Protestants and Muslims - Understanding Scriptural Authority

[cathopologist]

What is Tafseer?

A Tafseer is a commentary or exegesis usually found in footnotes.

 

[notsmart]

A Tafseer is a commentary or exegesis usually found in footnotes.

I never heard that term before, thanks!

I guess the Muslim may say that not having a central authority is a benefit. They could of course, cite the eastern orthodox as an example.

I see how this can work up to one ultimate point regarding authority in understanding scripture.

 

[swariffin]

What is Tafseer?

Interpretation. Sorry, I think “tafseer” has become a common terminology in this non-Catholic religion forum.

 

[Sister_Amy]

Protestants base their authority from Scripture alone and claim there is no need for an organized religious institution to rightly interpret Scripture with Authority.

Muslims believe the Qu’ran is the revealed word of Allah/God and also believe no religious institution should interpret the ayas on their behalf. All Muslims are free to interpret the Qu’ran as they see fit but must be uniform about their beliefs as a brotherhood.

Seeing that the two are in many ways similar about scriptural authority, how can Muslims and Protestants learn from one another and also differentiate from each other?

Please feel free to discuss as i will take this opportunity to also learn.

The statement I bolded is factually inaccurate. It is haraam (forbidden) for Muslims to interpret the Qur’an without proper training.

 

[cathopologist]

I guess the Muslim may say that not having a central authority is a benefit. They could of course, cite the eastern orthodox as an example.

Actually the Orthodox Churches also do not believe in sola scriptura. They too have a central authority to rightly interpret Scripture - Holy Tradition and not as isolated individuals. There is no benefit to chaos.

 

[cathopologist]

The statement I bolded is factually inaccurate. It is haraam (forbidden) for Muslims to interpret the Qur’an without proper training.

Of course, i was making the assumption since it is known Muslims have go through a certain degree of Qu’ranic training. Besides, making it ha’raam for Muslims without proper training to interpret the Qu’ran does not hinder the non-Ulama. Even so, because Islam lacks central authority, any Ulama can still interpret the Qu’ran and not be in uniform in his interpretation with others around the world. Think Yusuf Al-Qaradawi vs Amr Khaled for example.