Written by: Haseeb Ahmad Haseeb
In the virtual world of Facebook, we often encounter strange yet intelligent individuals. One amusing proverb captures the essence well: “Just a little less heat and he’s a genius; a bit more and he’s insane.” Truly, many such minds exist whose intellect is undeniable, yet they occasionally fall into error. One such person even existed during the era of Umar ibn al-Khattab, known as Ṣabīgh ibn ʿAsal.
Ṣabīgh ibn ʿAsal raised questions about the allegorical verses of the Qur'an. ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA) summoned him and addressed him sternly to remove his confusion. This incident teaches us that, at times, a firm approach is necessary to prevent the spread of discord in society.
On forums and other platforms, we encounter similar individuals who question Islam and its interpretations. One person claimed that Islam is being used to promote Arab culture, arguing that Islam spread in the Indian subcontinent through Sufi saints who preached tolerance and love. He criticized contemporary scholars as being rigid and narrow-minded, presenting Islam as a tribal and traditional faith, and asserted that all doors of ijtihad (independent reasoning) are now closed.
In response, it must be understood that Islam is a universal and eternal religion intended to guide all of humanity. The Qur'an being revealed in Arabic signifies that the Arab people were chosen for their simplicity and high moral potential. However, the claim that today’s scholars have confined Islam solely to Arab culture is incorrect. Islam’s message is for every era and every region, aiming to invite people to righteousness and to prevent evil.
The Holy Qur’an states:
"You are the best nation raised for mankind—you enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah."
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ayah 110)
Similarly, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"The best of generations is my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them."
The foundational teachings of Islam are rooted in tolerance, love, and justice. These values are not confined to any single nation or culture but are meant for all of humanity.
① Islam is a universal and eternal religion, not limited to any one nation or culture.
② The Qur'an was revealed in Arabic due to the simplicity and high moral potential of the Arabs.
③ Islam spread in the Indian subcontinent through Sufi saints who preached love and tolerance.
④ In the modern era, some people are spreading misconceptions about Islam, while in truth, its teachings remain expansive and inclusive of ijtihad.
❖ Encountering Intellectual Minds in the World of Facebook
In the virtual world of Facebook, we often encounter strange yet intelligent individuals. One amusing proverb captures the essence well: “Just a little less heat and he’s a genius; a bit more and he’s insane.” Truly, many such minds exist whose intellect is undeniable, yet they occasionally fall into error. One such person even existed during the era of Umar ibn al-Khattab, known as Ṣabīgh ibn ʿAsal.
❖ Ṣabīgh ibn ʿAsal’s Inquiries and the Response of ʿUmar
Ṣabīgh ibn ʿAsal raised questions about the allegorical verses of the Qur'an. ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA) summoned him and addressed him sternly to remove his confusion. This incident teaches us that, at times, a firm approach is necessary to prevent the spread of discord in society.
❖ Objections Against Islam and the Role of Scholars
On forums and other platforms, we encounter similar individuals who question Islam and its interpretations. One person claimed that Islam is being used to promote Arab culture, arguing that Islam spread in the Indian subcontinent through Sufi saints who preached tolerance and love. He criticized contemporary scholars as being rigid and narrow-minded, presenting Islam as a tribal and traditional faith, and asserted that all doors of ijtihad (independent reasoning) are now closed.
❖ Response: Islam is a Universal and Eternal Religion
In response, it must be understood that Islam is a universal and eternal religion intended to guide all of humanity. The Qur'an being revealed in Arabic signifies that the Arab people were chosen for their simplicity and high moral potential. However, the claim that today’s scholars have confined Islam solely to Arab culture is incorrect. Islam’s message is for every era and every region, aiming to invite people to righteousness and to prevent evil.
❖ In Light of the Qur’an and Hadith
The Holy Qur’an states:
"You are the best nation raised for mankind—you enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah."
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ayah 110)
Similarly, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"The best of generations is my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them."
❖ The True Teachings of Islam
The foundational teachings of Islam are rooted in tolerance, love, and justice. These values are not confined to any single nation or culture but are meant for all of humanity.
✦ Summary
① Islam is a universal and eternal religion, not limited to any one nation or culture.
② The Qur'an was revealed in Arabic due to the simplicity and high moral potential of the Arabs.
③ Islam spread in the Indian subcontinent through Sufi saints who preached love and tolerance.
④ In the modern era, some people are spreading misconceptions about Islam, while in truth, its teachings remain expansive and inclusive of ijtihad.
