This must change
- By: Qwaider
- On:Wednesday, May 09, 2007 10:22:35 PM
- In:Thoughts
- Viewed: (4083) times
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Islamic Shariah, or the religious law that is driven from the Quran, Sunna and other Islamic sources. Currently this is in it's worst position in the history of Islam. The reason I bring up this subject is very important. I don't feel safe nor confident in almost any of the Fatwas (Islamic rules that are deduced from the religious sources and are in accordance with the Islamic religion).
Lets just look at the situation today.
Universities admit the lowest achievers in high-school to study Shariah. The top spots are reserved for Medicine, engineering, sciences, business, law, Arts, Literature even physical education, and library systems come ahead of Shariah. The situation is grave
I don't want to generalize here and say that the ALL the lowest achievers are incapable of bettering themselves and becoming more educated with time. And possibly topping those of higher grades, but since we agreed on the grading system as a mechanism to gauge not only student's intelligence, but their hard work as well.
It's inevitable that people with the lowest IQ's and most lazy will end up in that bucket. Again not all are like that, but the majority will fall under this criteria.
Historically...
All the great Imams of Islam, like Shafiei, Malek, Ibin Hanbal, Abu Hanifa, Ibin Taymyeh, ...etc just to name a few were ALL scientists. They ALL had other published work, or were known for their proficiency in more than one aspect of knowledge. NOT JUST religion. Some were versed in Greek philosophy, medicine, music, herbal pharmacology, astronomy and just about every discipline of science they had access to. The result... Amazing insight into the rules and fatwas they are coming up with.
I reflect on the situation today...
I can't help but feel upset. Even the super achievers rarely read, barely have interests outside of their immediate area of expertise. Most don't even bother with hobbies or social activities. When one of them decides they want to get specialized, they choose to get so deep and specialized to the point that they don't even know anything about related matter. Similar to the situation of a horse with blindfolds. Which sees only in front of it, and nothing to the sides.
My view...
People choosing to study Shariah should have the depth in at least one subject matter and the breadth in a number of subjects to be able to come up with rules and Fatwas to better people's lives and make it easier. To make these Rules and Fatwas based on Logic, knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. In addition to knowing about the Quran, Sunna and other Islamic source. This would definitely help them get to the fatwa that is more suitable, and far from prejudice and dogmatic narrow view of fanatics, purists and medieval minds. This fatwa would be based more on knowledge instead of speculation, facts instead of fiction, logic instead of hope, and evidence instead of perception. But most importantly, it would be able to coexist and integrate with the modern societies, changing times and technological advances
I completely believe that Islam is suitable for every place and time. The onus is on us to make sure that is the case.
That's why I think Shaiah(dom) should be a status reserved as a Post doctoral field. Only people graduating their PhD's with honors should apply. Our best and brightest should be the ones at the helm guiding us. Not the ones who almost failed high-school
Warning...
If we cross what we have today of scholars gone berserk with Islamic zealots.. we get a very volatile mix that under the right conditions spell out disaster. It will no doubt have grave repercussions. It might even cast doubt on the future survival of the whole nation. Just look at the rise of religious induced terrorism and brainwashing of the weak of minds to do their dirty work
I think the world will have no mercy on a nation that have submitted it's will and future to morons and religious zealots. History has never been forgiving. Whenever any nation lagged behind, other nations were quick to seize that opportunity. It's our duty that we shouldn't allow this to happen
What we must do
Our amazing scholars, and great scientists need to feel appreciated and welcome. We need to attract them back from the west. We need to spend our billions developing them, and nurturing the second line. Instead of wasting the wealth of the nation on Camel races and building skyscrapers and casinos.
Lets find these amazing scientists, and provide everything for them to grow and achieve. Let our next goal to be the best in science. We certainly don't lack the talent and intelligence, but we lack the support, appreciation and countries that facilitates and encourages excellence. Without feeling threatened
As the late King Hussein said, and these words will hold true throughout history. "People are our most valuable asset"
Memories....
I can't say but : I LOVE YOU, in a brotherly way of course:)
You are absolutly right, the best example would be the islamin era in spain..
Relegion should be hand in hand with logic and time, I don't need a sheikh who don't know what internet is to issue a fatwa about chat rooms! We will never get back to our glory unless we educate..
one of your greatest posts!!
Only recently did my friend who is a PhD student of sharia that there is what is called " 3ilet el7okom" which means the reason why a particular thing is not allowed. again some things may sound rigid or backward and wrong to us, but when you read about the subject you will find it agreed upon.
We have a structural failure in the official Sunni establishment.
The latest fatwa came, and it says that if a woman wants to be in a "kholwa" with a man she can breast feed him 5 times, and everything would be cool, check this out http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2007/05/16/34518.html
I think the prophet was kidding when he said that! Or it was a particular case..
Either way, I prefer kholwa (and presume they're virtue) than have a women nurse a man and make it clear they're not. This lunatic is also asking for Witnesses. LOL!
Imagine this:
-What do you do?
:Wallah I work as a witness
-A witness of what
:Of women nursing men!
(secretly envying the man)
we can blog the hell out of this one to bury them on google, or we can ignore (man khatabahom al jahiloona kaloo salama)
http://hadith.al-islam.com/Display/Display.asp?Doc=4&ID=2203&SearchText=الرضاع&SearchType=root&Scope=0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8&Offset=0&SearchLevel=QBE
PS. note that it doesnt mention "khulwa" at all
So technically the Hadith is Sa7i7. But should it be taken literally? I don't think so
I know I deviated but what can I do:)