The problem with Salafi interpretation is this that...

The problem with Salafi interpretation is this that: Firstly, they take into consideration only that part of Qur'an and Sunnah, which accommodates their beliefs, turning their backs on other parts of Qur'an and Sunnah. In fact, there are other verses of Qur'an and many Ahadith of Rasool Allah saww. which clearly show that Help and benefit can also be sought from pious Awliya of Allah and also from those who are known as the Signs of Allah (Sha'air Allah)).

Secondly, they believe that whole Qur'an is literal and there is no Majaz (figurative expression) in it. The reality is that there are both literal and figurative expressions in the Qur'an and it hence the Words of Allah (swt) must be interpreted accordingly. If we fail to differentiate between these two, then several contradictions shall arise in the Qur'an. It is very important to understand the above two facts. Let us seek some more guidance from Qur'an in this matter.

Who takes the Souls out at the time of Death? In verse 39:42, Allah is saying that it is He who takes the souls out at death. اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى ال'أَنفُسَ حِينَ مَو'تِهَا [Yusufali 39:42] It is Allah that takes the souls (of men) at death; But in verse 4:97, Allah says that Angels take the souls of men out at the time of death.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَوَفَّاهُمُ ال'مَلآئِكَةُ ظَالِمِي أَن'فُسِهِم' [Yusufali 4:97] When angels take the souls of those who die in sin against their souls Is it shirk to say that angels take the souls out? Or should we believe that there is a Contradiction in Qur'an? Of course not. Rule: It is neither Shirk nor Contradiction, but when Allah says that He takes the souls out, then Angels are already included in it allegorically, who take the souls out with the permission of Allah.

It is the case with Help and benefit too. There are verses in which Allah says that He is the only and sufficient Helper in absolute terms. The Salafi ONLY quote these verses. They interpret them absolutely literally and claim that it is shirk to seek help and benefit from Rasool Allah [saww]. Unfortunately they forget the other verses and Ahadith, which clearly show that Awliya Allah can also help and benefit us.

The Salafi neglection of these verses of Qur'an and Ahadith are intentional, since such tactical amnesia is the safety mechanism via which they can avoid the Contradictions in their Beliefs. Is Allah the only and sufficient Wali (Protector / Guardian)?

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