Dear Mr. Daniel
Park, Ph.D.,
You asked me if
the Quran wants Muslims to follow it literally. In response to
your question, I must note that at the time the Quran was being
revealed by Allah to Muhammad, the Arabs were illiterate and
ignorant; these two facts have been firmly established by the
Quran itself.
Consequently, the
Pagans of the time did not know what 'literalism' really meant.
This term came into being much after Islam's birth. Keeping the
above fact in mind, please read this verse of the Quran:
[3.199]
And most surely of the followers of the Book
there are those who believe in Allah and (in) that which has been
revealed to you and (in) that which has been revealed to them,
being lowly before Allah; they do not take a small price for the
communications of Allah; these it is that have their reward with
their Lord; surely Allah is quick in reckoning."
The words
"revealed to you and (in) that which has been revealed to them"
refers to the Torah, Bible and the Quran. The Quran does not say
that anything it contains has anything to do with "symbolism."
There are many
such verses in the Quran. In its own style, it has asked the
Muslims to follow it, without using the word "literally" in it,
for use of this word would have surely confounded the illiterate
Pagans. Hence, its absence from the pages of the Quran.
By the way, I
had to deviate from our discussion earlier because of the
following reason: At first, you were of the opinion that since the
Native Indians were able to ride horses without saddle and rein,
it was not proper for me to ask how Muhammad had traveled through
the turbulent space, where storms having the speeds of 200+ miles
per hour could have thrown him into the wilderness of the
atmosphere. When I clarified, to use your word, my "amazement,"
with justifications, you came up with the concept of symbolism.
Naturally, I had
to deal with this new approach of yours by bringing in new
elements, which, unfortunately, you found irrelevant. I am sorry
if my attempt to answer your thought on symbolism has caused you
any displeasure.
Please accept my
sympathy for the condition of your beloved daughter. I have
children, too. I also know how difficult it is for you to see your
daughter in the condition she is in. I hope with your love,
attention and care, she will one day come out of her condition to
make you, and all whom she loves, happy.
Wishing you all
the best in your life,