Ask Your Favorite Muslim

[Rayaan]

What things are  left open to personal  interpretation in the Quran?

Pretty much all verses are open to personal interpretation to varying degrees. But given this, we are taught to compare our own interpretations with those of scholars and those who are knowledgeable in Quranic interpretation.

So, understanding what a particular verse means requires - amongst other things - contemplation, sincerity, diligence, and of course, a sufficient amount of study.

[cactus]

How do you feel about the term "True Muslim"?  Would you consider it an efficacious part of your vocabulary?

[The Grand Nudger]

Only one question, which way is east?  

[Rayaan]

How do you feel about the term "True Muslim"?  Would you consider it an efficacious part of your vocabulary?

No. It is just a label and it doesn't provide any worthy information.

But, of course, there are people who claim to be Muslims but in fact they are not. The Quran has many verses about this category of people (who are called "munafiqs" or "hypocrites") and describes some of their deceitful attributes.

"And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day," while in fact they believe not.  They (think to) deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive it not." (Surah 2:8-9)

"And when you see them, their forms please you, and when they speak, you listen to their speech. They are as though they were hollow pieces of wood propped up." (Surah 63:4)

[cactus]

What criteria do you use to discern sincere belief from insincere belief?

[Aegon]

How do you feel about the term "True Muslim"?  Would you consider it an efficacious part of your vocabulary?

No. It is just a label and it doesn't provide any worthy information.

But, of course, there are people who claim to be Muslims but in fact they are not. The Quran has many verses about this category of people (who are called "munafiqs" or "hypocrites") and describes some of their deceitful attributes.

"And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day," while in fact they believe not.  They (think to) deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive it not." (Surah 2:8-9)

"And when you see them, their forms please you, and when they speak, you listen to their speech. They are as though they were hollow pieces of wood propped up." (Surah 63:4)

Those are pretty vague, not to mention that they could easily be used by those you think aren't real in reference to you. 

So, do you think extremists would fall under this category of "munafiqs"?

[Jesster]

How does it feel to be wrong? (kidding, kidding  )

But more seriously, how do you feel about hanging out with atheists?

Since you live in America, what are your views on the Christian majority here?

[Minimalist]

How can you live without bacon?

[Excited Penguin]

How do you feel about visual depictions of the prophet?  Are they always offensive, or does it depend on the context?

It is offensive indeed, but in no way does it justify acts of violence against those who draw such pictures. Rather, the Quran itself points to the opposite direction.

In some verses God tells us that when we hear some evil or offensive speech, we should simply ignore them and walk away. We should avoid getting into arguments and instead just turn away from them peacefully, with calm and dignity.

"And when they hear vain speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'" (Surah 28:55)

"When you hear those who engage in vain discourse about Our signs, then turn away from them until they enter into another theme. And if Satan causes you to forget, then do not sit, after the remembrance, in the company of the wrong-doers." (Surah 6:68)

"So leave them to plunge in vain talk and amusement until they encounter that Day of theirs which they have been promised." (Surah 70:42)

The verses are talking about "vain speech," but the same can be applied to images of that nature (i.e. offensive).

I find it strange that you can just quote those things, which you admiteddly believe in, and we're supposed to have a polite conversation about it.

How do you feel about believing in such hateful, offensive, irrational crap? Do you find it awkward at times, or are you perfectly comfortable with it?

[Rayaan]

What criteria do you use to discern sincere belief from insincere belief?

There are some criterias but they are highly subjective. Also, the most important thing to remember is that we can't ever know for sure who actually believes and who doesn't. See my last comments in this post (in response to Aegon).

Those are pretty vague, not to mention that they could easily be used by those you think aren't real in reference to you.

There's a lot more description about the munafiqs than what I posted. See this for example:

http://islam2011.tumblr.com/post/6152214...ned-in-the

Also, here's a talk where a shaykh goes through some of the core characteristics of munafiqs mentioned in the Quran:

So, do you think extremists would fall under this category of "munafiqs"?

I don't think that extremists are necessarily munafiqs, though they could be. It's not possible to know with 100% certainty whether or not someone is lying about his faith anyway. That's why, generally, we should take people's own words about what they claim to be.

That said, if someone does display many of the characteristics or "signs" of munafiqs as described in the Quran, then I should start being more careful of that person, although he still might be a Muslim. And, either way, what is important is that I still have to talk, act, and treat him like a Muslim. Only God alone has certainty about people's faith or lack thereof.