Opening the Qur'an: Introducing Islam's Holy Book

Thirteen. Challenges from the Qur’an

thirteen Challenges from the Qur’an To every People have we appointed rites and ceremonies which they must follow. Let them not then dispute with thee on the matter, but do thou invite (them) to thy Lord: for thou art assuredly on the RightWay. If they do wrangle with thee say,“Allah knows best what it is ye are doing.” Surah 22:67–68 Iqra! Read! Recite! Proclaim! The words Muhammad began to hear on the Night of Power still challenge men and women to obey the One-Only God. Political to its core, social in its structures, missionary in its purpose, and confident in its ultimate success, Islam always challenges its believers and others to respond to God, the Message, and the Messenger. Quranically energized Islam has endured sweeping dynastic changes,theWestern Enlightenment and its several cultural aftermaths, the rise and fall of indigenous and invading empires, colonialism and imperialism, nationalist and ethnic emphases, and grave internal strife. Iqra! is still the living voice that moves Muslims to proclaim the God who is revealed in all times, all cultures, and finally in the Qur’an, which summons every person to obey His will in every aspect of life. This chapter presents some key challenges posed by the Qur’an and by those who use the Qur’an. First, we return to a discussion of the 401 Transcendent Time of the Revelation.Second,we set,although briefly,the context for the current Islamic resurgence.Third,we turn to three uses of the Qur’an in the current Islamic resurgence that I refer to as Revolution, Reformation, and Neo-Awakening. THE REVELATORY TIME By (the Token of ) time (through the Ages), verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith and do righteous deeds,and ( join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth and of Patience and Constancy. Surah 103,al‘Asr,Time through the Ages The Time that transcends all times encompassed twenty-two to twentythree years,from the Night of Power to Muhammad’s death.God’s action in that brief period provides the basis for human society and sets the course for the consummation of all times. God’s revelations in the Qur’an to the Messenger, the Messenger’s obedience to his Lord,and the establishment of the umma are the core of the Revelatory Time.One human lived so Islamically that he and the community he shaped are the model for all times and persons to emulate in obedience to God. Three consequences of the Revelatory Time call for comment. First,the Qur’an and Muhammad’s Sunna are unchangeable,yet interpretations may be offered and understandings deepened.Muslims are wary, however,of un-Islamic innovations (bid‘ah) that will corrupt the Faith and the Faithful.The Qur’an does not need to be updated,adapted,or adjusted to subsequent cultures and conditions. Later times and people are challenged to measure up to the Qur’an’s revelations of God’s will and the best ways for humans to live. God’s tawhid, the Qur’an, Muhammad, and the first umma are the basis on which Muslims and non-Muslims engage, adjust , accept, or reject the changes and values of their times. Because Islam 402 T H E E V E R - O P E N Q U R ’ A N Challenges from the Qur’an 403 claims that all wisdom and creative abilities come from God and are intended for the establishment of justice in the world prior to the Day of Judgment, Islam is the most modern religion and the best way of life. The second consequence of the Revelatory Time is its challenge to current societies. God demands that all societies structure themselves in Islamic-style justice and equity. Are the Quranic passages dealing with issues such as social and legal matters, usury and economics, family relations and spousal duties,rules about inheritance and bequests,treatment of criminals and nonbelievers, conflict and war to be enacted and institutionalized in times that are far different from those of seventh-century Arabia? Is Islam limited to individual piety and customs? Is the Qur’an being manipulated by teachers controlled by governments claiming to be Islamic? A growing number of Believers insist that God wills the implementation of Qur’an’s societal directives so that Muslims will establish an Islamic society or “nation ,” that is, an umma unrestricted by borders, ethnicities...