Civilization as a Form of Worship

Quran explains itself as an "easy to understand" book at more than one location. Yet, there has been a large body of scholars who tried to explain the Quran to people. Is this a contradiction?

"We have made the Quran easy to understand, but is there anyone who would pay attention?"(54/17)

"A Book whose verses have been detailed, an Arabic Qur'an for a people who know, as a giver of good tidings and a warner; but most of them turn away, so they do not hear." (42/3-4)

"We have given all kinds of examples for the human being in this Quran so that perhaps he may take heed." (39/27)

"Nay! it is surely an admonition. So whoever pleases may mind it." (74/54-55)

"This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah -who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them, and who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]." (2/2-4)

So, if you read the Quran in order to get a lesson, it is telling you that you are doing the right thing, yet the scholars are telling that you need the help of scholars to not misunderstand or to fully understand it. If you weigh these two views, it seems that the scholars' position is on shaky grounds. But before deciding, let's listen to what they have to say.

If you look at what is told on this issue, the major justification for the presence of scholars as indispensable intermediaries is the application of Quran in daily life. In other words, if you were to focus specifically on the matters of faith, you are free to cruise in the ocean of the Quran. Beyond that, you need consult their works about the history of the Quran, the practice of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh, the grammatical details of the Arabic language, possible interpretations according to modern conditions, etc. Nevertheless, the presence of differences of opinion among the scholars and the level of authenticity and scholarship of the scholars and their ability to understand the creation and humanity at large are matters that render this justification questionable.

Before proceeding further, let me clarify myself about one point. I am not trying to completely undermine the position and necessity of the scholars nor holding each and every individual as a potential scholar. However, it is my intention that I want to remind everyone that they are an addressee of the Quran, and that that position means more than just voicing the words of the Quran. Furthermore, I am of the conviction that being/becoming a contributing member of the civilized world and sustaining that connection raises an individual to higher degrees at that position. After all, the Owner of the Quran repeatedly tells us the importance of a direct and uninterrupted communication with Him, not with the scholars!

" They have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah ..."(9/31) 

From this point on, I don't want to talk more about the scholars, and if you'd like, you can read the following blogs that explore the same general idea:

Reading the Quran in an Age of Ego
Misconceptions Among Muslims Leading to Intellectual Stagnation
Theory of Everything in the Quran
Emmanuel and Independence

Now, let's focus on the real subject, that is connecting to the civilized world and being a contributing member therein helps you advance in your understanding of the Quran and become a better Muslim.

"You are the best of the nations raised up for (the benefit of) men; you enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in Allah" (3/110)

"Best of humans is the one that benefits humans." (Ibn Hajar, Matalib I, 264)

So, both Quran and the Prophet is teaching to integrate yourself to the family of humanity. Needless to say, in order to protect and strengthen the ties between you and your family, you must try your best. What's more, this connection comes with benefits for you, too, because your good morals sharpens your sight into the essence of religion:

"And among men is he whose speech about the life of this world causes you to wonder, and he calls on Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the most violent of adversaries. As soon as they leave you, they quickly commit evil in the land, destroying the farms and people. God does not love evil." (2/204-205)

"Indeed among the believers with the most complete faith is the one who is the best in conduct, and the most kind to his family." (Tirmidhi, 2612)

"He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct." (Sahih Muslim, 46)

"I was sent to perfect good character." (Al-Mufrad, 273)

There are two immediate benefits from the preservation of your connection with the family of humanity. First, you can more easily judge what is wrong. That is, if an action is under question and if you cannot be sure whether it is ok or not according to Islam, then try to see if that action distances or disconnects you from humanity or not. If the answer is yes, you stay away from it. Second immediate benefit is that you are enabled to use the combined brain and memory of humanity to contemplate or resolve a matter, similar to a cloud computing system. Of course this ability requires the use of information and communication technologies.

In this context, a formula can be coined to summarize the key elements favoring a healthy connection: IDEAL, each letter standing for one element:

Innovation

Diversification 

Education

Authenticity

Labor

There is a separate blog dedicated to the detailed explanation of these IDEAL principles. They can be applied with an intention of worship or with purely humanistic motives without a connection to a religion. However, for those who try to understand and live the Quran, they might be helpful.