Post by Sapphire Capital on Apr 2, 2011 9:05:54 GMT 4
The Qur'an and the Constitution
Ali Khan
Washburn University - School of Law
August 11, 2010
Tulane Law Review, Vol. 85, No. 1, 2010
Abstract:
The Quran and the Constitution are mutually supportive supreme texts; one does not negate the other. Numerous forms of government, cultural traditions, and economic systems are compatible with both supreme texts. Muslim nations are free to promulgate specific constitutions that reflect their social, political, and economic preferences rooted in history and culture. The specific constitution must reflect the conscience of the nation, for constitutions that fail to do so are vulnerable to amendment, even revolutionary replacement. Because the human condition is constantly evolving, the Quran, though a permanent divine text immune to alteration or amendment, is amenable to the evolutionary calls of believers. Each generation of Muslims is free to understand the Quran for meeting its needs. Interpreters as believers, however, summon the luminosity of faith while analyzing the Word of God and refrain from deforming the meaning of the divine text. They should not project personal agendas into the meaning of the Quran as do some interpreters of the Constitution.
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/Delivery.cfm/SSRN_ID1710846_code56125.pdf?abstractid=1657164&mirid=2
Ali Khan
Washburn University - School of Law
August 11, 2010
Tulane Law Review, Vol. 85, No. 1, 2010
Abstract:
The Quran and the Constitution are mutually supportive supreme texts; one does not negate the other. Numerous forms of government, cultural traditions, and economic systems are compatible with both supreme texts. Muslim nations are free to promulgate specific constitutions that reflect their social, political, and economic preferences rooted in history and culture. The specific constitution must reflect the conscience of the nation, for constitutions that fail to do so are vulnerable to amendment, even revolutionary replacement. Because the human condition is constantly evolving, the Quran, though a permanent divine text immune to alteration or amendment, is amenable to the evolutionary calls of believers. Each generation of Muslims is free to understand the Quran for meeting its needs. Interpreters as believers, however, summon the luminosity of faith while analyzing the Word of God and refrain from deforming the meaning of the divine text. They should not project personal agendas into the meaning of the Quran as do some interpreters of the Constitution.
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/Delivery.cfm/SSRN_ID1710846_code56125.pdf?abstractid=1657164&mirid=2
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