I couldn't see how it was germaine to the thread. Surah 5:48-9 is basically don't misinterpret stuff. (my creedo, personally.)

Your interpretation is what exactly on this Dr.?
Did you see the pictures or read the article explaining the two views on wearing and not wearing gold jewelry?
Is Islam contradicting itself or is it like with any religious readings, it is solely based upon interpretations?



seekerof

I'm not sure a picture of Ghaddaffy proves anything. His faith has long been viewed with contempt in the muslim world. Back in the eighties when I was in the middle east and M.G. was the American bogeyman, many Arabs refered to him as "the Watermelon:" Green (muslim) on the surface, but filled with red (communism/atheism) within.

perhaps we ought to be chatting. we're posting simultaneous comments.

I cannot see where the Qur'an forbids jewelry or silk. The point made repeatedly is that you don't please God by making up rules and then living up to them.

That said, Islam is about community, and living out the Sharia, the interpretations or commentary upon the Qur'an that have become law. Just like in Western faiths, some communities will have a stricter interpretation.

My own experience is that Arabs enjoy their 'bling' as much as the next 'playa.'

Gold, esp. coins, are considered tasteful ornamentation (on women).

jewelry in general, outside the U.S., is seen as a highly portable and liquid form of wealth and power. While you could probably find communities that forbid such, it would be like Mennonites or Nuns in America. Pious eccentrics in the eyes of many.