Navigating Arguments in Islam - Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi

Summary

This talk discusses the concept of argumentation from an Islamic perspective, emphasizing that constant arguing is discouraged in the Quran. It highlights how excessive debating can harden the heart, weaken faith, and stray believers from guidance. Religious debates, especially over abstract matters, are discouraged, while presenting evidence calmly and with wisdom is encouraged. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and scholars like Imam Malik stressed avoiding futile arguments, focusing on preserving peace, dignity, and faith. Only in cases of justice or defending rights is argumentation permissible, but always with respect and good manners.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Mankind has a natural inclination towards arguing and debating, which is often done passionately to prove a point.
• 📖 The Quran generally discourages excessive arguing, especially when it serves no meaningful purpose or is driven by ego.
• ⚖️ Arguing without knowledge or about abstract, irrelevant matters is heavily criticized in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet.
• 🙅‍♂️ Believers are encouraged to avoid engaging in useless debates and to respond with dignity and peace when faced with ignorance or aggression.
• ⚠️ The Prophet warned that excessive argumentation, even among those with knowledge, can lead to misguided actions and beliefs.
• 🛑 Arguing during sacred acts like fasting and Haj is strictly discouraged, as it can break the sanctity of these religious practices.
• 😡 The Prophet expressed great anger when he witnessed people debating religious matters without purpose, warning that such behavior led previous nations astray.
• 💔 Religious debates, particularly over trivial or abstract issues, are said to harden the heart and weaken one's connection to Allah.
• 🤝 While some argumentation is permitted, such as when defending one’s rights, it must always be done with respect and proper etiquette.
• 🏆 The Prophet promised that those who avoid unnecessary arguing, even when they are right, will be rewarded with a palace in Jannah (Paradise).

Q & A

What does the Quran say about mankind's tendency to argue?

The Quran mentions that one of mankind's consistent behaviors is to argue, often with passion and persistence. Arguing is portrayed as a common preoccupation for people.

How does the Quran generally view argumentation?

The Quran discourages argumentation, especially when it is excessive and lacks purpose. Arguing is often associated with those who are misled or who do not believe in Allah, and it is discouraged among believers.

What are the conditions under which argumentation is allowed in Islam?

Argumentation is allowed under certain conditions, such as when defending one's rights or when trying to bring clarity to religious matters. However, even in these cases, the argument should be done with wisdom, good manners, and for the sake of truth.

What is the significance of the hadith regarding excessive argumentation after gaining knowledge?

The hadith warns that excessive argumentation after acquiring knowledge can lead people astray. It highlights that knowledge alone is not enough; constantly engaging in debates can lead to misguidance and spiritual harm.

How did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instruct believers to handle arguments during fasting and Hajj?

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed believers to avoid arguments during fasting and Hajj. If someone tries to engage them in argument, they should say, 'I am fasting,' and move on to avoid wasting time and energy on futile debates.

What example from Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life illustrates the harm of religious argumentation?

An example is when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saw his companions arguing over the interpretation of verses from the Quran, and he became very angry. He told them that they were not created to argue over such abstract issues, and warned that the people before them were destroyed for such behavior.

How does argumentation affect one's emotional and spiritual well-being according to Islamic teachings?

Argumentation can harden the heart, make religious rituals less effective, and disturb one's peace. Engaging in debates often leaves people angry and unsettled, impacting their ability to focus on their worship and personal peace.

What did Imam Malik say about debating theological matters?

Imam Malik discouraged debating theological matters, emphasizing that the truth of the religion does not depend on who wins a debate. He believed that arguing about religion could lead to misguidance, and he advised people to avoid it unless necessary.

Under what circumstances can arguments about worldly matters be justified?

Arguments about worldly matters can be justified when someone’s rights have been violated, and there is no other means to defend or reclaim those rights. Even then, it should be done with the best of manners and wisdom.

What is the importance of dignity when responding to slander or false accusations?

Islam encourages maintaining dignity when responding to slander or false accusations. A higher moral approach is to avoid engaging in fruitless arguments and to trust that Allah will protect one’s dignity, as seen in the example of Prophet Yusuf (AS) who did not respond to his brothers' false accusations.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ The Nature of Human Argumentation

The Quran highlights that humans are prone to constant argumentation. The term 'Jedel' refers to arguing passionately, often with the intent to prove others wrong. This behavior is generally discouraged in the Quran, especially when it leads to futile debates. Allah instructs believers to avoid such arguments and walk away with dignity when approached by ignorant individuals. The Prophet Muhammad warned that even those with knowledge can go astray if they engage excessively in argumentation, advising restraint in discussions, especially during religious practices such as fasting and Hajj.

