Thursday, March 26, 2015

Is Temporary Marriage the Halal Alternate to Dating?

Someone sent the following link requesting my comment 

My Comments: 
According to Q24:3 ‘The adulterer shall not marry save an adulteress or an idolatress, and the adulteress none shall marry save an adulterer or an idolater. All that is forbidden unto believers.’ How can a believer marry a call girl, even temporarily, when he knows that she does this as a profession, and therefore is probably an adulteress? 
Q4:35 and Q65:1-12 list the legal requirements for divorce. Two arbiters, one from each spouse’s family must represent them, a fixed period (number of months) is mandatory before the divorce takes effect, and the wife stays in the husband’s home during that fixed period. How are the legal conditions for divorce satisfied in the case of ‘temporary marriage’ when the prescribed wait period for women before remarriage cannot be observed as the business needs dictate that temporary marriages are contracted frequently? 

Quran is the primary text of Islam. Muslims are duty-bound to take guidance directly from the Quran, and to refer to other secondary sources, such as prior scriptures, hadith books, historical precedents or ijtihad only when the Quran does not contain guidance on a particular matter. Q4:21 describes nikah as a strong pledge between the spouses. Temporary Marriage (Nikah Mutah) seems contrary to the letter and spirit of a number of Quranic ayaat dealing with Marriage, Divorce, Adultery, Morality, Decency & Social Conduct. Q4:24 states that union should be sought desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. Q7:27 warns us that Satan’s objective was to strip Adam & Eve of their clothing which led to their expulsion from the garden. Q7:28 states that people try to justify their immorality by saying that God ordered it, and clearly clarifies that God does not order   ‘fahishatan’ (immorality / indecency / lewdness). Q24:30-32 orders the guarding of gaze to both men and women, and prohibits women from displaying their beauty. Special mention is made of AAawrati alnnisa-i (women’s private aspects / nakedness). Those men who use dating services, how do they guard their gaze from women’s nakedness when they are looking at published photos to choose from? Those women who advertise their services, including photographs of the body, how do they comply with the injunction to hide their nakedness from potential clients who are obviously not yet their mahram? 

Quranic ayaat dealing with Marriage, Divorce, Adultery, Morality, etc. are quoted below. Multiple translations of each ayat can be looked up at http://www.islamawakened.com/index.php/qur-an  
    

Morality 
Nakedness is an object of Satan’s seduction of humans. According to the literal interpretation of the Q7:27, Satan’s purpose to seduce Adam into eating the forbidden fruit was to get them naked and make their shame manifest to them. It is important to note here that Adam and his wife were each other’s spouse. Furthermore, using God / Scripture as an excuse to do immoral acts is nothing new. 
[For an alternate explanation of Adam's trial, please read Adam's attempt to improve upon Allah's creation

[Quran 7:27, Translation: Literal (Word by Word)] O Children (of) Adam! (Let) not tempt you [the] Shaitaan as he drove out your parents from Paradise, stripping from both of them their clothing to show both of them their shame. Indeed, he sees you - he and his tribe from where not you see them. Indeed, We have made the devils friends of those who (do) not believe. 
And the following ayat links it to ‘fahishatan’ (immorality / indecency / lewdness): 
[Quran 7:28, Translation: Literal (Word by Word)] And when they do immorality they say, "We found on it our forefathers and Allah (has) ordered us of it." Say, "Indeed, Allah (does) not order immorality. Do you say about Allah what you (do) not know?” 
After refuting their assertion, the next ayat goes on to not only state that God orders justice, but  I think it also links it back to 7:27 by linking origin (bani Adam) to return (resurrection): 
[Quran 7:29, Translation: Literal (Word by Word)] Say, "My Lord has ordered justice and set your faces at every masjid and invoke Him (being) sincere to Him (in) the religion. As He originated you (so) will you return.” 

The injunction for justice is also present in the conditional permission for polygamy given to marry orphan’s women (widowed mothers) in 4:3 and 4:127 in case the men are unable to take care of orphans otherwise. (Polygamy: http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2010/09/polygamy.html)


Decency & Social Conduct between Men & Women 
Since both men and women are enjoined to guard their gaze, how can the men who use dating services guard their gaze from women’s nakedness when they are looking at published photos to choose from? Those women who advertise their services, including photographs of the body, how do they comply with the injunction to hide their nakedness from potential clients who are obviously not yet their mahram?
[Quran 19:30-32, Translator:Pickthall] Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed. And marry such of you as are solitary and the pious of your slaves and maid-servants. If they be poor, Allah will enrich them of His bounty. Allah is of ample means, Aware.


Desires & Lusts 
[Quran 19:58-60, Translator:Pickthall] These are they unto whom Allah showed favour from among the prophets, of the seed of Adam and of those whom We carried (in the ship) with Noah, and of the seed of Abraham and Israel, and from among those whom We guided and chose. When the revelations of the Beneficent were recited unto them, they fell down, adoring and weeping. Now there hath succeeded them a later generation whom have ruined worship and have followed lusts. But they will meet deception. Except those who repent, believe and do righteousness; for those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged at all. 

The word used in 19:59:11 is ‘ghayyan’ variously translated as evil / deception / disillusionment as the result of following 19:59:8 ‘alshshahawati’ translated as lusts / passions / sensual desires…  


Marriage 
Consider the following ayaat regarding marriage, who can Muslims marry, solemn pledge between the spouses, conditional polygamy, etc: 

[Quran 24:3, Translator:Pickthall] 
3 The adulterer shall not marry save an adulteress or an idolatress, and the adulteress none shall marry save an adulterer or an idolater. All that is forbidden unto believers. 

