Your suggestion that we
investigate the historical context surrounding surah
2 verse 98
of the Koran (namely, "Allah is an enemy to those who reject
Faith") is tantamount to defending the inconsistencies of a book
[or God] that is supposed to be consistent for all time, history
and geography notwithstanding. To say, "It is common
knowledge that there was open opposition to the message of Islam
and Muslims from pagans, Jews and even Christians,"
is to come face to face with the elitist view that anyone who is
outside the pale of Islam is a pagan (kafir), Jew, or Christian.
From the day it was introduced, the Koran continues to say one
thing and mean another, as when you say, "which is why a
confusion is generated in the minds of those not familiar with the
historical context."
I have a question:
What is the relationship of History with Religion?
At least we can
agree the Koran is not an easy book because of the difficulties
associated with its translation and so on. Moreover, why should
Arabic be the favoured language of God? Aren't we taught it is the
lingua franca of Paradise?
Rashid Mughal
___________________________________________________________