05:03

⚔️ The Dangers of Religious Argumentation

The Prophet strongly criticized religious argumentation, especially when it leads to division and hostility. A notable example is when the companions argued over the meaning of Quranic verses, causing anger in the Prophet, who reprimanded them, stating that such debates serve no purpose and lead to destruction, as seen in previous nations. Renowned scholars like Imam Malik echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that arguments harden the heart and distract from true devotion to Allah. Instead, believers should avoid unnecessary religious debates, as they often lead to division rather than unity.

10:05

🛑 Useless Arguments Lead to Destruction

Excessive argumentation, whether in worldly matters or religious issues, is seen as a distraction from true faith and spiritual peace. Imam Malik teaches that debates about religious concepts harden the heart, diminishing the purity of worship. Allah warns that argumentation can be a tool for misguidance, leading people away from the path of truth. However, if one must argue for the sake of justice or to defend their rights, it is permissible, as shown in the Quran when a woman argued for her rights and was heard by Allah. The key is moderation and avoiding unnecessary conflict.

15:06

💡 The Correct Approach to Debate

The Quran outlines the correct methodology for argumentation: begin with wisdom and good preaching, resorting to debate only as a last option. When engaging in religious dialogue, one must maintain the highest standards of manners and etiquette, avoiding vulgarity or harshness. The Prophet taught that arguments should be based on clear knowledge and not done for the sake of winning. Imam Malik’s example reinforces this, as he refused to engage in debates over abstract theological concepts, stating that religion is not subject to the whims of those who win arguments but is based on divine guidance.

🏆 The Reward for Avoiding Arguments

The Prophet Muhammad promised a palace in Jannah for those who avoid unnecessary arguments, even when they are in the right. Engaging in arguments often disrupts one's peace and distracts from worship. The Prophet advised maintaining dignity and leaving disputes, as shown in the story of Prophet Yusuf, who refrained from defending himself against slander. Argumentation for the sake of worldly gain, especially through falsehood, is condemned, with warnings that those who wrongfully win disputes will face consequences in the Hereafter. Ultimately, the message is to prioritize peace, dignity, and a closer relationship with Allah over winning arguments.

Keywords

💡Argumentation (Jadel)

Argumentation, or Jadel in Arabic, refers to the act of arguing or debating with passion to prove a point. The video discusses how the Quran typically discourages this behavior, especially when it involves unnecessary or excessive debates that lead to division. For example, the speaker highlights how constant argumentation can cause believers to stray from knowledge and lose focus on more important matters.

💡Ignorance

Ignorance is described as a state where people engage in argumentation without proper knowledge or understanding. In the Quranic context mentioned in the video, ignorant people are those who waste time in useless debates. The speaker emphasizes that believers should avoid engaging with such individuals and instead respond with dignity, as advised in the Quran.

💡Knowledge

Knowledge refers to the understanding and awareness gained through learning and wisdom. The video highlights how excessive argumentation can cause people with knowledge to go astray. The speaker explains that after people are given knowledge, their downfall often comes from engaging in needless debates that harden the heart and weaken religious devotion.

💡Wisdom (Hikmah)

Wisdom, or Hikmah in Arabic, is essential when discussing religious matters or guiding others. The video emphasizes that religious debates should always begin with wisdom, followed by good preaching, and that argumentation should only be used as a last resort. Wisdom ensures that discussions remain productive and aligned with the principles of the Quran.

💡Religion

Religion in this context refers to the Islamic faith and its teachings. The video discusses the dangers of debating about religious matters, as it often leads to division rather than spiritual growth. The speaker refers to a Hadith where Prophet Muhammad warned that argumentation about religion can harden the heart and cause people to lose their connection with God.

💡Dignity

Dignity is portrayed as the ability to rise above petty arguments and maintain self-respect. In the video, believers are encouraged to pass by arguments with dignity, responding with 'Salam' (peace) rather than engaging in pointless debates. This reflects the Quranic advice to avoid wasting time on discussions that do not lead to spiritual benefit.

💡Slander

Slander involves making false statements to damage someone's reputation. The video references the story of Prophet Yusuf, who was slandered by his brothers. Instead of responding with anger, Yusuf maintained his dignity and chose not to engage in argumentation, showing that preserving one's honor is more important than defending against every false claim.

