Dear Richard,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to comment on this important issue. Only the God knows what is in people’s hearts, but I suspect that like most of the people who call themselves Muslims, Jisbond may in fact be either a Sunni or a Shia and thus he probably referred you to a Sunni or Shia site.

Sunni/Shia articles of faith are taken from Hadith NOT from Quran. I used to be a Sunni myself before reverting to Islam and I know plenty of quotes in the Hadith books that promote blind following of the clergy and forbid rational thinking and research. In fact, one of the first Sunni scholars whose name was "Shafii" declared that all knowledge has been completed and that from now on we should blindly follow the clergy. That was back in the 9th century and this is called the “imitation” doctrine.

On the other hand, it is repeatedly said in the Quran that those who strive to gain knowledge and use rational thinking are the successful ones and not the ones who blindly follow their ancestors. The Quran tells us to free our mind and research the God’s creation around us and “in” us:

“The earth is full of signs for those who are certain. And within yourselves; can you see?” (Quran 51:20-21)

Here is the true Muslim’s only article of faith:

“…Anyone who believes in the God and does good work, He will remit his/her sins, and will admit him/her into gardens with flowing streams. They abide therein forever. This is the greatest triumph.” (Quran 64:9)

Thanks and all best wishes.

• It's in the Quoran - yanniru - October 10, 2002 - 04:38 UTC