[Quran 4:2-6, Translator:Pickthall] 
2 Give unto orphans their wealth. Exchange not the good for the bad (in your management thereof) nor absorb their wealth into your own wealth. Lo! that would be a great sin.
3 And if ye fear that ye will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four; and if ye fear that ye cannot do justice (to so many) then one (only) or (the captives) that your right hands possess. Thus it is more likely that ye will not do injustice.  
4 And give unto the women (whom ye marry) free gift of their marriage portions; but if they of their own accord remit unto you a part thereof, then ye are welcome to absorb it (in your wealth).  
5 Give not unto the foolish (what is in) your (keeping of their) wealth, which Allah hath given you to maintain; but feed and clothe them from it, and speak kindly unto them.  
6 Prove orphans till they reach the marriageable age; then, if ye find them of sound judgment, deliver over unto them their fortune; and devour it not by squandering and in haste lest they should grow up Whoso (of the guardians) is rich, let him abstain generously (from taking of the property of orphans); and whoso is poor let him take thereof in reason (for his guardianship). And when ye deliver up their fortune unto orphans, have (the transaction) witnessed in their presence. Allah sufficeth as a Reckoner. 


[Quran 4:19-28, Translator:Pickthall] 
19 O ye who believe! It is not lawful for you forcibly to inherit the women (of your deceased kinsmen), nor (that) ye should put constraint upon them that ye may take away a part of that which ye have given them, unless they be guilty of flagrant lewdness. But consort with them in kindness, for if ye hate them it may happen that ye hate a thing wherein Allah hath placed much good.
20 And if ye wish to exchange one wife for another and ye have given unto one of them a sum of money (however great), take nothing from it. Would ye take it by the way of calumny and open wrong?
21 How can ye take it (back) after one of you hath gone in unto the other, and they have taken a strong pledge from you?
22 And marry not those women whom your fathers married, except what hath already happened (of that nature) in the past. Lo! it was ever lewdness and abomination, and an evil way. 
23 Forbidden unto you are your mothers, and your daughters, and your sisters, and your father's sisters, and your mother's sisters, and your brother's daughters and your sister's daughters, and your foster-mothers, and your foster-sisters, and your mothers-in-law, and your step-daughters who are under your protection (born) of your women unto whom ye have gone in - but if ye have not gone in unto them, then it is no sin for you (to marry their daughters) - and the wives of your sons who (spring) from your own loins. And (it is forbidden unto you) that ye should have two sisters together, except what hath already happened (of that nature) in the past. Lo! Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.  
24 And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those (captives) whom your right hands possess. It is a decree of Allah for you. Lawful unto you are all beyond those mentioned, so that ye seek them with your wealth in honest wedlock, not debauchery. And those of whom ye seek content (by marrying them), give unto them their portions as a duty. And there is no sin for you in what ye do by mutual agreement after the duty (hath been done). Lo! Allah is ever Knower, Wise. 
25 And whoso is not able to afford to marry free, believing women, let them marry from the believing maids whom your right hands possess. Allah knoweth best (concerning) your faith. Ye (proceed) one from another; so wed them by permission of their folk, and give unto them their portions in kindness, they being honest, not debauched nor of loose conduct. And if when they are honourably married they commit lewdness they shall incur the half of the punishment (prescribed) for free women (in that case). This is for him among you who feareth to commit sin. But to have patience would be better for you. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
26 Allah would explain to you and guide you by the examples of those who were before you, and would turn to you in mercy. Allah is Knower, Wise.  
27 And Allah would turn to you in mercy; but those who follow vain desires would have you go tremendously astray.
28 Allah would make the burden light for you, for man was created weak.

[Quran 4:34, Translator:Pickthall]
34 Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.  


[Quran 4:127, Translator:Pickthall] 
127 They consult thee concerning women. Say: Allah giveth you decree concerning them, and the Scripture which hath been recited unto you (giveth decree), concerning female orphans and those unto whom ye give not that which is ordained for them though ye desire to marry them, and (concerning) the weak among children, and that ye should deal justly with orphans. Whatever good ye do, lo! Allah is ever Aware of it. 

[Quran 5:5, Translator:Pickthall]
5 This day are (all) good things made lawful for you. The food of those who have received the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And so are the virtuous women of the believers and the virtuous women of those who received the Scripture before you (lawful for you) when ye give them their marriage portions and live with them in honour, not in fornication, nor taking them as secret concubines. Whoso denieth the faith, his work is vain and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter. 

[Quran 30:21, Translator: Sahih International] 
And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.


Divorce 
Divorce is the legal annulment of the marriage contract between a man and a woman. It is not a happy occasion and involves feelings of resentment and anger. Without guidance, it is easy to incline to injustice on such an occasion. As such, arbitration, notice period, etc have been detailed in the Quran to be complied with by both the parties. 

[Quran 4:35, Translator:Pickthall]
35 And if ye fear a breach between them twain (the man and wife), appoint an arbiter from his folk and an arbiter from her folk. If they desire amendment Allah will make them of one mind. Lo! Allah is ever Knower, Aware. 


[Quran 4:128-131, Translator:Pickthall]
128 If a woman feareth ill treatment from her husband, or desertion, it is no sin for them twain if they make terms of peace between themselves. Peace is better. But greed hath been made present in the minds (of men). If ye do good and keep from evil, lo! Allah is ever Informed of what ye do.
129 Ye will not be able to deal equally between (your) wives, however much ye wish (to do so). But turn not altogether away (from one), leaving her as in suspense. If ye do good and keep from evil, lo! Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.  
130 But if they separate, Allah will compensate each out of His abundance. Allah is ever All-Embracing, All-Knowing. 
131 Unto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. And We charged those who received the Scripture before you, and (We charge) you, that ye keep your duty toward Allah. And if ye disbelieve, lo! unto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, and Allah is ever Absolute, Owner of Praise.

