OUT OF CONTEXT

Allah Ta’ala has given every person a type of beauty in a particular way. The physical beauty of some people lies in their hair. For others, it lies in the eyes, nose, etc. However, all these parts of the body should be in their original place in order for their real beauty to be seen.

The eye, that appeared beautiful and had captivated the hearts of millions, can become a source of terror if it is seen out of its place. Similarly, all parts of the body, that appear beautiful in a person, must be seen in their respective place for their real beauty to be seen. 

Similarly, the beauty, which is hidden in the principles and laws of Islam, must be seen in its entirety and complete system in the same way that the real beauty of a precious stone is manifested when it is fixed and well-framed in a jewel - not when it is isolated. 

When we isolate the laws such as amputating the hand, stoning to death or death penalty, etc, from the complete system and we analyse it, we will find it barbaric. Nonetheless, when viewed in its entire system and “set-up”, it will appear just, equitable, and a guarantor of security, harmony and social freedom. 

This leads us to understand that it is a capital mistake to present or understand a subject, remark or statement out of context. This is because it renders something beautiful ugly and something ugly beautiful. Virtue becomes vice and vice becomes virtue. This is called a kind of misappropriation of information and intellectual dishonesty.

There is another way that many people are using to commit this kind of dishonesty. Many people are making manipulations to present or reproduce statements or remarks of great scholars beyond its context. Their goal is to create doubts and disgust in the heart of people in regards to these great scholars. They are liars, falsifiers and blasphemers who will pay a lot by Allah Ta’ala if they do not repent. Otherwise, it is not of any use besides the fact that those who want to cause corruption, want to cause havoc at all costs.

[English version of "Hors contexte" – Al Jamiat – Vol.2 No.2]