Islam Rediscovered
13. The Shariah and Its Application
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The Quran is, without doubt, a Truth from God.
Then why is it that some find guidance from it,
while others are lead astray? The chief reason for
this difference lies in the difference in reference. If
the Quran is studied with reference to the correct
context, the reader will receive guidance. On the
contrary, if the reference is changed, the same
Quran will become the cause of people going
astray.
Studying the different parts of Quran in the correct
perspective is to study them in the light of the
traditions of the causes of revelation i.e. to
understand the background of the verses. A
number of traditions have been recorded in the
books of
Hadith
and
Tafsir
which tell us which verse
or verses of the Quran were revealed on which
particular occasions. These traditions providing the
background
are
not
only
conducive
to
understanding the initial message, but also serve as
a reliable guide as regards their correct application
in later times in similar situations.
Studying the Quran with reference to the traditions
of the causes of revelation does not imply that the