[Quran 65, Translator:Pickthall]
1 O Prophet! When ye (men) put away women, put them away for their (legal) period and reckon the period, and keep your duty to Allah, your Lord. Expel them not from their houses nor let them go forth unless they commit open immorality. Such are the limits (imposed by) Allah; and whoso transgresseth Allah's limits, he verily wrongeth his soul. Thou knowest not: it may be that Allah will afterward bring some new thing to pass.  
2 Then, when they have reached their term, take them back in kindness or part from them in kindness, and call to witness two just men among you, and keep your testimony upright for Allah. Whoso believeth in Allah and the Last Day is exhorted to act thus. And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for him,  
3 And will provide for him from (a quarter) whence he hath no expectation. And whosoever putteth his trust in Allah, He will suffice him. Lo! Allah bringeth His command to pass. Allah hath set a measure for all things.
 4 And for such of your women as despair of menstruation, if ye doubt, their period (of waiting) shall be three months, along with those who have it not. And for those with child, their period shall be till they bring forth their burden. And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, He maketh his course easy for him.  
5 That is the commandment of Allah which He revealeth unto you. And whoso keepeth his duty to Allah, He will remit from him his evil deeds and magnify reward for him.
6 Lodge them where ye dwell, according to your wealth, and harass them not so as to straiten life for them. And if they are with child, then spend for them till they bring forth their burden. Then, if they give suck for you, give them their due payment and consult together in kindness; but if ye make difficulties for one another, then let some other woman give suck for him (the father of the child).
 7 Let him who hath abundance spend of his abundance, and he whose provision is measured, let him spend of that which Allah hath given him. Allah asketh naught of any soul save that which He hath given it. Allah will vouchsafe, after hardship, ease.  
8 And how many a community revolted against the ordinance of its Lord and His messengers, and We called it to a stern account and punished it with dire punishment,  
9 So that it tasted the ill-effects of its conduct, and the consequence of its conduct was loss.  
10 Allah hath prepared for them stern punishment; so keep your duty to Allah, O men of understanding! O ye who believe! Now Allah hath sent down unto you a reminder,  
11 A messenger reciting unto you the revelations of Allah made plain, that He may bring forth those who believe and do good works from darkness unto light. And whosoever believeth in Allah and doeth right, He will bring him into Gardens underneath which rivers flow, therein to abide for ever. Allah hath made good provision for him.  
12 Allah it is who hath created seven heavens, and of the earth the like thereof. The commandment cometh down among them slowly, that ye may know that Allah is Able to do all things, and that Allah surroundeth all things in knowledge.


Adultery 
Believers have been commanded to not even come near adultery:
[Quran 17:32 translator: Saheeh International] And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way. 
[Quran 17:32 translator: Pickthall] And come not near unto adultery. Lo! it is an abomination and an evil way. 


[Quran 4:15-18, Translator:Pickthall] 
15 As for those of your women who are guilty of lewdness, call to witness four of you against them. And if they testify (to the truth of the allegation) then confine them to the houses until death take them or (until) Allah appoint for them a way (through new legislation).
16 And as for the two of you who are guilty thereof, punish them both. And if they repent and improve, then let them be. Lo! Allah is ever relenting, Merciful.
17 Forgiveness is only incumbent on Allah toward those who do evil in ignorance (and) then turn quickly (in repentance) to Allah. These are they toward whom Allah relenteth. Allah is ever Knower, Wise.
18 The forgiveness is not for those who do ill-deeds until, when death attendeth upon one of them, he saith: Lo! I repent now; nor yet for those who die while they are disbelievers. For such We have prepared a painful doom. 

The following ayaat deal with the crime of adultery, the preconditions to prove it in court, the punishment for the crime or the false testimony, and the condemnation of such gossip and slander, particularly the character assassination of innocent persons.   
[Quran 24:1-29 translator: Pickthall]
1 (Here is) a surah which We have revealed and enjoined, and wherein We have revealed plain tokens, that haply ye may take heed.
2 The adulterer and the adulteress, scourge ye each one of them (with) a hundred stripes. And let not pity for the twain withhold you from obedience to Allah, if ye believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a party of believers witness their punishment.
3 The adulterer shall not marry save an adulteress or an idolatress, and the adulteress none shall marry save an adulterer or an idolater. All that is forbidden unto believers.
4 And those who accuse honourable women but bring not four witnesses, scourge them (with) eighty stripes and never (afterward) accept their testimony - They indeed are evil-doers -
5 Save those who afterward repent and make amends. (For such) lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
6 As for those who accuse their wives but have no witnesses except themselves; let the testimony of one of them be four testimonies, (swearing) by Allah that he is of those who speak the truth;  
7 And yet a fifth, invoking the curse of Allah on him if he is of those who lie.  
8 And it shall avert the punishment from her if she bear witness before Allah four times that the thing he saith is indeed false,
9 And a fifth (time) that the wrath of Allah be upon her if he speaketh truth.  
10 And had it not been for the grace of Allah and His mercy unto you, and that Allah is Clement, Wise, (ye had been undone).
11 Lo! they who spread the slander are a gang among you. Deem it not a bad thing for you; nay, it is good for you. Unto every man of them (will be paid) that which he hath earned of the sin; and as for him among them who had the greater share therein, his will be an awful doom.
12 Why did not the believers, men and women, when ye heard it, think good of their own own folk, and say: It is a manifest untruth?
13 Why did they not produce four witnesses? Since they produce not witnesses, they verily are liars in the sight of Allah.  
14 Had it not been for the grace of Allah and His mercy unto you in the world and the Hereafter an awful doom had overtaken you for that whereof ye murmured.
15 When ye welcomed it with your tongues, and uttered with your mouths that whereof ye had no knowledge, ye counted it a trifle. In the sight of Allah it is very great.
16 Wherefor, when ye heard it, said ye not: It is not for us to speak of this. Glory be to Thee (O Allah)! This is awful calumny.
17 Allah admonisheth you that ye repeat not the like thereof ever, if ye are (in truth) believers.
18 And He expoundeth unto you the revelations. Allah is Knower, Wise.
19 Lo! those who love that slander should be spread concerning those who believe, theirs will be a painful punishment in the world and the Hereafter. Allah knoweth. Ye know not.
20 Had it not been for the grace of Allah and His mercy unto you, and that Allah is Clement, Merciful, (ye had been undone).
21 O ye who believe! Follow not the footsteps of the devil. Unto whomsoever followeth the footsteps of the devil, lo! he commandeth filthiness and wrong. Had it not been for the grace of Allah and His mercy unto you, not one of you would ever have grown pure. But Allah causeth whom He will to grow. And Allah is Hearer, Knower.  
22 And let not those who possess dignity and ease among you swear not to give to the near of kin and to the needy, and to fugitives for the cause of Allah. Let them forgive and show indulgence. Yearn ye not that Allah may forgive you? Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
23 Lo! as for those who traduce virtuous, believing women (who are) careless, cursed are they in the world and the Hereafter. Theirs will be an awful doom
24 On the day when their tongues and their hands and their feet testify against them as to what they used to do,
25 On that day Allah will pay them their just due, and they will know that Allah, He is the Manifest Truth.  
26 Vile women are for vile men, and vile men for vile women. Good women are for good men, and good men for good women; such are innocent of that which people say: For them is pardon and a bountiful provision.
27 O ye who believe! Enter not houses other than your own without first announcing your presence and invoking peace upon the folk thereof. That is better for you, that ye may be heedful. 
28 And if ye find no-one therein, still enter not until permission hath been given. And if it be said unto you: Go away again, then go away, for it is purer for you. Allah knoweth what ye do.
29 (It is) no sin for you to enter uninhabited houses wherein is comfort for you. Allah knoweth what ye proclaim and what ye hide.




