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Discussion With Mom😑
Dear Respected Scholar,
Assalamu ‘alaykum,
I am a young Muslim who is sincerely trying to understand my faith through belief, reflection, and reason. Recently, I had a long and intense discussion with my parents about Islam, humanity, and how religious texts should be understood. This discussion raised important questions in my mind, and I would be grateful for your guidance to know whether my understanding is correct or mistaken.
During the discussion, I explained that Islam gives great importance to human dignity and humanity, and that the value of a human being should not depend on religion, ethnicity, or background. I strongly believe in Allah and in the importance of faith, but I also believe that faith should increase justice, mercy, and compassion toward all people.
I also explained that I do not want to follow religion blindly. I want to believe with understanding, logic, and an open mind, trying to comprehend why certain beliefs exist, not only what they are. I mentioned that throughout history religion has sometimes been used politically by religious institutions or authorities, and that this use of religion should be distinguished from the true message of faith.
Regarding Hadith, I explained that I understand them as historical reports, with different levels of authenticity, that should be examined using context, history, and reason. I did not intend to reject Hadith entirely, but to say that they should not all be treated as equal or applied without analysis.
I also said that reason (‘aql) helps us understand the Qur’an, and that logic does not contradict revelation but helps explain and interpret it more deeply.
In addition, I spoke about how extremist groups sometimes misuse certain Hadith or religious interpretations to justify actions that seem clearly against human dignity and justice. As examples, I mentioned practices such as:
– violence or harsh punishment against women for dress-related issues,
– attacks or coercion in religious spaces,
– or the justification of child marriages.
I explained that, in my understanding, these actions contradict the ethical and moral spirit of Islam, even if they are justified by selective or literal readings of texts. During this discussion, my father responded by saying that such examples are fabrications or political conspiracies (for example, attributing them to foreign intelligence agencies), while I feel that these realities should be addressed honestly and theologically, not dismissed.
My mother also said that my views are “Western ideas” and stated that Muslims, as true believers, are at a higher level than others, as mentioned by Allah. I personally feel uncomfortable interpreting faith in a way that suggests believers are more valuable as human beings than non-believers, even though I fully respect belief in Allah and Islam.
My questions to you are:
1. Is it correct, from an Islamic perspective, to say that human dignity and humanity have value regardless of religion?
2. Is it wrong to insist on understanding religion through reason and logic, rather than following it blindly?
3. Is my view of Hadith as historical reports that require critical analysis acceptable within Islam?
4. Is it valid to say that reason helps explain and understand the Qur’an, rather than opposing it?
5. How should Muslims understand and respond to the use of religious texts by extremists to justify actions that appear unjust or inhumane?
6. Am I mistaken in rejecting the idea that believers are inherently more valuable as human beings than non-believers?
I ask these questions with sincerity and humility, not to weaken faith, but to strengthen it through understanding and honesty.
Thank you very much for your time and guidance.
Respectfully,
[Your name]
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Discussion With Mom😑
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