Islam Rediscovered
21. Islam in History
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21. ISLAM IN HISTORY
According to a tradition, the Prophet Muhammad,
may peace be upon him, observed that every verse
of the Qur’an has two levels of meaning, one
apparent and one hidden. That is, we have to read
between the lines in order to go beyond the literal
meaning and then, by keener concentration, arrive
at its deeper significance.
So far as the literal import of the Qur’an is
concerned, this was fully understood by the people
at the time of revelation itself. For instance, the
verse, ‘Say, God is one,’ (Qur’an, 112:1) was
correctly construed by the Muslims of the early
period of Islam, just as it will be today. There will
be no difference in meaning with the passage of
time. But, on more profound reflection, Qur’anic
nuances, hidden in the lines, become unveiled. Such
close study is engaged in in every period of time, so
that new shades of meaning will continue to be
revealed in every age.
According to a
hadith
, the Prophet Muhammad,
may peace be upon him, observed: “The wonders of