💡Day of Judgment

The Day of Judgment is a fundamental concept in Islam, where all individuals will be held accountable for their actions. The video mentions how some people argue about the Day of Judgment, trying to justify their sins by claiming they didn’t have enough time. Such arguments are dismissed in the Quran, as they reflect a lack of understanding and belief.

💡Rights

Rights refer to what is due to an individual, either in worldly matters or religious obligations. The video discusses how it is permissible to argue when one's rights are violated, as demonstrated by a story in the Quran where a woman argues to regain her rights. This type of argumentation is seen as justifiable and necessary for justice.

💡Softening of the Heart

Softening of the heart refers to becoming more spiritually attuned and open to compassion and guidance. The video warns that excessive argumentation can harden the heart, making it difficult for individuals to connect with God and feel peace in their religious practices. The goal of religious discourse should be to soften the heart, not harden it through endless debates.

Highlights

Mankind's incessant preoccupation is arguing, and the Quran generally discourages it.

Arguing passionately, called 'jedel,' is mentioned in the Quran as a negative trait.

Believers are encouraged to pass by arguments with dignity and to avoid useless talk.

The Prophet Muhammad warned that excessive argumentation leads to going astray, even among those with knowledge.

During fasting and Hajj, believers are taught to avoid argumentation as a way to preserve the sanctity of these rituals.

Arguing about religious texts, like the Quran, for trivial matters is discouraged, as it can lead to division and straying from the true path.

The Prophet was seen bursting with anger when he witnessed people arguing about abstract theological issues.

Imam Malik emphasized that arguing about religion hardens the heart and weakens one's connection to Allah.

Excessive arguing, even when knowledgeable, leads to personal unrest and disruption of one's peace.

Arguments about worldly matters, like rights or justice, are permissible if done with dignity and as a tactic to recover one's rights.

Arguments for religious purposes should be avoided unless done with wisdom, good manners, and after all other methods have been exhausted.

The Quran sets conditions for argumentation in religion: it should be done with knowledge, clarity, and the best manners.

The Prophet guaranteed a palace in paradise for those who avoid unnecessary arguments, even when they are right.

Useless arguments distance one from their faith, disrupt Salah, and cause inner turmoil.

The Prophet emphasized that winning an argument does not mean someone is in the right in the eyes of Allah, especially when deceit is involved.

