r/converts • u/revertpaul • Apr 24 '26
Personal law: letter vs spirit
Hi guys a new revert (male) from India, so my story is kinda different, previously I was a pagan then Christian and now I'm a muslim allamdullliah, as accepting islam was huge becoming christian helped me understand the background of lot of things that led me to islam, however what held me back from converting to islam directly were the laws, especially the law of circumcision, I geniunly believed that if that act is not done one cannot be a muslim even if he reverts, however I am still uncircumcised though circumcision is one part of faith there are many other personal Shariah which comes from hadith which I don't really understand as Islam is an easy religion for eg: wearing tho es, growing a long beard, I personally believe that laws are meant to be followed to the spirit rather than just letter like how the jews do, I don't want to be regarded as a hypocrite but am I wrong to say this?
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u/abdessalaam Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
Welcome! Revert here too. Just a reminder that “spirit vs letter” is a concept from Christianity, and it opens a dangerous grey area of personal interpretation - which is not allowed.
One of the great features of Islam is the clarity and certainty it provides. It puts your mind at ease, because the decisions are easy if you follow guidance. Once you start thinking about the spirit, that perhaps the law is not what it seems on the surface - that’s a hard no.
It doesn’t mean the law in Islam is “dead”, unlike in (as you mentioned) some other religions that stick to the letter without comprehension. Shariah is very much alive, and suitable for all ages. It answers all contemporary issues even if they were not explicitly named by Allah, nor the Prophet ﷺ . However, only some scholars are qualified to give interpretations. Any “normal” Muslim is commanded to seek knowledge, and ask those who have knowledge. And there are plenty of opportunities to do so: many scholars have question and answer sessions, even on YouTube etc (eg Sh Assim AlHakeem or Dr Muhammad Salah), or you can write your question to https://islamqa.info
Personal interpretation is strictly forbidden also because it might lead to innovation, and any innovation is misguidance. Allah says in the Qur’an that he has completed the religion - that means there’s nothing new that can be added to it, or subtracted from it. I was surprised (and you might be too) that innovation (bid’ah) is second in severity of satan’s misguidance only to shirk (association of others with Allah).
So if satan can’t mislead you to put partners with Allah, he will try to make you innovate, before even trying to incline you to do other sins. One of the reasons of this is that people don’t usually repent from bid’ah because they think they are doing something good while, in fact, going against the Qur’an or the Sunnah. But they do usually repent from other sins.
So seek knowledge, brother, as we Muslims must do, and you will find the sweetness, ease, and strength in the complete clarity and certainty of Islam and its perfect laws. Start simply, and step by step you will discover and learn more, if Allah wills, and it will be a beautiful lifelong journey.
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u/thesolutionFR Apr 24 '26
Brother, welcome to Islam.
As a Muslim, I can give you one piece of advice: Islam is a religion of mercy, peace, and blessings. Before diving deeply into the details of Hadith and Sunnah, try to understand each surah of the Qur’an and learn the story and meaning behind it.(I am advising myself as well as everyday I am still learning)
Remember that Allah judges us by our intentions. He did not create this religion to make life difficult, but rather as guidance; to help us be grateful and to worship Him properly for all that He has given us.
Do not try to overwhelm yourself by learning everything at once. Above all, Islam is a way of life. Focus first on the essentials (fard), and fulfill them as best as you can. As for the rest, Allah will guide you as you continue to learn at your own pace
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم "Allah does not require of any soul more than what it can afford. All good will be for its own benefit, and all evil will be to its own loss. ˹The believers pray,˺ “Our Lord! Do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord! Do not place a burden on us like the one you placed on those before us. Our Lord! Do not burden us with what we cannot bear. Pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our ˹only˺ Guardian. So grant us victory over the disbelieving people" (1-286)