Dear All,
Salamun Alaikum.
This has indeed proved to be an emotional topic. Thanks for all that have contributed including of course, sister Chadiga who initiated the thread.
I deemed it appropriate to give my humble perspective again. For me, this is mainly an
academic question with theological implications. I have, in line with the Quran's instructions to believers asked for
clear proof.
[1] If clear proof can be presented, I am happy to entertain any theological perspective. Otherwise, I have respectfully asked leave from this topic further.
The
burden of proof is clearly with those that
assert the theory. Here my demands for proof (and clear bayyan) has been presented already as follows which I feel is a fair reflection on what a believer should expect with such a claim.
- To provide clear proof from the Quran alone that believers are required to explain the number 19.
- To provide clear tangible proof, other than any related data utilised to support the 19 code theory (*), that there was ever an omission of verses 9:128-129 from any manuscript of the Quran that has ever existed to our collective knowledge.
- To provide clear proof, other than any related data utilised to support the 19 code theory (*), that there is, or was ever, an omission of verses 9:128-129 from any authoritative recitation known throughout Islamic history till the present.
(*) The 19 code theory itself or its data cannot be admissible as proof as this would be tantamount to a circular argument. (e.g. 'The Bible is true because the Bible says so')Finally, a more theological question also needs to be addressed. Is it 'fair' to accept the notion that the effort required for each believer to confirm the full scope of the 19 code with all its relevant counts and calculations, with or without a computer, is in keeping with the teachings of the Quran that asks believers to rely on clear matters which form the substance of the Book (3:7, 18:22)?
I have presented and documented my concerns in an article already presented in this thread, which can once again, be found below
[2]Personally, I have never denied the semblance of a pattern in the Quran, be it mathematical or otherwise. However, this particular 19 pattern seems to me to have been designed to lead one to a dead end where the result is to make fantastic claims to get the theory to conform, such as the removal of 2 verses of the Quran. This road is only embarked upon when one
denies the Quran's basic instruction to rely on
clear proof which forms the substance of the Book. Once that is
denied, then it is a dark, slippery road which I feel only leads to an inevitable end.
Sadly, it is the 'Achilles heel' of some great thinkers, who otherwise have a great Quran perspective.
In the end, only God knows best.
Regards,
Joseph.
References:[1] BURDEN OF PROOF - PROPHET ABRAHAM'S (pbuh) ARGUMENT http://quransmessage.com/articles/burdenofproof%20FM3.htm[2] CODE 19 AND THE REMOVAL OF TWO VERSES FROM THE QURAN - A PROBLEMATIC THEORYhttp://quransmessage.com/articles/19%20FM3.htm