But to hold him responsible for gain and loss from the point of view of creation...

But to hold him responsible for gain and loss from the point of view of creation, invention, disease or absolute power is incorrect. If we take a deeper view we will realise that any attribution of gain and loss, life and death, belonging and possession to the creatures is not real but figurative. All such phenomena should actually be arrogated to only Allah, as He alone deserves it.

But, unfortunately, some people have a chronic addiction to twist the Qur’anic verses and clamp on them an interpretation that is tailored either to their preconceived notions or reflects a kind of perverse self-indulgence. In order to put a philosophical spin on their distorted derivations, they rely on hair-splitting and logic chopping.

But their interpretations are inconsistent with the actual semantic tenor of the Qur’anic verses, and these ‘mini-devils’, instead of drawing closer to the meaning of the Qur’an, are drawn further apart and like “vacant shuttles weave the wind.” But such people abound in the present times as extremism has elbowed out moderation, vulgarity has edged out modesty and shame has replaced decency.

These people have eliminated the difference between the literal and figurative meanings of the Qur’anic verses and discarded the sobering influence of moderation. They consider it valid to base their arguments on the real meanings of these verses. Therefore, they are pathetically allergic to any metaphorical elaboration. This is the reason they have turned their faces from the explanations and interpretations offered by our forefathers.

They are trying to create purely opinionative explanations and giving rise to unpalatable innovations and they are busy generating beliefs, which run counter to the actual teachings of the Qur’an and the sunnah . If we cast an impartial glance, we come across innumerable ignoramuses among the masses who are victims of literal distortion and blow out of all proportion the figurative dimension, throwing the element of moderation to the winds.

Their misplaced enthusiasm is as irritating as the unwelcome prejudice of the others is unsettling. Though they are firmly anchored to their faith in divine unity and other Islamic beliefs they are treated as suspects and pariahs by those who regard figurative interpretation as alien to the essence of Islam. But the fact is that those who are in search of truth follow the path of balance and moderation; they shun extremism in any shape and form.