Problem with most Muslims not knowing and understanding their own religion, is that some insist that the text can only be understood in Arabic, it's great to know multiple languages, however, in a country where we cannot read and write our own, it;s a tall order to expect that we change our culture to accomdate the wishes of this determined Islamist minority.
But why stop here, after all, shall you not also argue that it is Islamic culture for our mothers to share their marital beds with at least 3 other women, or that our prepubescent sisters be married off to elderly gentlemen, or that we have concubines and slaves, etc etc?? If not, why these exceptions??
I would encourage you to take the conversation to VALUES
Prove it to the contrary otherwise? Find me coherent meanings of the Quran in english from any translation?
Do they all say the same thing?
However, even when Islam was being propagated.. there were many who could not read or write.. and many who had differing dialects which meant that some verses had different meanings in them. Which is why people were delegated to go to these tribes with differing dialects and explain to them the meanings as it has been revealed in the Quran.
Which is why you need a teacher/guideline for the teachings of Islam.
Again, your fault is that you keep confusing Arabic culture with Islamic teachings. You may hold a grudge against god for revealing Islam in Arabia.. but the accommodation for each of these acts was made with conditions(that may be read and researched on).
The Values then, was not that Islam allowed concubines and slaves.. but that it adapted to the times(and was revolutionary in its rights for these people) and gradually introduced values and laws that gave people the time to adapt and conform to these ideals..instead of slapping them on and creating a cultural shock.
If that gradual evolution is construe'd as accommodating ancient rituals then it in the vision of the interpreter where this lies.
After all.. If one is too daft to understand the Quran where it says that the times are always changing.. then one will always think that Islam belongs to the 6th century.
It is, and always was an interpretation of guidelines for the times.. be it 850AD or 2013.
Rabb-al-Muslimeen! OH NO BLASPHEMY -- IT IS "Rabb-Al-Arabeen"
Well, it has always been Rabb-al-Alameen... and consequently Rehmat-ul-ill-Alameen..
But once we go down that path of conscientious rejection.. we are prepared to cross all limits to reject thought.