Last updated on: August 8, 2018

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

What will Human Females get in the Hereafter?

Question: I was raised a 'believer' and studied several religions to end up as a "scientific agnostic" who does not know the 'why'-s and 'how'-s but asks questions about items other people believe in. 
Many yeas ago on a different list I engaged in a discussion when an irate 'believer' bursted out: "who gave you the audacity to feel so much 'smarter' than the rest of us?" so now I keep my mouth shut. - As far as I can (??). Then again on another kind of list I asked a female Muslim US professor about Huris and what happens to human females after death? the answer was: it is not so simple. Nothing more. 
Do you have a solution to (human) women whether they go straight to hell, or to heaven? What happens to them THERE(?) ? 
The other day I heard a cute solution for nonbelievers on TV (it was a stupid soap opera): a priest said to a nonbeliever: God offers solace to the universe for those who believe. Why to the universe? otherwise it is OK. 
I do not bother you with more of my questions but am interested in the solution for the womenfolk (both terresstrial and afterwordian). 

Answer: According to what I read in the Quran and my understanding of it, all of us humans, men and women, are in pledge for our beliefs and our deeds (Quran 52:21), and will benefit from our truthfulness (Quran 5:119). We are all being tested, and all those who pass this terrestrial exam and get accepted in Heaven, will find their reward, far above and beyond their expectations and imagination (Quran 32:17), awaiting them! God is keeping an accurate account of all thoughts and deeds, and the record doesn't leave out a single thing (Quran 18:49). 
In Quran, 66:10-12, God gives the example of four women: two who disbelieved (the wife of Noah and and wife of Lot) who will not be able to enter Heaven in spite of having been married to righteous persons in this world, and God gives the example of two believing women (Aasiya, the queen of Pharoah, and Maryam, the daughter of Imran / mother of Jesus) who will enter Heaven because of their righteousness.    
While many verses speak of fair and just reward for all believing men and women, 'huris' are mentioned in only four of the 6000+ verses of the Quran. Mostly 'huris' are understood to be females, but I'm not too sure about that, as the word itself is neuter gender in Arabic. Whether we humans will retain our genders or not in Heaven and if there will be sex / procreation in Heaven is also subject to speculation. Honestly, I don't know, but I trust that all those who are accepted in Heaven, will be in a perfect state of joy, comfort, happiness and pleasure. When I dwell upon the various verses of the Quran giving a preview of Heaven, I think the human soul's yearning for the perfect person, its soulmate, will be fulfilled. 
As regards the terrestrial portion of your question, men and women are but two types of humans, one of whom is responsible for the financial and security needs of the family (the man), while the other (the woman) has the domestic responsibility. In many ways, women enjoy a privileged position. I attempted to answer a similar question some years ago, you may wish to read this: http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-be-or-not-to-be-equal-comments-on.html 
I hope I've answered your main question. Please feel free to ask further. 
Reproduced below are few relevant verses: 
5:119 Allah will say, "This is the Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness." For them are gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, Allah being pleased with them, and they with Him. That is the great attainment. [Translator: Sahih International] 
6:32 And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah , so will you not reason? [Translator: Sahih International]
9:71 The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those - Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise. [Translator: Sahih International]
18:49 And the record [of deeds] will be placed [open], and you will see the criminals fearful of that within it, and they will say, "Oh, woe to us! What is this book that leaves nothing small or great except that it has enumerated it?" And they will find what they did present [before them]. And your Lord does injustice to no one. [Translator: Sahih International]
24:26 Vile women are for vile men, and vile men for vile women. Good women are for good men, and good men for good women; such are innocent of that which people say: For them is pardon and a bountiful provision. [Translator: Pickthall]
32:17 And no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do. [Translator: Sahih International]
33:35 Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward. [Translator: Sahih International] 
33:58 And those who harm believing men and believing women for [something] other than what they have earned have certainly born upon themselves a slander and manifest sin. [Translator: Sahih International] 
47:19 Know thou therefore that there is no god but God, and ask forgiveness for thy sin, and for the believers, men and women. God knows your going to and fro, and your lodging. [Translator: Arberry] 
52:21 And those who believed, and their seed followed them in belief, We shall join their seed with them, and We shall not defraud them of aught of their work; every man shall be pledged for what he earned. [Translator: Arberry] 
57:18 Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward. [Translator: Sahih International] 

The 4 verses about Houris / Hoors 
44:54  Thus (shall it be), and We will wed them with Houris pure, beautiful ones. [Translator: Shakir] 
52:20 Reclining on ranged couches. And we wed them unto fair ones with wide, lovely eyes. [Translator: Pickthall] 
55:72 Fair ones, close-guarded in pavilions - [Translator: Pickthall] 
56:22 And (there will be) Companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes,- [Translator: Yusuf Ali]   

