Friday, February 29, 2008
The Creed of Al-Iji
There were a few interesting parts to this particular reading, so I was wondering if anyone found any particular significance to their being 73 sects, and 72 of them being in hell? Also, it is curious as to why there are 27 beliefs listed- is this number significant in any way? Perhaps the most interesting part of this reading is belief number 3, which says that there is no need for a teacher, because all knowledge is obtained through reflection. If this is the case, why is there a need for a religious leader or teacher at all? Also, wouldn't everyone's particular beliefs be different, and therefore almost nobody would be saved because they would not have the exact beliefs of Muhammad? What of these 27 beliefs do you find present in other religions? I found the concepts of God being perfect, God being all knowing, and God being present everywhere. Another interesting thing I found was the idea of repentance, which is present in 26. I am wondering if in other religions, if you repent, you're automatically forgiven, since you acknowledged your sins. In Islam, it is apparent that God decides everything- whether or not you have or have not done enough good to get into heaven, whether or not your forgiven, what is good or bad. Share any thoughts you have on these beliefs.
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I think it is interesting when it says that knowledge can be attained only through reflection and a teacher is not necessary. However I don't think it means that no teacher can ever be used to attain knowledge. Number 21 of the list of Creeds states that Muhammad is the last prophet and nothing should come after him. However, he was a teacher as well so I don't think it would be wrong to glean knowledge from him even though it says only to obtain knowledge through reflection. I would find it hard to find all truth and knowledge just by "reflecting" and not seeking out others advice or their reflections. The idea of grace is also interesting because it states in this creed that repentence of sins is obligatory but the grace from that repentence is not always giving.
In the second belief, Al-Iji is specifically talking about knowledge of God rather than all knowledge. Understanding the nature of God seems to be a very difficult task that requires much reflection and meditation. The Qur'an does mention some attributes of God, such as being All-Powerful and All-Knowing, but these terms only give a basic characterization of God without a definite explanation of who or what He is. In order to really understand God, one must reflect on what it means to be "All-Powerful" and not just rely on the word itself to describe him. Words like eternal and infinite (which are other common descriptions of God) signify extremely complex ideas that need to be carefully examined rather than merely repeated or memorized. Therefore, having someone teach you about God is hardly sufficient to understand Him. One can only fully grasp the idea of God through their own intellectual activity. That's why I believe that Al-Iji says that a teacher is not needed.
Regarding reflective knowledge, I think that this belief is trying to be expressed that being involved in a religion you are automatically obligated to obtain reflective knowledge. I think this also portrays that God has given us everything, including relfective knowlege so that we do not need to rely on teachers. You still need a religious leader in order to pass down the correct information to keep the community strong with faith. The reason why a teacher is not needed in this belief is expressed is because we already have been given the essential tools to obtain this knowledge.
I thought this was a really interesting reading. I thought it was interesting how the 27 beliefs discussed the aspects of God. in 2 it says that there was a creator. 5 it says God has no helper. 14 God is not split in parts. This is just interesting to see how God is described. Really because God can't be defined in words. He speaks the word. His word is the Qur'an.
All these beliefs are very interesting and how everyone can interpret them. When it does say there is no need for a teacher and that we obtain knowledge through reflection makes it seem like we do not need to listen to anybody else, but the experiences we have through our own self actions due to our beliefs. I think this is hard to interpret because anyone could say the Qur'an or the Hadiths are teachers because they show us or teach us the way to be a faithful Muslim. I think one needs to follow the last prophet Muhammad because he reveals of what Muslims need to, so any Muslim can be true spirited Muslim.
I agree it is very interesting about the subject of repentance. I know in my religion you go to a priest to reconcile your sins and then you are cleared and given a new clean slate to work with, but you must truly be sorrowful (so do not purposely go out and do the sins you were just forgiven for). So, if you were to die right after you reconciled your sins, then you would be allowed into the gates of heaven. It seems in Islam, you wait for judgement day and then depending on how much good you have done along with the bad is the decision factor for going to Paradise. Maybe I missed it, but can Muslims go to someone to be forgiven for their sins or do they just wait for judgement.
Ok so As to the 73 sects, and all but one is going to hell...that was intense. When i first read this i thought that i had heard something like this before in christian beliefs. I believe it is the johovas witnesses that also assign a particular number to the amount of people who are going strait to heaven and the rest to hell. The next thought i had that it was really harsh to send 72/73 people strait to hell for all eternity. But upon further reflection i had to change my thoughts on that because it according to what we have discovered in the muslim faith this does not actually mean that all these people are going to hell forever but that a majority of people,the ones who have committed sins, are going strait to hell for the sins they have committed until they have atoned for these sins and then are sent finally to paradise for all eternity. So each person is punished for the sins that they have committed in this life. And if you think about it saying that 72/73 persons have committed sins i dont think is so far fetched at all. Most people in this world have committed sins. And to require that those who have committed sins pay for them in hell i dont believe is such a harsh sentiment. Of course there are those that according to this faith are going to stay there forever based on the severity of thier sins. But it does not state in particular how many persons this would be..thats up for complete guesstimation.
I found this reading to be very interesting and the teachings relate greatly to other monotheistic religions. I think it is surprising that it says his community will consist of 73 sects and all of them are hell except for one...this seems to say that there are not many saved people. As a believer, I would be discouraged by this idea.
Belief 3 is controversial, in my opinion. A teacher can also be a leader and how can people learn about God if there are no teachers? I think there would be a lot of disagreement if everyone just went with their own thoughts. This belief can probably be interpreted in different ways and maybe it is just trying to show that we should not always be followers, but look inside to find God.
I too believe this is an interesting reading. Like the orinigal post, i wonder if these numbers have a significance? In islam, there seem to be a repetitive number system. Also, muhammad was a prophet and a teacher so to interperate his teachings would qualify as a personal reflection. I believe this reading is trying to promote muhammad guidence to the correct reflections you will then will find all truth and knowledge.
In belief #3, it took my attention this phrase "the good is what revelation declares good; the bad what revelation declares bad" I agree with him in some part and I do not agree with him in another. I think the good deeds and righteous acts are good by themselves without declaring. The proof is that the Prophet Muhammad encouraged the good habits acted by non-Muslim before Islam like generosity. I think revelation just confirm these good deeds because good acts are about common since. For example, bad deeds are hated from non monotheistic people who maybe don't believe in God. However, I agree with him that definitely revelation is important to guide us to the right way because I believe that the man knowledge is limited and guidance from God is necessary.
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