Preface by Humaira Ahmad
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Society is a dynamic beast, ever-changing with each generation, era, and individual, each offering their unique perspective on life’s grand adventure. In the midst of society’s ceaseless evolution, one might wonder how we can navigate life according to a guide penned way back in 610 AD – the Holy Qur’an.
Now, don’t get me wrong; the Holy Qur’an is a reservoir of profound insights, replete with answers to life’s profound questions. However, it seems to maintain a certain distance from today’s youthful generation or any youthful generation, for that matter. Given society’s continuous transformation, which many find increasingly at odds with the teachings of the Qur’an, questions inevitably arise. These questions are posed not only by the youth but also resonate with segments of the older generation, those unafraid to voice their concerns and seek clarity on various aspects of the Holy Book.
As a British Pakistani Muslim woman residing in the UK, I have frequently found myself pondering various aspects of the Qur’an that appear enigmatic. Questions often arise concerning the roles of women, the patriarchal undertones embedded within the sacred text, and the apparent absence of discourse pertaining to the LGBTQ community. I once believed that certain facets of the Qur’an had grown outdated, seemingly unfit for the modern world, as they failed to acknowledge and accord respect to a significant segment of the population.
However, my outlook underwent a transformative shift after delving into “Religion of Islam” by Maulana Muhammad Ali, and with invaluable guidance from the patient and wise Zainib Ahmad (who also happens to be my aunt), as well as Dr. Zahid Aziz. I found that Islam has more flexibility within it than I earlier thought possible.
Through a meticulous process of annotating Maulana Muhammad Ali’s work, Zainib khala and I engaged in thought-provoking discussions concerning aspects that warranted a contemporary perspective, one that resonated with people today. These annotations reflect my individual viewpoint, shaped by my upbringing, my society, my circle of friends, and my personal conception of what Islam – and indeed all religions – should represent. I approach it from the standpoint of a young woman who has strived for equal access to nearly everything accessible to men, hence preferring to avoid reading the Qur’an through a patriarchal lens.
Our aspiration is that the dialogue and annotations Zainib khala and I have shared may extend solace and illumination to those grappling with similar questions, thereby serving as a stepping stone to reveal that Islam is indeed a faith for all times. When approached with a progressive and modern interpretation, the Qur’an can seamlessly transcend the epochs, adapting to the needs of today and to needs yet to unfold.
It’s conceivable that when women interpret the Qur’an, its message acquires a different hue; after all, the world appears distinct through a woman’s lens than through a man’s. The intersectionality of our backgrounds and our intergenerational discourse give rise to thought-provoking inquiries, opening up more avenues of exploration than they resolve. Nevertheless, the process of dialogue and annotation has proven to be an immensely rewarding experience, one rendered feasible through the unwavering support, courage, and patience of my cherished Zainib khala. Her profound understanding and profound knowledge of Islam have been instrumental in bringing this venture to fruition.
Our hope is that this interpretation of Islam may provide a sense of relief and inspiration to those uncertain in their faith and contribute to the ongoing expansion of the realm of inquiry.
Sincerely,
Humaira Ahmad
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