Factual Accuracy of the Quran

After a discussion on whether Quran is human or divine in origin: 
Okay, let’s leave aside whether this is a book about God by humans, or a book from God about humans. 
Let’s discuss the factual accuracy part first. You ask “how we can study something factually, with so many authoritative arguments and divine authority getting in the way?” The authoritative arguments and divine authority are only for those who consider the Quran from God. For all others, its just book giving warnings and glad tidings about a future (hereafter) we cannot know of otherwise. It explains giving many examples and similitudes, and those explanations draw the reader’s attention to much that we can verify for factual accuracy. 
For instance, the description of developmental stages of the human embryo has been verified by modern technology such as high-powered microscopes, similarly that the gender of the child is determined by the male sperm, that humans were formed first from clay (check RNA research) and then from ‘despised fluid’. As per modern science findings, and contrary to general religious perception, no where does the Quran state that Adam was the first human. Rather, it makes two statements: (a) creation of Adam and Jesus was similar: I take it to mean that both were created outside the normal human development process, without fathers: that is a matter of faith; however the other statement about humans, which is of interest to me from an evolutionary point of view, is that the Quran poses the question that wasn’t there a period of time over humans when they were unremembered / not mentioned? 
If we consider verses mentioning time, it compares one measure of time with another measure of time, the concept of relativity of time has only been accepted by the scientific community for a century or so, whereas the Quran was revealed over fourteen centuries ago. It speaks of a land where the sun is rising and there is no protection from Sun: we now know the in the Antarctic spring, a continent-wide hole forms in the ozone. 
Where it foretold the defeat of the Romans, it stated that they will be defeated in the lowest land: we now know that the region of the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth’s surface, in terms of heights measured in sea level, or as wikipedia describes: 'lowest elevation on land'
The Quran also stated that the body of the Pharaoh who drowned chasing Moses has been preserved. It was only in the last century that such a mummy was discovered about which scientists theorise that the cause of death was drowning. 
The Quran claims that all creatures form communities like humans, and scientists are discovering more and more evidence for the same. 
The Quran mentions many such things which can be verified for factual accuracy through honest, sincere, meticulous study and research.  
Once you verify for yourself whether you find this book to be written by humans or sent by someone who really knows everything about everything, then its up to your will and choice whether to accept the theology in it. Willing and loving worship can only be possible once one is sure about their faith and beliefs. The paths may be different, some observe nature and their hearts and minds bear witness to an unseen Creator, some have experiences that just can't be explained as natural, some find scientific evidence, there are so many ways to stumble upon faith. The main purpose is to discover, appreciate and worship God, with gratitude for this gift of life, and hopes for a wonderful future. 

Ethics & Islam

After some discussion on the practice of Islam in society, especially public punishments for moral crimes, a non-Muslim responds: 
You're avoiding the point. Your specific claim was that the Quran teachings are ethical, and that perceptions to the contrary stem from media disinformation. So I submitted to you a list of things that make me conclude that the Quran teachings are unethical. Very honestly, my previous beliefs were reinforced. We have unreconcilable views on ethics. 

My Response: Yes, our views are different. We think it unethical to cheat on our spouse, we think it's wrong to steal, we think it's perfectly ethical for a woman to try and protect herself, and so on. You object to the punishment, we object to the crime. We believe the Quran has been revealed by a higher intelligence who knows us inside out, and guides us in matters where we may not be able to legislate appropriately. We believe the laws are based on morally sound principles of justice and fair play. You're entitled to your opinion, but I strongly advise that you evaluate and ascertain for yourself that the Quran is a human invention, and not divine guidance, lest you reject something great!

Women in Islamic Societies are frequently Punished

Perception: Women in Islamic societies are frequently punished for being raped, their husbands are allowed to beat them (against their will, I have nothing against consensual BDSM), they are sentenced to stoning to death for adultery (even when they were raped), they have to dress in a certain way and can be publicly lashed for not doing so and they are prevented from going to school. Even recently, young girls were attacked for attending school. 

My Response: The Quran prescribes (24:1-14) 100 public lashes for adulterers (not rape victim);  for that 4 witnesses of the crime are required, and if the witnesses are found to be lying, then 80 lashes for the persons who give false witness, and they are to be banned from bearing witness in any other case. 
Regarding beating by husbands, you refer to 4:15. I think the interpretation of the word d-r-b is incorrect, and it is separation which is advised, not beating. However, most translators and scholars insist it means beating. I disagree. 
Quran advises (24:31) women the covering of  their bosoms with scarf; head covering is not explicitly stated but it's traditional in almost all religions. Mother Mary's statues all show her head covered. Muslims did not make those statues. Also, till about a century ago, almost all people, men and women, used to wear some sort of headgear, in most cultures. 
The Quran also advises (33:59) draping a cloak over the body, when going out, if one fears for her safety. Isn't that good advise? 

Death Penalty for Leaving Islam?

An atheist stated: The Quran says that anyone who changes their religion from Islam to some slightly different form of idiocy such as Christianity should be put to death regardless of if they did so because of " honest intellectual inquiry and search" or not. 

Answer: The Quran does not prescribe the death penalty for conversion from Islam to another religion. However, mainstream Islam does, i.e. Muslims do believe and try to implement it. This understanding is based on non-Quranic sources. According to the Quran, these matters are for God to judge and not left to the hands of humans. Consider the following verses regarding faith, leaving the faith and blasphemy: 
2:256 There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower. 
4:137 Those who believe, then reject faith, then believe (again) and (again) reject faith, and go on increasing in unbelief,- Allah will not forgive them nor guide them on the way. 
10:99 If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed,- all who are on earth! wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe! 
16:93 If Allah so willed, He could make you all one people: But He leaves straying whom He pleases, and He guides whom He pleases: but ye shall certainly be called to account for all your actions.  

