The accusation made that S5:101-102 in the Qur’an forbids asking questions is a false allegation of the verses. The verses actually advise against asking questions about matters that, if revealed, would cause hardship or discontent, and encourage seeking clarification through the Qur’an itself. The verses do not prohibit asking questions in general, especially when seeking genuine understanding and knowledge.
S5:101-102 – O ye who believe! Ask not questions about things which, if made plain to you, may cause you trouble. But if ye ask about things when the Qur’an is being revealed, they will be made plain to you, Allah will forgive those: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Forbearing. Some people before you did ask such questions, and on that account lost their faith.
This verse emphasizes that some people before the believers asked similar questions and subsequently fell into disbelief. The example is shown when some make a question below at –
S9:124-125 Whenever there come down a surah, some of them say: “Which of you has had His faith increased by it?” Yea, those who believe, their faith is increased and they do rejoice. But those in whose hearts is a disease, it will add doubt to their doubt, and they will die in a state of unbelief.
This serves as a cautionary message, highlighting the potential negative consequences of asking certain questions without proper understanding and guidance from the Qur’an.
In another example stated in the Qur’an at S2:67-71 when Moses asked his people to sacrifice a cow but were asked to give more details. With more details it make the requirements more difficult until when they agreed to offer the cow for sacrifice they sacrificed it not with good will.
Thus, in essence, the verses are not a blanket prohibition against asking questions, but rather a warning against engaging in unproductive or potentially harmful questioning that could lead to doubt or distress. The Quran encourages believers to seek knowledge and understanding through the Qur’an own guidance and to avoid questions that are not beneficial or could potentially cause harm or difficulty.
NEVERTHELESS, BELIEVERS SHOULD BE THANKFUL FOR GOD-GIVEN INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES THEY RECEIVED FROM ALLAH –
S16:78 It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing; and He gave you hearing, sight, intelligence and affections: that ye may give thanks to Allah.
S10:100 And it is not for a soul to believe except by permission of Allah, and He will place defilement upon those who will not use reason.
S8:22 For the worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are the deaf and the dumb, those who understand not.
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