Transcripts

in Allah subhah waala mentions in the

Quran

that that one of the things that mankind

constantly does is that he

argues it is as if mankind his main

hobby is to fight with others to debate

with others his main incessant

preoccupation is he's constantly making

mu jel and jedel means to argue with

passion to prove a point against

somebody who's arguing against you and

the Quran has a very interesting

analysis of jadel the default of arguing

in the Quran is that it is discouraged

and it is only allowed with some

conditions if you look at the overall

analysis of the Quran Allah subh waala

typically criticizes arguing Allah

subhah wa ta'ala mentions aru arguing as

something that those who do not have

priorities those who do not believe in

Allah subhah wa ta'ala they busy

themselves with in fact Allah mentions

arguing with others is one of the

tactics

ofan Inspire their allies to constantly

debate and argue this is not the

methodology of the believer to get

involved in constant debates constant

argumentation Allah subhana wa tala

mentions in in the Quran

that if they come to you trying to argue

then say to them Allah knows what you

are doing and move on and Allah mentions

of the characteristics of the Believers

when ignorant people try to accost them

when ignorant people try to stop them

and have any type of evil or vulgarity

or

debate they pass by with dignity they

say Salam and they move on so of the

characteristics of the believer is they

do not get involved in useless talk and

in vain argumentation in fact our

Prophet Sall alai wasam said and this is

a very very dangerous concept that we

need to memorize and understand he's

warning against it he said never have

people who had knowledge gone astray

except because of excessive

argumentation Hadith is in once you have

knowledge the main way you go astray is

by constantly bickering constantly

fighting constantly getting involved in

issues that are of no value this is an

authentic Hadith that the prophet said

never do people go astray after they

have been given knowledge except because

of excessive jedel and argumentation and

this is why our Prophet sallallah alaihi

wasallam commanded us to protect

ourselves from useless argumentation in

fasting in Haj we all learn when fasting

what do we do the prophet said if

somebody comes to you he accosts you he

wants to have an argument what should

you say Allah

don't break your fast by doing something

useless and the characteristics of the

in the Quran Allah says in the Quran

about that whoever goes for ha what are

the

conditions Allah wants to protect our

Haj and our fasting from useless

argumentation wasting too much time

going back and forth and getting

involved in things that have no value to

us and in fact some times sometimes

argumentation even leads to a rejection

or Aur is in that our Prophet sallah

alai wasam was sitting in his house and

people's voices began to raise in the

Masjid and they began arguing over the

Quran about what does the Quran really

say about does the Quran say this does

the Quran say that and each one was

quoting a verse against the other this

is religious debate this is religious AR

argumentation using the Quran against

each other this is the only time in the

entire that the sahab seem to have a

split in theology almost happening and

the process is there they're debating

what is the correct opinion about some

abstract issue some issue beyond our

comprehension some issue that is not

going to change your connection with

Allah is just a theoretical issue and

the prophet s wasallam heard them and he

came out in says it was as if his face

was a r aom Granite meaning it is

bursting with anger they had hardly seen

him this angry it was as if his face was

bursting with anger and he said to them

listen to

this were you created for this or did

Allah command you to do this that you

take verses and you hit each other with

these

verses is this the purpose of the

religion that you argue over some

abstract issue that you debate over some

concept that has no relevance to your

actual life and then he said the people

before you were destroyed when they went

down this path this Hadith is powerful

because if we understood it w he

sectarian Wars would come to an end if

we understood it there would no be all

of this and all of this we call it in U

it would completely go away is this why

you were created to argue over an

abstract concept that has no relevance

to you just using the Quran each side he

said leave this this was how the people

before you were destroyed and this is

why

our the default amongst them is they

would avoid argumentation even religious

argumentation the default amongst them

they would not do this Malik an said

that arguing about the religion it makes

the heart hard and it makes the rituals

weak arguing about the religion it makes

the heart hard you don't come close to

Allah and W this is so true when you

have an argument with your friend with

your cousin with your wife you can't go

to sleep in peace huh you're tossing and

turning your heart is full of anger

you've lost your own peace when you

argue what's the FAA IM Malik says

arguing

causes how true is this when you debate

when you argue you have a fight with

somebody you raise your voice he raises

his voice you go home your whole day is

gone you cannot find peace at home what

have you gained this is not the

methodology of the believer this is not

what the the spends the bulk of their

time in and Al said the famous scholar

of sham Al said when Allah subhah wa

taala wants people to go astray he gives

them argumentation amongst them when you

want when Allah wants to get let people

go astray they're not worthy to be saved

what is the mechanism to cause them to

go away from the straight path he makes

them argue amongst them and this goes

back to the Hadith of the Prophet

literally he said that never have people

who were once upon guidance gone astray

except due to excessive argumentation

now does this mean any argument is Haram

obviously not clearly sometimes

argumentation and you bring an Evidence

and you prove your point and you bring a

this is something that is Ja but I

repeat the default position of the Quran

and Sunnah discourages argumentation and

this is very clear Allah

men they're always arguing with you

against the truth and Allah mentions in

Surah y that

that look at this man arguing about me

and Allah mentions in the one that's

arguing about the day of judgment and

Allah mentions in the one that's arguing

how much did I stay how much did you

stay and he's arguing with Allah that I

stayed only one day and he's arguing

with Allah you didn't give me enough

time so all of these argumentations are

criticized in the Quran that is the

default but when is it allowed to argue

when is it allowed to bring an Evidence

and have you know a back and forth so

there's two types of arguments Arguments

for the dya and Arguments for the dean

Arguments for your dun you're arguing

