Every person should read the Qur'an and understand it for himself and More...

The Qur'an doesn't validate the role of a "religious teacher" because it says that 

[1] every person should read the Qur'an and understand it for himself (17:36)

[2] we are to follow those who DO NOT ask for PAYMENT (36:21)

[3] People who bring the message should not ask for payment (6:90, 11:51, 12:104, 25.57, 26:109, 26:127, 26:145, 26:164, 26:180)

[4] Ulama (people of knowledge) are those who observe nature and derive understanding from this (2:118, 2:164, 35:27-28, 45:3-5) i.e. *scientists*, not those who preach the religion

[5] Following a religious "leader" like priests or imams *without the ability to question them* is making partners for God (9:31) i.e shirk, the one unforgivable sin.

[6] God teaches (55:1-2), explains (12:3, 55:2, 75:19) and Guides you (2:142, 2:269, 22:16)

[7] The Quran is the best explanation (25:33)

[8] The Qur'an is easy to understand and remember (54:17, 54:22, 54:32, 54:40)

[9] The Messenger's role is to deliver the message, not to Guide (2:119, 5:92, 28:56)

[10] God has given no authority to anyone else (6:81, 7:33, 12:40, 53:23)...

[11] ... and they will disavow you on the Day (18:52, 46:6)

[12] warns us a great many religious leaders, rabbis, priests, monks, mullahs, yogis, and sufis devour the wealth of people in falsehood and bar them from the path of God (9:34)

[13] the only unification criteria is the rope of God (3:103)

If you read without preconceptions (56:79), observe the evidence, think and contemplate, God Himself teaches it (55:1-2), He will explain it (12:3, 25:33, 75:19) and guide you (2:142, 2:269, 22:16).

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