Mutual Influence of the Metaphysical and Physical

By: Ziauddin Ahmed

Family of the Heart - DIALOGUE & DISCUSSIONS 

Dear Farzana Sahiba,

 

I have neither any power to issue a fatwa, nor I seek any. I have simply interpreted what you had stated. Although you did not make an explicit claim to be a non-Muslim, you also did not make any explicit claim to be a Muslim either and yet you made statement after statement which can only be interpreted the way I did. Now, you are telling us that you are an agnostic. You still have not claimed to be a Muslim. As a matter of fact, it does not matter to me what you are; it is your personal matter and it’s ok by me whatever you decide to be at the end of the day. But what I read is that you are not sure whether you are Muslim or not. In other words, you would like to make an omelet without breaking the eggs.

 

Here are a couple of verses from Quran for the situation:

 

(4:137)     Those who believe then reject faith then believe (again) and (again) reject faith and go on increasing in unbelief Allah will not forgive them nor guide them on the way *.

 

(4:138)     To the hypocrites give the glad tidings that there is for them (but) a grievous penalty.

 

*Foot Note:                   [Yusuf Ali translation including foot note]

Those who go changing sides again and again can have no real faith at any time. Their motives are more worldly double dealing.

 

Why to consider example of doubting Thomas (per your choice), why not take example of some one with conviction, some one who knows his mind and knows how to overcome and clarify the doubts, such as Rene Descartes?

 

I do not wish to indulge in an argument only to determine a suitable tag for your beliefs or convictions. I am ok with whatever you decide to declare about your faith including changing your position as often as you like.

 

Regards,

 

Javed I. Chaudry

 

April 6, 2009

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