa al hikma) argument: Traditionalist/Sunni Islam Vs Quran alone

Draft article
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/kitab-hikma.html

The argument goes like this: The Quran tells us prophet Muhammad was given the book (al kitab) and the wisdom (al hikma) and they say "al kitab" is The Quran and "al hikma" is separated by "wa" (and) so must be something else, which they take to mean the prophet's sunna. Thus using this as a Quranic justification for following the prophet's sunna, which they claim is documented in traditions (e.g. hadith), thus making those traditions a valid source of law.

There are a number of assumptions in this argument:
1) "al kitab" means the book
2) the kitab/book refers to The Quran
3) the conjunction "wa" (and) means a separate and distinct thing
4) "al hikma" refers to prophet Muhammad's sunna
5) this sunna is preserved/documented accurately
6) this documented sunna is authoritative i.e. must be obeyed

This article will address points 1-4.

#####

https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/kitab-hikma.html

You can read more from the above link. The article will be updated next few months unless The God wills otherwise.

 


Salam Wakas thank you for the link.it was informative.


Brother Wakas what are the four restricted months in said in the below verse.

9:36 The count of the months with God is twelve months in the book of God the day He created the heavens and the earth; four of them are restricted. This is the correct system; so do not wrong yourselves in them; and fight the polytheists collectively as they fight you collectively. And know that God is with the righteous.


You views will be highly appreciated.


God bless all


Wakas

All information in my posts is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should seek knowledge and verify: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11. [url="http://mypercept.co.uk/articles/"]My articles[/url]

[url="//www.studyquran.org"]www.studyQuran.org[/url]

Wakas

The article has now been updated and discusses the meaning of kitab, hikma, ummi, and touches upon a few interesting observations and how it all fits together.

https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/kitab-hikma.html
All information in my posts is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should seek knowledge and verify: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11. [url="http://mypercept.co.uk/articles/"]My articles[/url]

[url="//www.studyquran.org"]www.studyQuran.org[/url]

Wakas

I ran the thoughts and discussion 2nd part through chatgpt to summarize it:

The term "kitab" in the Quran is more accurately understood as "authoritative instruction" rather than a mere "book." It can refer to decrees or writs, indicating God's written commands or guidance, distinct from human writing. This revelation includes divine law and other essential knowledge, not limited to scripture, but encompassing all forms of guidance from God, including natural laws.

"Al Kitab" (the complete revelation) is in God's realm, while "al Quran" refers to the accessible form of revelation for humans. The term "dhalika/that" indicates something distant, while "hadha/this" denotes something closer, helping to distinguish between divine guidance and its earthly manifestation.

The phrase "people of the kitab" refers to those who have received divine revelation, contrasted with the "ummiyeen," who were unfamiliar with it. This distinction emphasizes the need for familiarity with divine instruction, not just being a recipient.

"Hikma" generally means wisdom, the ability to make sound decisions, and is often tied to God's revelation. While "hikma" can be found in various sources, it is a part of divine guidance, granting insight into how to apply teachings in life. Traditional interpretations sometimes separate "hikma" from the Quran, but the Quran itself emphasizes its role as a guiding principle within the revelation.

Thus, "al kitab wa al hikma" refers to the combination of divine guidance (kitab) and the wisdom to understand and apply it (hikma). This broader interpretation challenges the idea that "hikma" is external to the Quran, highlighting its integral role in interpreting God's message.

The evolution of reliance on hadith (traditions of the Prophet) in Islamic history illustrates the ongoing process of interpreting and applying divine guidance. However, the Quran advises that differences in understanding can be seen as a test, urging believers to strive for goodness and wisdom in their actions.

All information in my posts is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should seek knowledge and verify: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11. [url="http://mypercept.co.uk/articles/"]My articles[/url]

[url="//www.studyquran.org"]www.studyQuran.org[/url]