Islamic Reminders - 2

Reminder#212

◇بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم◇

" From the foundations of the Sunnah is leaving off debating to show off, argumentation and quarelling about the religion. "
- Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal

Arguments over issues in the religion of Islam should be avoided as much as possible. Disputing and debating theological, legal, or historical matters will often lead to the hardening of hearts, bad feelings, and even hatred. As such, the Prophet (saw) has warned us that the nations before us went astray due to their indulgence in argumentation.

* Abu Umamah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

No people go astray after being guided except that they indulge in arguments.

Then the Prophet (saw) recited the verse:

' They strike an example for you only to argue. Rather, they are a quarrelsome people.' (43:58)
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3253, Grade: Sahih

We should leave arguments and debates aside even if we are certain our position is correct and the others are upon falsehood. The Prophet (saw) has guaranteed a house in Paradise for those who avoid arguing even if they are right.

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.
Source: Fadl al-'Ilm 1/4

* Haytam ibn Jamil reported: I said to Malik, "O servant of Allah, if a man has knowledge of the prophetic tradition (sunnah), should he argue to defend it?" Malik said:
No, rather he should convey the Sunnah if they might accept it from him, otherwise he should remain silent.
Source: Jāmi' al-'Ulūm wal-Ḥikam 1/248

Therefore, we should avoid getting into detailed and rancorous arguments with the followers of other religions or sects within Islam. This will only obscure the beauty of Islam and put us in danger of falling into arrogance, showing off, and hypocrisy. Rather, we must invite people to Islam in the best way and with the best manners.
:)