SECOND REMINDER. Monday. ARGUING AND DEBATING IN ISLAM. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read through the first Reminder before this one. If you missed it, please request a copy from me. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said;
I guarantee a house on the outskirts of Paradise for one who abandons arguments even if he is right. Sunan Abu Dawud 4800.
The righteous predecessors (salaf as-saalih) were firm in the prohibition of disputation as it leads to confusion, doubts, and spiritual ruin.
Imam Maalik ibn Anas, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
Disputation and arguments about sacred knowledge cause the light of knowledge to extinguish in a man’s heart.
Ja’far ibn Muhammad, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
Beware of disputes in the religion, for they preoccupy the heart and breed hypocrisy. Fadl al-‘Ilm 1/5.
The righteous predecessors were fully capable of arguing and winning debates against their opponents, but they refused to do so out of fear and mindfulness of Allah.
Ibn Rajab comments on this practice, saying;
The refrain of the righteous predecessors and Imams from engaging in excessive disputes and arguments was not due to ignorance or inability, but rather they remained silent due to their knowledge and fear of Allah. Those after them who spoke much and delved deeply into issues did not do so because they had more knowledge than them, but rather due to their love of speaking and lack of scrupulousness.
The correct method of defending Islam from its opponents is to be clear in conveying the true message and teachings of Islam with beautiful preaching and without indulging in bitter arguments with them. We should be kind, gentle, and graceful in our speech and wise to their social condition and misunderstandings about Islam.
Allah says:
Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching and argue with them in a way that is better. Surat An-Nahl 16:125.
Imam Ibn Kathir comments on this verse, saying:
If anyone wants to argue and debate with them, then let him do so in the best manner with kindness, gentleness, and good preaching. Tafseer Ibn Kathir 16:125. To be continued in shaa ALLAH. May Allah keep guiding us all and protect us from any satanic influences. Aameen.
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