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Offline Reader Questions

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What Does 'Every Community' Mean in Verse 22:34?
« on: June 09, 2012, 08:17:20 AM »
Salam Dear Brother,
 
This morning I was Reading 22:34 which says:
 
[Asad] And [thus it is:] unto every community [that has ever believed in Us] have We appointed [sacrifice as] an act of worship, so that they might extol the name of God over whatever heads of cattle He may have provided for them [to this end]. And (always bear in mind:) your God is the One and Only God: hence, surrender yourselves unto Him. And give thou the glad tiding [of God’s acceptance] unto all who are humble –
 
[Haleem] We appointed acts of devotion for every community, for them to celebrate God’s name over the livestock He provided for them: your God is One, so devote yourselves to Him. [Prophet], give good news to the humble
 
I am trying to understand "Every community" here. We know there are lots of communities in the world who do not utter the name of God when sacrificing them. Not sure about the Jews but it seems only Muslims do. Neither do every community in the world follow animal sacrifice (for example Hindus).
 
Now, could every community here mean those that that were present in an around Arabia alone of whom the early Muslims were aware? Was this verse merely referring to different communities travelling to Mecca for Hajj?
 
Same is the case for another verse that says that Allah has ordained that Islam will dominate all other deens. As we well know that is not the case. Unless we take it to mean Islam will dominate the areas in and around early Muslims (which later did became true).
 
Would appreciate your thoughts on this, Brother.
 
Thanks in advance.

Offline Joseph Islam

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Re: What Does 'Every Community' Mean in Verse 22:34?
« Reply #1 on: June 09, 2012, 08:21:59 AM »
Salamun Alaikum,


RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1:

There is an 'implied' historical context alluded by 'li kulli ummatin' (for every community / nation) and a present context contemporaneous to the Prophet's ministry.

Historical context:

This is first supported by the narratives of the previous verses which refer to the ancient rites that were instituted by Prophet Abraham (22:26-32). These were instituted for all the nations / communities that existed at his time and subsequently, to all those that followed after him. It was simply a proclamation to mankind ‘wa-adhin fi’nasi…” (and proclaim to mankind …)

Therefore, the verse ‘inherently’ captures all the nations that have existed from the time of Prophet Abraham to the time the verse in the Quran was being narrated during Prophet Muhammad’s ministry.

This is the historical context.

Present Context for Prophet Muhammad:

If verse 22:34 is read with 22:67, where the near identical phrase appears "likulli ummatin ja'alna mansakan" (For every nation / community, We have appointed /given rites), it is clear that the reference is also a localised one. This is clear from the context of verse 22:67.

There were undoubtedly communities that were still following the rites instituted by Prophet Abraham at the time of the Prophet. This could also be a reference to those Arab Jews and Christians that the Quran refers to as being on the correct guidance.

007.159
"Of the people of Moses there is a section who guide and do justice in the light of truth."

Summary:

There is a present context and an implied historical context which the phrase ‘li kulli ummatin’ captures.


RESPONSE TO QUESTION 2:

With regards the dominating of 'deen', I take it that you refer to verses 48:28 and 61:9. In verse 48:28, the context is clearly specific if read in light of the preceding verses. This is clearly a reference to the point that the 'religion of truth' (dini-lhaq) would prevail over all 'false' religions. The 'false' (as in false religion) is strongly implied as a contrast to the word 'haq' which is used in the same verse. The messenger was sent with the true religion to prevail over all false religions. That was his specific mission and indeed from the Quran itself, it appears he certainly succeeded with God's help. This has nothing to do with today and you are correct that it is primarily a reference to those contemporaneous to the prophet and in his general vicinity.

In verse 61:9, again context is important. The specific context becomes apparent when one reads "walaw kariha l’mushrikeen" (although the idolaters dislike it). So once again, it is a prevalence of the 'truth' over falsehood at a specific time during the Prophet's ministry over a specific people (mushrikeen). Again, as a primary purport of the verse, it has little to do with today as you quite rightly intimate.


I hope that helps, God willing.
Joseph.
'During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act' 
George Orwell