In that background, the question that arises is does the Most Compassionate prescribe death sentence for blasphemy? I search the Quran and come across the following verses. If I understand correctly, the Most Compassionate only directs the believers to abstain from the company of blasphemers till they stop blaspheming. We are enjoined to keep sharing the message of faith to all who are willing to listen, to share the verses of the Quran and let people take their own decisions, as only willing submission is required. 
6: 68 When thou seest men engaged in vain discourse about Our signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes thee forget, then after recollection, sit not thou in the company of those who do wrong. 6:69 On their account no responsibility falls on the righteous, but (their duty) is to remind them, that they may (learn to) fear Allah. 
4:155 (They have incurred divine displeasure): In that they broke their covenant; that they rejected the signs of Allah. that they slew the Messengers in defiance of right; that they said, "Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah’s Word; We need no more)";- Nay, Allah hath set the seal on their hearts for their blasphemy, and little is it they believe;- 4:156 That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge; 
5: 64 The Jews say: "(Allah)'s hand is tied up." Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay, both His hands are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from Allah increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them we have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah doth extinguish it; but they (ever) strive to do mischief on earth. And Allah loveth not those who do mischief.

And also consider: 
43:33 And were it not that (all) men might become of one (evil) way of life, We would provide, for everyone that blasphemes against ((Allah)) Most Gracious, silver roofs for their houses and (silver) stair-ways on which to go up, 43:34 And (silver) doors to their houses, and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, 43:35 And also adornments of gold. But all this were nothing but conveniences of the present life: The Hereafter, in the sight of thy Lord is for the Righteous. 43:36 If anyone withdraws himself from remembrance of ((Allah)) Most Gracious, We appoint for him an evil one, to be an intimate companion to him. 43:37 Such (evil ones) really hinder them from the Path, but they think that they are being guided aright! 

In the light of the above verses, can it be permissible for us humans to judge or prescribe punishment for blasphemy? Can we implement something in the name of Islam disregarding the verses of God Almighty? Is Allah not enough to take people to account?

Trial & Retribution

Question: Allow me please one more question: how is it balanced with the Day of the Divine Final Sentencing that people die now and some go to Heaven and some to Hell? (I am referring to the "72 virgins" vs. the "fire-created" Satan-helpers torture in Hell).

Answer: I am not too clear on what exactly is the question, but let me share my understanding of trial and retribution, and please feel free to ask again if this does not meet your query. 

This life on Earth is a trial for each human, we each have a unique set of questions, situations, backgrounds, aptitudes, etc, and we all have a potential for good and evil, as well as the free-will to choose and intend. The trial ends with death. Everything that we think, do, believe, wish, hope, desire, imagine, etc., is all being continuously recorded. God is ever-present and witness to everything (including the trials set forth for each one), and never forgets. Further, God has arranged for it all to be recorded, and there are angels recording everything, which will be presented as a scroll, so completely detailed that we ourselves will be able to evaluate ourselves and know whether we belong in Heaven or Hell. 
The operating principle about Divine Judgement is that nobody will be wronged in the least. I think that includes God, since ascribing partners to God is stated as the greatest and most unforgivable wrong. 
Hell is something over which all will have to pass (Quran 19:70, 71). It is imagined as a bridge which each one must cross to make it to Heaven. There are many suggested prayers in the Quran to ask for protection from the fire. However, Heaven is only mentioned as a reward and final destination for those whom God blesses with His Approval. Those who are blessed by God, will be able to pass over the bridge upon Hell, and reach Heaven. Those who have earned Hell will fall therein. Those whose scales are neither titled in favour of Heaven or Hell will be assigned either Heaven or Hell in God's infinite wisdom and knowledge, the operating principle again being that none will be wronged in the least.    
According to a scholar, there are three categories upon death: (1) the large general category who will remain in a state of sleep till resurrection and will then face their deeds. (2) the few who have lived their lives so well that they have earned God's approval and are greeted by angels with the good news of Heaven, and continue to live (in another world veiled from us, not reincarnation here) or dream in a state of bliss till resurrection (3) the few who have earned and incurred divine wrath and will endure torture and suffering from the moment they die till the day of resurrection when they will finally enter Hell 
I do not find the count of 72 virgins in the Quran. Yes, other books do refer to such things and attribute such sayings as explanations from the Prophet. If I may borrow your phrase: 'I dunno' :) What I do know is that the Quran says so many things and gives so many analogies and similitudes of Paradise. It speaks of a magnificent realm, gardens with subterranean rivers, moderate weather and shades, plentiful and delicious fruits and meats, milk and honey, and non-intoxicating drinks in crystalline silver goblets, fine clothing of silk and gold, family, pairs or spouses (soul-mates?), fulfilment of all desires, such peace and serenity that no one would ever desire any change of state, ... and it also mentions 'hurs' or virgins with beautiful eyes, but as I've mentioned in an earlier exchange, the word itself is neuter gender, so again, I dunno. Another thing that is mentioned in the Quran, and which makes a lot of sense to me in terms of the widely differing trials and lifestyles of the haves and have-nots in this world, is that good things in the life of this world are actually for the good people to expect and know what awaits them in a better, more excellent, perfected form in Heaven, and deprivation and suffering is also a preview of a much more intense form of what will be given as punishment in Hell. However, please note that what we enjoy or endure in this life is neither reward nor punishment, it's just our question paper, and the easier it seems, the more sternly will it be judged. We will be questioned about all the good that we are given, including all comforts, conveniences and abilities, and will have to account for how we used them.   
Does the above address your question? 

Geographic Distances & Prophet's Teachings

Question: BTW how did a Native American, or an Inuit in past centuries get to the Prophet's teachings? How the illiterate Aborigines? Chinese-Japanese? Easy for the Arabic talking Mid-Easterners 

Answer: The Arabic Quran is not the only scripture, it is the last of the divinely revealed scriptures. We believe that all communities received guidance in the form of prophets, messengers and scriptures. Isn't it true that people all over the world and all throughout history have had some form of religion, and there are some common threads which are suspiciously similar across religions? Almost all religions, or at least their scriptures, start off with the belief in one God, yet eventually morph into a polytheistic religion. To believe in the unseen God, angels, scriptures, messengers, hereafter, good and evil, etc doesn't require an Arabic Quran or a Mid-Eastern background. There are many Arabs in the Middle East who do not believe / practice Islam, and there are many people all over the world who practice the virtues exhorted in the Quran without ever having read it. As a famous poet Iqbal wrote about a century ago, to paraphrase it: when I was in the West, I saw Islam without Muslims, when I was in the East, I saw Muslims without Islam. The advantage we have in this day and age is that we all have the Quran available at our fingertips on the internet, and we also have a whole range of scriptures, translations, lexicons, etc to do our own research. 

