Prophet Muhammad preached the religion
of Islam (Submission). The source of his guidance was the holy Quran
that God (Allah) revealed through him. The Quran is the only book
that can guide us to the best path (17:9). When the prophet died,
he left behind the complete Quran for us to follow. As time passed
by, this great religion has been gradually corrupted and divided
and sub-divided through innovations, traditions and the idolization
of humans such as the prophet, the caliphs, the saints and the scholars.
First, the religion of Islam was reshaped and replaced mainly by
two major sects: Sunni and Shia. Subsequently, these two have been
divided into various sects and sub-sects as Muslims continued to
disregard the teachings of the Quran, and follow religious sources
other than the Quran.
Unlike true Islam (Submission), the Sunni and Shia sects and sub-sects
are preached by their respective scholars and religious leaders.
We learn from the Quran:
“Those who divide themselves into sects do
not belong with you. Their judgment rests with God, then He will
inform them of everything they had done.” (6:159)
“Such is your congregation- one congregation-
and I am your Lord; you shall reverence Me. But, they tore themselves
into disputing factions; each party happy with what they have.”
(23:52-53)
If you ask the followers of these sects or sub-sects a question
regarding their religion, most of the time they will refer you to
the opinions of their scholars, imams, etc. No wonder these people
will blame their leaders in the hereafter:
The followers will say to their leaders, “It
was you who schemed night and day, then commanded us to be unappreciative
of God, and to set up partners to rank with Him.” They will
be ridden with remorse, when they see the retribution, for we will
place shackles around the necks of those who disbelieved. Are they
not justly requited for what they did? (34:33)
God tells us that the Quran, which prophet Muhammad followed, is
clear to understand (54:17). All people are commanded to ponder
and understand its words:
“Why do they not study the Quran carefully?
Do they have locks on their hearts?” (47:24)
Yet the majority of Muslims do not make an effort to study the
Quran for themselves and insist on merely reciting its words like
a parrot that does not understand. They look to their imams or scholars
to do the understanding for them:
When they are told, “Follow what God has revealed
herein (the Quran),” they say, “We follow only what
we found our parents doing.” What if their parents did not
understand, and were not guided? The example of those who reject
is that of one who repeats what he hears of sounds and calls, without
understanding. Deaf, dumb, and blind; they cannot understand. (2:170-171).
Is it not the time now to study the Quran by ourselves? Is it not
the time now to verify the authenticity of the religion or sect
we have inherited from our parents with the help of the Quranic
study? Is it not the most important duty in our lives? Should we
not take it seriously?
God be Glorified.
Irtaza
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