Prof. Abdul Fattah al-Awari, Former Dean of Usul ad-Deen Faculty, affirmed that those with extremist ideologies who misunderstand verses of the Holy Quran committed prohibited acts ranging from labeling others as heretics and sinners, to eventually declaring people as kafirs and considering their blood, honor, and money permissible. This was mentioned during his lecture entitled “Verses that have been misunderstood,” as part of a course organized by the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates for international students.
Al-Awari explained that the Holy Quran is a noble revelation and the established and authoritative Sunnah is a revelation as well. This is because Sunnah interprets verses and meanings of the Holy Quran and guides us to follow the footsteps of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and what was transmitted about him through the righteous predecessors.
He also pointed out that those with intellectual rigidity and those who deviate in interpreting verses of the Holy Quran are ignorant, closed-minded, and have personal whims. There is a common factor among them represented in understanding the surface level of texts and not relying on the jurisprudence of ijtihad and well-established scholars.
At the end of the lecture, he listened to international students’ comments, which revolved around the moderation of Islam, ways to confront extremist thought, and establishing peaceful coexistence among members of the same society. He advised them to be cautious of these toxic ideas, to warn people of their danger, and to work on correcting them.
