My Tafsir on Quran 14-4

Submitted by Prashant (United States), Feb 28, 2022 at 19:53

Dear Dr Pipes,

One lesson that both Muslims and non-Muslims must learn is that religious texts should not be interpreted literally. This is not just because time, language, and contest change over time. It is also because it is impossible to write down a code of conduct that will correctly address all situations that it is required to address. So, the Quranic theories will not only fail in today's world, they must have failed even in Muhammad's time. Even Muhammad had to conjure up new verses as he needed them (the readers will like to remind themselves how Muhammad provisioned additional wives for himself when he desired them).

DNM is right. Under its literal interpretation, Quran 14-4 clearly says that God did not send a message to any one in a language that they could not understand. If Muslims follow Islam correctly, Islam does not belong to any land other than Arabia. And, since Arabic itself has changed in the 14 centuries since Quran, Islam does not belong to even Arabia!

Quran 14-4 does not mean its literal meaning. And, that is where lies our ultimate hope! Muslims must be told (repeatedly) that no verse of Quran mean its literal meaning. The violence prescribed in Quran must be abandoned. The financial theories outlined in the Quran should not be exactly followed. The unkind references to Jews and others must be redacted. In short, Muslims must become wiser with respect to their religion. In other words, Muslims should allow Islam to become compatible with the rest of the humanity.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".