Given the complex history, there is no simple definition of the Qur'an's message or intent. Instead, both are open to interpretation and matters of individual faith, a factor which has often led to strife and division amongst those who follow the Islamic belief system.
The Qur’an is considered a sacred text by millions of people globally and is considered one of the world's primary religious texts. Its origins, however, are as debatable as its message, and since the revelations were said to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 1400 years ago, these have also been subject to scrutiny. The Qur’an is, in many ways, representative of the historical context and culture of the region in which it was revealed, a fact which is evident in many of the examples and terminologies that are utilized in the text.
Historical Discrepancies and Points of Contention in the Qur'an
It may be argued that some of rules and prohibitions set out in the Qur'an, may not be as applicable and relevant in today’s society. This is a fairly common argument, as some of the Qur’an’s teachings are now followed merely out of a custom and tradition that has been passed on through generations.
The modern Islamic culture, which currently reflects on Quranic verses and teachings, is often blind to this culture from which it was born. It instead seeks to dissect and scrutinize specific passages under the ideals of modern Western society. Some claim that modern Islamic culture has neglected to take into account, however, that the practices set out in the Qur’an were, in Prophet Muhammad’s era, very progressive in nature.
For instance, many people in Western culture point to moral problems in the codes pertaining to the portrayal of women. A common topic is the practice of polygamy, a practice that is widely viewed as unfair and inequitable.
At the time when the Qur'an was written, however, this practice was commonplace and the Qur’an’s instructions are actually an attempt to make this practice increasingly fair and equal. Many claim that by setting out specific guidelines for men to follow, the Qur-an raised the standards surrounding polygamy, demanding that men must be able to provide for his wives equally. Some believe that this makes sense, arguing that few would follow a scripture that attempted to abolish what was regarded as a very common practice at that point in time.
Proponents highlight other portions of the Qur’an which serve to advance the treatment of women. Indeed, the Qur-an did the same for slaves, as slavery was also a common practice at the time the text was written. There are various hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad, freeing slaves and asking his followers to do the same. Again, the Qur’an was unable to explicitly forbid the practice of slavery, as this would have been unimaginable in that era. But notably, the Qur-an does not advocate the practice and it's said that Muhammad himself tried to discourage slavery.
Modern Conceptions of the Qur'an
In this light, many points of criticism involving the Qur-an and Islamic teachings seem to arise not out of the Quranic scriptures themselves, rather, the issues often stem from the comparison between a bygone era/society and present day standards. Some argue that even those cases in the modern world where it seems as though injustices occur in the name of Islam, this is often due to skewed interpretation of Quranic verses or the injustices may be rooted in an attempt to disguise political implications as religious ones, as is often the case.
Sources:
Syed Suleman Nadvi. Geographical History of the Quran.
Dr. NVK Ashraf.
Jamil Karim - Jamil Karim is a California local of Indian descent who holds a BA in Philosophy and a prolonged interest in writing and journalism.Among ...
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