Pre-eminence of the Quran in Islam: Rescuing Revelation from Tradition

Muslims are experiencing problems because revelation was eclipsed by tradition. Moreover, its knowledge was tainted by faulty "explanations." These explanations are problematic because they assume that tradition explains revelation better than reason. This methodology entailed a rejection of reason and its replacement by folklore in interpretation. Yet even knowledge of folklore requires the application of reason. The turn from reason to tradition in understanding revelation produced a "crisis in the Muslim mind." The Muslim community is still recovering from this crisis. For tradition is ill-suited to explain revelation, but rather itself requires explanation. Exegesis was tainted by problematic assumptions. For exegesis subjugated revelation to tradition. Exegesis approached revelation on the basis of assumptions that flout the teaching of revelation. These assumptions encompass disparagement of reason, the designation of tradition as revelation, and the subordination of revelation to tradition. The disparagement of reason found its expression in the perception that the utilization of reason in exegesis is kufr. The perception that tradition is revelation was justified by the assertion that tradition is "concealed" (batin) revelation. The subordination of revelation to tradition was justified by the assertion that "tradition judges revelation" and that "revelation needs tradition more than tradition needs revelation." The latter two assertions are particularly problematic as they raise the authority of tradition above revelation. The application of these assumptions produced a problematic rendition of Islam, better known as "traditional" and "political" Islam, respectively. This Islam was tainted by tribalism. For the purpose of renewal, it is necessary to rediscover the true meaning and teaching of Islam that was eclipsed by problematic exegeses. For there is the risk that if this does not take place, there will be further emigration from Islam due to the unwarranted accretions that burden it and make it appear "unjust" and even "extreme." What is required, in different words, is a restoration of revelation to its pre-eminence vis-?-vis tradition. With unsullied knowledge of revelation, Muslims should be better guided. Revelation requires restoration to its pre-eminence. For its place appears to have been taken by tradition, which was elevated to a fetish. The restoration and the rehabilitation of revelation may be attained with the assistance of reason.

Author: Leslie Terebessy

Publisher: Independently Published

Publication Date: Apr 22, 2021

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Binding: Paperback or Softback

ISBN-10: NA

ISBN-13: 9798742662488