A Theological Perspective

Its difficult to have a debate now a days on theological issues unless someone wants to risk being labeled a Taliban by some "enlightened" moderate. Its about time the open minded people stopped acting like Taliban in their reckless rejection of their ideas and started acting as real open minded people, listening to opposing views, with out calling names. Open mindedness means being open to other views. Duh.
So there was this debate about whether to "question" the doctrines of God. Now ten years of school education were not wasted on me and whatever I learned from my Islamiat teacher was this: the word "Islam" means unconditional, unwavering and unquestioning subservience to the will of Allah (SWT). A very Taliban thing to say. But in my defense I have some examples that I would like to share. Nothing new really. Just something for people to ponder upon.

So We gave him tidings of a gentle son. (101) And when (his son) was old enough to walk with him, (Abraham) said: O my dear son, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice thee. So look, what thinkest thou? He said: O my father! Do that which thou art commanded. Allah willing, thou shalt find me of the steadfast. (102) Then, when they had both surrendered (to Allah), and he had flung him down upon his face, (103) We called unto him: O Abraham! (104) Thou hast already fulfilled the vision. Lo! thus do We reward the good. (105) (Al-Ahzab)

Unconditional surrender to the will of Allah (SWT). Subhan Allah. Then here is another example.

And when Moses said unto his people: Lo! Allah commandeth you that ye sacrifice a cow, they said: Dost thou make game of us? He answered: Allah forbid that I should be among the foolish! (67) They said: Pray for us unto thy Lord that He make clear to us what (cow) she is. (Moses) answered: Lo! He saith, Verily she is a cow neither with calf nor immature; (she is) between the two conditions; so do that which ye are commanded. (68) They said: Pray for us unto thy Lord that He make clear to us of what colour she is. (Moses) answered: Lo! He saith: Verily she is a yellow cow. Bright is her colour, gladdening beholders. (69) They said: Pray for us unto thy Lord that He make clear to us what (cow) she is. Lo! cows are much alike to us; and Lo! if Allah wills, we may be led aright. (70) (Moses) answered: Lo! He saith: Verily she is a cow unyoked; she plougheth not the soil nor watereth the tilth; whole and without mark. They said: Now thou bringest the truth. So they sacrificed her, though almost they did not. (71) (Al-Baqara)

There are several other examples that are pertinent in this matter. But this is definitely something to ponder upon, even for the "enlightened" moderates.

The argument in favor of questioning were verses that were taken out of context. I will list some examples below:

In the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day, there are signs for people with intelligence: those who remember God, standing, sitting and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: Our Lord, You have not created this for nothing. Glory be to You! So safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire. (Surat Al ‘Imran: 190-191)

In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and day, and the ships which sail the seas to people's benefit, and the water which God sends down from the sky – by which He brings the earth to life when it was dead and scatters about in it creatures of every kind – and the varying direction of the winds, and the clouds subservient between heaven and earth, there are Signs for people who use their intellect. ( Surat al-Baqara: 164)

Indeed, there are signs all around us that would strengthen our belief in the existence of one supreme being. And thats it. I have yet to see a verse where Allah has allowed the believers to question his authority.
As a Muslim I strongly believe that the boundaries of understanding are too limited. Allah (SWT), being all forgiving, wishes the best for me and for his followers. His commands are for our own good.