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Essay question:
2. The Quran is a holy book that provides general guidelines. When it
comes to specifics of human existence, the Quran is wide open to
interpretation. To what extent do you think this is the case? Illustrate your
discussion with specific examples.
Abstract:
The following paper aims to examine, with selective examples, the general
and specific verses in the Quran that pertain to the specifics of human
existence and the general instructions given by the sacred text. Essentially, this
will be a discussion and analysis on the general ethical teachings or principles
espoused by the Quran and the specific verses relating to individual and
communal obligations, and to what extent is the latter open to interpretation.
I submit, here, that although the Quran does indeed contain guidelines that
are both general and also specific, its content, additionally, contains several
clear and specific injunctions and commands that pertain to the specifics of
human existence that are agreed upon, to one extent or another, by all
schools of Islamic law. The examples that will be provided as illustrations are
mainly drawn from the Quranic dietary and penal laws.
Moreover, the role of the Prophet within Muslim theology will also be
explored and presented as a bridge to understanding this ostensible
contradictory conundrum. It is the Muslim view of Muhammad as the
manifestation of the Quranic discourse and best exemplar for mankind that
highlights his pivotal role within Islamic theology and legal theory as the
authentic source for the interpretation of the Quran itself.
Sources:
Brown, J. A. C. (2009). Hadith: Muhammad's Legacy in the Medieval and Modern
World. Oxford: Oneworld.
Dr. Jonathan A.C. Brown is an associate professor holding the Prince al-Waleed Bin
Talal Chair of Islamic Civilization at Georgetown University. He has authored several
works on the topic of hadith and is the author of Muhammad: A Very Short
Introduction, published by Oxfords short introduction series.
As a specialist in Hadith studies, Brown has demonstrated his incredible insight into
the colossal intellectual achievement known as the Hadith tradition; the admirable and
innovative endeavour of Muslim scholars to reconstruct the teachings and legacy of
the Prophet. Brown skillfully takes the reader on a journey through time, providing a
critical analysis of the study of scholarship (both traditional and oriental) throughout
Islamic history.
Of significant interest is Chapter 5, which discusses the function of the prophetic
tradition in Islamic law and legal theory, which sheds light on the role of the Prophet
as the manifestation of the Quranic discourse and its proper interpretation.
Additionally, Brown explores the purpose of the prophetic tradition in Islamic
theology, unorthodox expressions of Islam, and its role in contemporary debates in the
modern world.
On the whole, Hadith: Muhammads Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World
serves as brilliant introduction to the study of the hadith literature and its criticisms
the historical debates surrounding its authenticity amongst western scholars to both
beginners and specialists alike.