The Horizon of Revelation,The Unity of Divine Action, Critical Analysis of Dr. AbdolKarim Soroush's Views on Revelation, I of III

The pre-Islamic Arab polytheists (early opponents of the Quran) utilized a range of strategies to undermine the Quran's credibility. These tactics encompassed casting doubt on the Quran's content, ridiculing its message, accusing the Prophet Muhammad of insanity, and characterizing his followers as uncivilized and uneducated. The ultimate goal of these efforts was to deter individuals, especially the gullible, from embracing Islam. Traditional methods for critiquing religious and philosophical belief systems have lost efficacy in the contemporary world. Consequently, novel approaches have been developed that resonate with the scientific and teleological perspectives prevalent in the 21st century. These novel methods pose a significantly more potent threat than their predecessors, targeting the very core of this singular phenomenon in human history. On one hand, by suggesting that the Quran's quality was enhanced through the Prophet's spiritual evolution, these individuals have attempted to undermine the Quran's divine origin. They erroneously attribute the Quran's profound truths to the Prophet's intellect and emotions rather than recognizing it as divine revelation. Such ignorant and foolish individuals reduce the Quran, a celestial message, from the pinnacle of creation to the level of human conjecture, delusion, and poetic fancy. Conversely, by maintaining the original wording and syntax while deceptively claiming to avoid alteration, they manipulate the meaning and context of the text. They twist the language from its literal and commonly understood sense, attempting to impose subjective and ambiguous interpretations. In doing so, they indulge their base and nefarious inclinations, preserving the superficial appearance of the verses while fundamentally distorting their true significance and theological implications. Indulging in worldly distractions and materialistic pursuits while surrendering one's values and beliefs to deceptive forces that exploit love, faith, and morality ultimately leads to a meaningless existence. Chasing humanity's fleeting achievements at the expense of one's spiritual foundation and Islamic heritage is a path with a bleak and uncertain destination. The result that follows this path and tradition is nothing but polytheism, disbelief, denial of knowledge, libertinism, and debauchery. Recently, an individual (i.e., Abolkarim Soroush) who had deviated from the path of spiritual perfection and enlightenment has fallen into the abyss of error and misguidance and presumptuously claimed to have made significant contributions to knowledge and understanding. He has challenged the authoritative position of divine mission and spiritual leadership (wilayah) with fallacious and unfounded arguments. In his delusional state, he has attributed himself to the role of prophet and messenger. He dared to assess the Quran and the Prophet, subjecting them to his limitations in perception and imagination. Distinguishing between authentic and fabricated verses, he has ascribed divine origin to some while attributing others to human fabrication. At times, he has even equated the revelation with his baseless conjectures. Given the seemingly Muslim identity of the individual propagating these superstitious claims, a significant degree of concern, anxiety, and distress has emerged within the religious and scholarly communities. Several eminent scholars have addressed and refuted these doubts in response to their religious duty. In the interim, numerous friends and colleagues have expressed a desire for a response from this author. In light of this, I have endeavored to address and dispel any doubts to the best of my ability. It is hoped that discerning readers will approach this work with benevolence and understanding, overlooking any shortcomings or errors. Constructive criticism and guidance are warmly welcomed.