Farouk al-Qadi starts off yet another chapter in his book, "Horizons of rebellion" about Islam, calling it "Uprising of the orphan shepherd". He demonstrated how Mohamed (PBUH) had individuality to him, "he had a different human power" as Allah said, "Were you but a human" (Al Ra'ad-11). "I don't own for myself the good nor the bad" .. "and if I'm to know the unknown I would choose the goodness and stay unharmed" (Al A'araaf) which is too smart of a remark on his part, because with such verses rebelled at rulers, monks or pretentious Islamists for claiming to know the unrevealed and have the capability to call on super powers. He goes on with his renovating stance, refraining from exaggeration or overselling to what a Muslim should and should not do. He referred to the fierce campaign launched against Mohamed Hussein Heikal, upon issuing his book "The life of Mohamed", for including the prophet's name without following it with PBUH (Peach be upon him). They merely objected because of that; never due to the book's content. On the second edition of his book, he started the book criticizing them for such fanaticism and ignorance saying, "Abu Al Baqa'a that saying PBUH is to be said at least once in one's life. Ibn Nugain added that "pray upon him" came in Al Ahzab-56, as it would be within prayers and out. Because the point is to ask for mercy upon him. Al-Qadi then takes us through other writings to discuss the relation between the scripture and mind, then recalls Nasr Hamed Abu Zayd's saying, "We tend to take acts as ours; not God's. Though in fact all our acts and words are but God's," adding, "The Salafi religious speech reframed the way of thinking to a way that's different from its origins or the scriptures. And, despite everything, reasonable and philosophical thinking stopped being a part of the intellect in Islam, to start a never-ending conflict between mind and attribution." And we can't help but to look closely at this encyclopedic book and try to make the best of it. Also, to be grateful and respectful for this immense effort and courageous manifestation of opinions. So, thank you, Farouk al-Qadi.
