I have two questions. I have read books by Mr Ghamidi and other renowned scholars and I have come to a conclusion that if you don’t have a reasonable understanding of Arabic language you cannot base your own ideology or conformity of belief, regarding the meanings of Quran. At the same time we must appreciate that no one today can allocate time to learn Arabic in its true form and good teachers are also not available. Secondly to understand Quran in this context is obviously of very worth but it’s a full time job. Also as you people are doing and every one cannot go up to that level due to limitations of time job and circumstances. Your belief regarding Islam is that it is a divine religion but this belief is not spoon fed as ours you found the truth to make your belief. Now you tell me that one person doing job running his family cannot allocate that much time so how it is possible to find the truth only relying on your literary books and conflicting opinions. Regarding translation and commentary on the Quran every scholar has his viewpoint but again that viewpoint is based on research. Does the Quran require spending whole life to find the truth only or not? How can an ordinary man realize in true sense that Islam is a divine religion?
My question relates to conflict on the matter of Ahadith. This dispute has given birth to different sects. Everyone has its own set of Ahadith to rely upon and everyone has its own chain of intermediaries who quoted that ahadith. This attitude makes one hadith correct and other wrong in the same time. I have read your article which is very helpful also but my point of view is that a man can on his own conscience judge the truthfulness of hadith?
Answer
One must at the outset remember that one is liable to learn about Islam to the extent one is capable of viz a viz his circumstances and opportunities.
As far as the Quran is concerned, you can just pick up a simple translation (not tafsir) and make it a point to read a fixed portion of it everyday. There is not much difference in the basic issues of religion in any good and accepted translations. However, if a question arises in your mind about a verse only then should you consult a reliable tafsir or a scholar. If you keep up this routine, it is hoped that inshallah you will set yourself on the path to seek the truth. Remember there is no guarantee that one will be able to find the truth. In this regard the effort and sincerity of intention is what matters.
As far as the Hadith is concerned, here too you need to just read through the translation of a good anthology and discuss the questions which arise with some scholar. One of these recommended anthologies is the Mishkat al-Masabih which is available both in Urdu and in English.
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