Role of Religious Scholars
The Qur'an doesn't validate the role of a "religious scholar" because it says that
we are to follow those who DO NOT ask for PAYMENT (36:21)
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)
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
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.
God has given no authority to anyone else (6:81, 7:33, 12:40, 53:23)...
... and they will disavow you on the Day (18:52, 46:6)
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)
enemies of the prophet plotted and inspired each other with fancy words (6:112)
... the people who followed them will say, "Our Lord! We obeyed our clergy and the leaders and it is those who led us astray from the path." (33:67)
If God had willed, He could have made you all one single community believing and understanding the same way (5:48)
every person should read the Qur'an and understand it for himself (17:36)
we cannot force our understanding on others (2:256, 18:29)...
... or follow others blindly (2:171)
The only unification criterion is the rope of God (3:103)
From these verses, we see that the Qur'an places a high importance on individual learning and understanding, and strongly warns us against blindly following a human teacher.
The Teacher of the Qur'an
So, who is the teacher and explainer of the Qur'an?
God teaches (55:1-2), explains (12:3, 55:2, 75:19) and Guides you (2:142, 2:269, 22:16)
the Quran is the best explanation (25:33)
the Qur'an is easy to understand and remember (54:17, 54:22, 54:32, 54:40)
Role of the Messenger
Given that we are to learn from God the teacher, explainer, and guide - what is the role of the Messenger? First of all the designation is pertinent, as these verses elucidate
... If they submit, then they have been guided but if they turn away, then your duty is only to convey the message (3:20) … Our Messenger’s duty is only to deliver the message clearly (5:92) The Messenger's duty is but to convey the message, and God knows what you declare and what you hide. (5:99) … Is not the messengers’ duty only to deliver the message clearly? (16:35) … your duty is only to deliver the message clearly (16:82) … the Messenger’s duty is only to deliver the Message clearly. (24:54) … The Messenger’s duty is only to deliver the message clearly. (29:18) The messengers said, “Our Lord knows that we have truly been sent to you. And our duty is only to deliver the message clearly. (36:16-17) … Our Messenger’s duty is only to deliver the message clearly. (64:12)
This is the true example of the Prophet which we are supposed to emulate - deliver the message and let God teach, explain, and guide.
Many people claim to follow the example of the prophet but due to the presence of hadith, believe that he was also supposed to explain to them, and purposely interpret certain verses to reflect this idea (e.g. 16:43)
75:16 (Whenever you read the Qur’an) do not read in haste stirring your tongue. 75:17 It is up to Us to gather and preserve it and the reading of it. 75:18 Thus, when We read it, follow the reading. 75:19 Then, it is for Us to explain it. 75:20 Nay, but you love instant results, 75:21 And give little thought to the long term.
This love of instant results is what drives us to seek guidance from other humans instead of God, and we allow them to tell us what they believe God intended, not what the actual guidance from God for you is.
Was the Prophet Merely a Postman?
People who ask this question reveal they do not have knowledge of what is in the Qur'an.
The Prophet made use of the Quran as a clarification (tibiana lekulli shaye 16:89) and a guide to apply to his particular circumstances among others:
He made judgments by making use of the Quran's guidance. (24:48)
He was an arbitrator and settled disputes (24:51; 8:46)
He was a counsellor/consultant (58:12)
He was a military leader and made use of the Quran's guidance to conduct his affairs during war (8:1; 8:7)
He was a community leader (60:12) and consulted with his contemporaries to make best decisions for the community (3:159)
In conclusion, if you read the Qur'an without preconceptions (56:79), observe the evidence, think and contemplate (2:164), 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).