2. Completeness and Sufficiency of the Quran
Islamic teachings emphasize that the Quran, as the final revelation, is both complete and sufficient for guiding humanity. ARPL doctrines, which position figures like Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem as possessing additional spiritual insight, suggest a need for supplementary guidance. Islamic scholars reject this notion, emphasizing that the Quran and Sunnah provide a complete framework that requires no further additions.
3. Role of Eschatological Figures: The Mahdi and Jesus (Isa)
In traditional Islamic eschatology, the roles of the Mahdi and Jesus (Isa) (PBUH) are defined as reformative and restorative, not revelatory. Scholars emphasize that the Mahdis role is one of unification and reform, not innovation, and any claims suggesting otherwise risk diverting believers from core Islamic beliefs.
4. Preservation of Unity through Scholarly Consensus (Ijma)
Islamic scholarship relies on the concept of ijma (consensus) to maintain doctrinal consistency and protect against innovations (bidah). The consensus of scholars on key doctrines, including the finality of prophethood and the role of the Mahdi, serves as a safeguard against movements like ARPL that propose new figures with spiritual authority.
5. Dangers of Self-Proclaimed Spiritual Authority
Islamic scholars emphasize that legitimate authority in Islam is based on knowledge, scholarship, and adherence to the Quran and Sunnah. Movements that center spiritual authority on a single, self-appointed leader are seen as potential sources of division and deviation. The traditional Islamic framework prioritizes collective scholarship over individual claims, ensuring that interpretations remain rooted in authentic sources.
6. Importance of Upholding the Traditional Role of the Mahdi
The traditional understanding of the Mahdi as a reformative figure with a specific role in Islamic eschatology is critical to preserving the integrity of Islamic teachings. Scholars caution against expanding this role beyond what is defined in the Hadith, warning that such reinterpretations can lead to doctrinal instability.
Conclusion
In summary, the critique identifies key areas where ARPL doctrines diverge from the traditional beliefs upheld by Islamic scholars. By emphasizing the finality of prophethood, the completeness of the Quran, and the limitations on spiritual authority, mainstream Islamic teachings provide a structured framework that prevents unauthorized reinterpretations. This framework maintains the unity, purity, and stability of Islamic teachings and protects against innovations that could fracture the community.