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Reincarnation

About reincarnation, an agnostic asks:
One word about reincarnation  I mentioned it and you questioned back. I am no expert in it, but the little what I read from the Sanskrit faith, people can (re)incarnate in any 'living' creature-form and vice versa. So 'they' provide a wider variety for gathering merits-sins than during a single-term human life-span. 

Answer: You are referring to the monotheistic Vedic faith or its later evolution into the polytheistic Hindu faith? Both are written in Sanskrit language. The Hindu faith includes the books of the Vedic faith. 
Perhaps, but who knows how many reincarnations are allowed, and if this is the last one? There is one verse in the Quran (23:99) to the effect that the dying person will request to be sent back so that they can be righteous, but there will be a barrier till the Day of Resurrection.  Quran (32:10) also says that they will request to be sent back, but it will be denied, while Quran (6:28) states that even if they were returned, they will do the same. Considering these verses together, faith seems to be something much deeper and fundamental than what it appears to be.

Decomposition - Recombination

Comment: In my agnostic worldview, however, death means a decomposition of a living? complexity (person) with functioning 'chunks' surviving with/in other complexities (a hint to seers/dreamers with personal fragments showing up). Such idea - of course - opposes the judgemental-day recombination into the original person to be judged. But I never claimed my ideas to be correct. 

Response: From what I gather from the Quran: 
[a] a person dies when the angel of death removes the person's 'nafs' (soul?) from the body (32:11)
[b] a person's fate/deeds are tied to his neck, which will be reproduced as an open book on the Day of Resurrection (17:13)  
[c] resurrection has been likened to seeds germinating when water falls on barren land 
I think the thing that is removed from the body, which causes death, perhaps contains the original person data, the 'essence' I suppose, which will be used for reconstruction. The body is simply a shell which has served its purpose for this terrestrial, temporary abode, and returns to the Earth to be re-cycled. 

EDIT JULY 2, 2020 
The body is essentially the human, and shall be reconstructed. How that addresses the comment above, or resolves the contradiction in point [c] above, I do not know. However, please read: Human: Body or Soul?   

Selected God's Children?

Question: We (scientists? mainly) know about zillions of galaxies, zillions of starsystems in all of them, many planets with those z^z^n stars capable of supporting some bio of their own circumstances, many-many of them potentially leading to thinking units. Are we the ones selected from all those to be the sole "God's Children", or all of them are entitled to Her care and particular fitting rules? 

Answer: We are all God's creations, not God's children. 
No, we are not 'selected from all those to be the sole "God's Children" ', but, according to the Quran, we have been selected above a greater part of creation. There exist other beings who are 'greater' than humans, such as the 'exalted assembly' mentioned in the Quran (37:8 and 38:69) 
All creation is, bio or non-bio, willing or unwilling, and in gratitude or not, under God's care and rule.

Question: But the question goes on: how about the animals? are they "God's children" as we are, or are they just fodder? and please, do not stop here: PLANTS have a similar DNA-based bio to ours and to most animals' so they may also claim to be God's Children? Some animals are hard to distinguish from humans, in certain characteristics. If we go into that: how about insects, and in-between life-forms? That would raise the originally counted (today) ~8 billion human 'souls' to z^z^z times over with life circumstances varying in uncanny varieties. Do they all have the same 1 God, or each kind a separate one? 

Answer: The same one God. If there were more than one, who would have ruled and who would have taken a back seat. Two kings can't rule a realm. How can there be more than one God? 

Quran - a Book about Humans

Question: The blasphemy problem concerning religious text that was brought up by B in this thread, is present in Christianity/bible. What I have difficulty understanding is how people who know that their God has irreducible attributes that we cannot begin to comprehend, stick so close to a text, that "uses God's name in vain" by telling us how to comprehend the world, the role of humans, and God. A text about God itself violates the greatness of its own god (if god were something we can comprehend, we can write about god... if not, why not remain silent and do the work?).
The only theologians that I respect therefore, are the ones that tend to be not overly literal: they read other books, the books of the "competition", even listen to the devil if that principle presents itself... if only to keep the pledge that one does not perceive any book or voice to be the "book of answers", and in so doing blaspheme one's god in personal vanity, advertising them in vulgar fashion everywhere, and therefore pretend to know what we cannot. 
I can therefore relate to preference therefore of old mystics, shamans, negative theologies like Neo-Platonists, Buddhists etc, because they have this safety switch, that prevents using some interpretation of God, as weapon against others and to cause pain in "good clothing". 
My question to you Samiya: How does Quran meet this problem? Does it meet the problem of overly literal interpretation, and all the pain that can cause? PGC

