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Sunnah/Interfaith, 47:2
Allah never mentions following the Quran and the Sunnah (read more), He does however mention following the Quran, which was revealed to Muhammad, and to follow the Bible,
and the Torah.
“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, and believe in the revelation sent down to Muhammad, because it is the truth from their Lord, He will remove from them their problems and improve their condition.” 47:2
Some might say, “Allah tells us to believe in the Torah and the Bible, but not to follow them.” Well, if you believe in it then does that not obligate you to follow it? They might then say, “But the Bible and Torah has been changed.” Then follow the parts that agree with the Quran, which you might find is most of it.
Below are a few of the verses where Allah encourages us to follow the Quran, Bible, and Torah.
“And believe in what I reveal, reflecting the truth of the revelation which is with you, and be not the first to do not believe in it, nor sell My signs for a miserable price, and fear Me, and Me alone.” 2:41
Say, “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to the other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between them, and we are at peace with Him.” 2:136
“He sent down to you, in truth, the Book reflecting the truth of what went before it. And He sent down the Law of Moses, and the gospel of Jesus before this as a guide for humanity. And He sent down the Criterion.” 3:3.
“Have you not turned your vision to those who declare that they believe in the revelations that have come to you and to those before you? Their wish is to come together for judgment in their disputes with Satan, though they were told to reject him. But Satan’s wish is to lead them astray.” 4:60
“Allah has purchased from the believers, their persons and their goods, and for this, the garden is theirs. They fight in His cause, and slay and are slain. A promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the gospel, and the Quran. And who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah. Then rejoice in the transaction, which you have contracted. That is the ultimate achievement.” 9:111
“And strive in His cause, as you ought to strive. He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in this way; it is the way of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this revelation, that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and you are witnesses for humanity. So establish salat, pay zakat, and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protector, the best to protect and the best to help.” 22:78
“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are strong against unbelievers and compassionate among each other. You will see them bow and prostrate themselves, seeking grace from Allah, and His favor. On their faces are their marks, and are the traces of their prostration. Their similitude in the Torah, and their similitude in the gospel is a seed that sends forth its blade, then is made strong, then becomes thick, then stands on its own, filling those who planted it with wonder and pleasure. Meanwhile, it fills the unbelievers with rage. But Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds, forgiveness and a great reward.” 48:249
Torture, Sura 4:56, Sura 47:15
Does God Torture? Should We?
Of course Allah does not torture. In the end, we will voluntary say everything we possibly can in order to be saved; and even if we didn’t talk, all of our deeds are recorded, which we can not deny. And If that was not enough, our body testifies against us. (39:58, 32:12, 69:25, 24:24)
So if God does not torture, and He doesn’t, then what gives us the right to torture?
However, Allah does mention, in reference to Himself, punishing by inflicting severe pain.
Those who reject our signs, We will soon cast into the fire. As often as their skin is roasted through, We will change them for fresh skin, that they may taste the penalty. For Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise. 4:56
Can those in such bliss be compared to those who will dwell forever in the fire, and who will be given boiling water to drink, so that it cuts up their insides? 47:15
Inflicting severe physical or mental pain for the sake of punishment is not technically considered torture, but instead, can sometimes be considered cruel and unusual punishment, as worded in the United States Constitution.
Does God subject wrongdoers to cruel and unusual punishment? Should we?
The conditions revealed in hell seem cruel to me. But since Allah never describes Himself as cruel, and we should not attribute things to Allah which He does not attribute to Himself, then is it not cruel? And if it is acceptable for God to punish in a severely painful way, is it then acceptable for us?
Conditions in some prisons, as well as solitary confinement, are considered by some to be cruel and unusual punishment. Painful executions and even living on death row could also be considered cruel, if not unusual.
Perhaps the verses about God inflicting this sort of severely painful punishment should be taken figuratively; after all, we won’t have our bodies anymore. Perhaps these comments in the Quran are simply to get us thinking about the negative consequences for our wrongful acts; consequences which we will experience in this life and the next. Or maybe they are to validate seemingly inhumane practices, which some consider cruel and unusual.
But if these type of verses are to be taken figuratively, then what do we do with verses like this…
If We had so willed, We could certainly have brought every soul its true guidance, but this word from Me will come true, “I will fill hell with jinn and humans all together.” 32:13
So the question remains, doyou think is it permissible for humans to inflict severe mental and physical pain when punishing? What if the person turns out to be innocent? Is severe punishment just better left to God?
What do you think? Post a comment.
Life. Suras 6:32, 29:64, 47:36, 57:20
If someone asks, “Is life a big game to you”, should we answer “Yes”?
6:32 What is the life of the present but play and entertainment? Best is the home in the hereafter, for those who are righteous. Will you not then understand?
29:64 What is the life of the present but entertainment and play? But indeed the home in the hereafter, that is life indeed, if they only knew.
47:36 The life of the present is only play and entertainment, and if you believe and guard against harm, He will grant you your reward, and will not ask you to give up your possessions.
57:20 Know that the life of the present is but play and entertainment, pomp and boasting, and increasing for yourselves, wealth and children. Here is a similitude, the rain and the growth which it brings forth, pleases the hearts of those who plant it, soon it withers, and you will see it grow yellow, then it becomes dry and crumbles away, but in the hereafter is a penalty severe, and forgiveness from Allah and His grace, and what is the life of the present, except goods and chattels of deception?