Answer: The answer to your first assumption is that the Quran is not a book about God. It is a book about humans and has been revealed through divine decree for human guidance (6:91). There are a number of reasons why I believe it to be so: 
1) It clearly tells us that God is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things (6:103) 
2) It states that it is no less than a message for all (6:90) 
3) When it claims that it has been revealed for guidance, (2:2)
3.1) it also says that the message has been explained in various verses (contains many signs) so that it is clear that this has been taught by someone (6:105) 
3.2) it also claims that had it been from other that God, we would have found in it much discrepancy (4:82)
3.3) it repeatedly exhorts to study and reflect upon the verses (47:24 and other verses, which is why I insist that we evaluate it for factual accuracy) 
3.4) it claims that it is protected from changes (15:9) 
4) it claims that the primal origin of the Heavens and Earth is due to God, and therefore, since everything has been created by God, nothing else is God, and therefore nothing else can be worshiped or considered a partner or held equal to God (6:101,102) 
4.1) it informs us that all else that humans worship is misguidance (6:56, 6:81, 6:100) and grave sin (4:116)  
4.2) it informs us that it is wicked to lie against God or claim inspiration if it has not been sent (6:21) 
4.3) it informs us that Book, Authority and Prophets were indeed sent to people earlier, and this Quran been revealed through Muhammad, and relates many examples (6:83-90, 16:36), because God cares for all and knows all (3:72,73)    
5) it informs us that God is continuously, magnificently busy with creating, sustaining and governing the entire creation (55:29) 
6) it informs us that just like God has given us intelligence (16:78), reasoning, the power of speech(55:2) and ability to read and write (96:4,5), similarly God has provided us with guidance in forms we can take guidance from (the self-reproaching conscience (75:2), scripture (55:4, 68:1), human messengers (12:109) who practiced what they preached and demonstrated that it is humanly possible to follow divine guidance   
7) it tells us that humans have been given but very little knowledge (17:85), and there is much that we do not or cannot know 
8) it gives us some key information about our present and future 
9) it informs us that this life is transient, but not without purpose, and that we are all in pledge for our deeds
10) it informs us of our appointment with God, the Day of Reckoning / Justice of Mankind, and that the appointment with God is a sure thing and must be kept 
11) it informs us that we have a very long life after that appointment, and where we get to spend it depends on what we do in this life  
12) it informs us that God has inscribed upon Himself mercy, so that if anyone sins/does evil in ignorance, and thereafter repents and amends, then God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (6:54)
13) Forgiveness is therefore only withheld from those who repeatedly and obstinately transgress (6:55), and refuse guidance and die disbelieving (4:18)  
14) it warns us there is good and evil (12:53) within us, and to not to follow our desires, as they will lead us astray (38:26); furthermore it also warns us of the existence of devils (30:60) and that all they can do is suggest evil thoughts (14:22), and that it is our free will to choose whether to take guidance from God or from the devils (2:268, 3:175) or from our desires  
15) it informs us that it is of no use to God to punish humans (4:147), but Justice must be established on the Day of Reckoning, those who believe and do good must be rewarded, and as a consequence sinners must be punished 
16) it also informs us that we must be judged (15:85) due to a prior event: the Trust was offered to other creation (The Heavens, The Earth, The Mountain, but they declined; The Human undertook it and proved itself unjust and ignorant; hence God will punish the Hypocrites and the Polytheists, and God will forgive the Believers (33:72,73) 

Regarding blasphemy, I think you're not asking about Blasphemy as in speaking derogatory remarks about God, but rather you are asking about the observance of restrictions and implementation of law instructed in the scripture. You see, Islam is about submission to divine guidance. When one is convinced about the Quran being God's guidance, then the believers have no choice in matters decreed by God. I know that much evil is done in the name of God, and gross injustice is done in its interpretation, implementation and execution, but you see humans have been doing this with religion and law all throughout history. Furthermore, remember that we are all being tested and all will be judged, so those who choose to do evil in the name of God will face the consequences of their actions, based upon their intentions, and the suffering of the innocent will not be in vain. We also believe that all matters are pre-ordained (57:22,23) However, this does not absolve us of our individual and collective responsibilities as we are also told that we humans are responsible for the Earth, and therefore for implementing, doing, advising the right/good (depending on our position in society/sphere of authority), and from stopping/banning, rejecting and forbidding/advising against the wrong/evil (again depending on our position in society/sphere of authority). 

Therefore, in spite of what who is doing in the name of Islam or any other religion, we continue to believe in God and take guidance from the Quran as we are convinced about its authenticity. Yes, speaking for myself, there are verses which I understand, and there are verses which I need to study, sometimes I compare various translations, sometimes I check the meanings of the Arabic word in the dictionary, and where it speaks of physical phenomenon, I check up what scientific research has discovered... you may also wish to check out my list of the principles of Quranic study in my blog: http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2011/01/principles-of-quranic-study.html 

There are many verses that can be quoted as references to the points listed above.I have mentioned only a few in parentheses. To check them out, please enter the reference numbers on this site: http://corpus.quran.com/translation.jsp It provides seven English translations for comparison.

Is God Truth or does God submit to Truth?

Question: Do you agree that God has either to submit to Truth, or to be Truth?  

Answer: Al-Haq is among the many names or attributes of God. Though generally translated as The Truth, the word al-Haq encompasses a range of meanings, and as contrasted to baatil [falsehood], the primary signification the word ‘haq’ is  suitableness to the requirements of  wisdom, justice, right, or rightness, truth, reality, or fact. The state, or quality, or property, of being just, proper, right, correct, proper. Lane’s Lexicon covers around six pages: http://www.tyndalearchive.com/tabs/lane/  
Al-Haq is merely one of the aspects of Allah (God) who is much more than any word or concept that we can imagine or relate to. Another name of God is Al-Khaliq (The Creator). This link has a list of names/attributes mentioned in the Quran: http://www.whyislam.org/god/names-and-attributes-of-allah/

Interpretation & Understanding of the Scripture

Question: Did you not previously admit on this list to having to interpret various parts in different ways, and having your understanding of its true/intended meaning change as your understanding and study of it increased?

Answer: Yes, of course. It is natural for a human to understand better as we continue our study. Allow me to explain with an analogy: students study science in school, and though the basics remain the same, they go on to further study and change their understanding as they progress through higher levels. The understanding of science at graduate level and the understanding at a post-doctorate level varies in depth and comprehension, would you not agree?    

When we start off with studying the scripture, we do have a baggage of pre-conceived notions about what we 'believe' the religion teaches. With every reading of the scripture, we refine our understanding. Also, getting rid of the 'baggage' is also not easy. It takes a leap of faith to abandon the pre-conceived notions and to let the scripture 'speak' to you. I think this is common across most religions and even cultures. We tend to see/read only what our minds are willing to comprehend.