about a worldly matter and Arguments for

religion as for arguments of the Dunya

it is allowed as a tactic when you have

done uh when has been done against you

excuse me when you are when you are M I

wanted to say when you are M when

somebody has taken your right and you

don't have any other mechanism to get

your right back in this case you have

the right the option to use argument as

a tactic and you present your evidence

and you get what is due back unto

you the Surah is called the one who came

arguing and this is a ja argument it is

a permissible argument Allah has heard

the argument of that lady whose was done

her husband did upon her she had her

rights taken away and she's arguing

about about her rights and Allah is

saying I have heard her mu and she was

praised in the Quran for this our mother

says I was sitting in the in the house

and I saw the lady come and W I was you

know she was in the house and the

process was here I could I could barely

whisper her hear her whispering and

Allah from above the seven Heavens heard

her as he was she was talking with the

Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam this

is Mu this is a argumentation that is

done in order to obtain your rights this

is permissible it is a tactic but you

have the right if you feel you know what

it's not worth it and I'm better off not

even arguing this is Ja and it is in

fact if you believe that arguing is not

worth your time is going to be

exhausting you're going to get demeaning

yourself and there are many examples for

this the most obvious one when the

brothers of YF slandered yusf in front

of him they didn't know it was yusf

right and they slandered YF and they

said you know what if his brother bamin

is a thief his older brother did many

things as well right this is in the

Quran right what is what does Allah say

about

YF he kept his anger inside he kept his

dignity he didn't argue with

them whatever cuz you know you've been

slandered and W everybody who's been

slandered the first defense mechanism is

what you want to refute back you want to

do do the same thing back but the higher

methodology the better methodology you

can you can can defend but people of

keep their is and they allow the slander

to be spread and Allah will protect

their

dignity Yu kept what was in his heart

and he didn't demean himself and respond

back and say how dare you say this I am

YF no he let it be because it would not

be worthwhile for him he maintained that

dignity but again to be precise it is Ja

it's up to you argument for the D is Ja

when has been done to you as for

argument of the religion you have to be

very careful and Allah subhana waa puts

many conditions about arguing for the

religion this is not the default it is

not the first mechanism Allah subhana

waa

says call to the way of your lord when

you want to give how do you call to the

way of your

lord you call with

wisdom and with good preaching level one

wisdom level two more emphatic preaching

then level three The Last

Resort and then argue with them but even

then there are conditions so it's not

the first you don't begin religious

dialogue by debates by reputations by

argumentation that's not the methodology

of the Quran no you begin with hik

then stronger and then when that is not

working you move on on to the highest

level and that is arguing but even that

Allah put a condition what is the

condition in the way that is the most

effective and best use the Best Manners

use the best adab use the best when you

argue and Allah says very explicitly in

the

Quran do not argue with

the except if you must then argue in the

best of all manners don't be crude don't

be vulgar use the best etiquet use the

best adab use everything that is the

best and don't resort to their level so

Allah explicitly says don't argue with

them but if you must then

argue and Allah subhana waa mentions

explicitly in the

Quran they're arguing with you against

the truth and Allah says in the Quran

they're arguing about Allah subh

they're arguing without knowledge and

without guidance and without certain kab

clear kab so three conditions are given

if you want to argue argue with

knowledge and argue with hi and and then

argue upon clear and unequivocal issues

that there's no ambiguity about so the

Quran explicitly mentions conditions for

argument a famous incident occurred in

the time of IM Malik anas that a man

came to Malik anas he was surrounded by

his students and a man came and goes I

want to argue with you debate with you

about some concept of theology some

abstract concept of theology IM Malik

said to him so if you win the debate

what should happen the man said then you

must follow my opinion then Imam Malik

said what if I win the debate the man

said I will follow your opinion then

Imam Malik said what if a third person

comes and he wins the both of us in

debate so then the man said both of us

must follow that man's opinions

so the pro IM Malik responded to him the

religion does not belong to the one who

wins the debate do you think every time

somebody comes who's more argumentative

than the other we will leave the Quran

and Sunnah and go to the one who argues

go and he said to the man go and leave

this Gathering and argue with somebody

who doubts the religion I have no doubt

about my religion this is the

methodology of the real scholar leave

argumentation leave useless reputation

leave all of this back and forth any

argumentation that doesn't result in

guidance that doesn't result in the

softening of the heart that doesn't

result in actual close to Allah subhah

wa tala it is of no value I finish and

conclude with a beautiful reminder of

our Prophet wasallam reported in uhari

and other books of Hadi famous Hadith

our Prophet sallallah alaihi wasallam

said I guarantee a palace in the

peripheries of jenah for anybody who

leaves arguing even if the H is with him

think about this I guarantee you will

get to a palace in the peripheries of

Jenna I guarantee it if you make it your

lifestyle to stop useless argumentation

stop debating stop wasting your time

because it causes the heart to be hard

because you distance yourself from your

religion because you cannot even enjoy

the we all know brothers and sisters

when we're involved in an argumentation

even Salah is no longer you know

praiseworthy you don't even feel the of

Salah cuz your mind is involved with

what your cousin said what your wife

said what somebody said leave

argumentation as much as you can follow

the better and the more dignified path

control your tongue as much as you can

and when others argue just

say just say Salam and move on and leave

argumentation as much as you can if you

must argue then argue with and with with

and with the best of all etiquet never

stoop to the level of those who want to

be foolish with you and if you do so

then you will always be the winner in

the eyes of Allah even if somebody wins

the argument who cares I have to quen

one other Hadith here because it's

relevant I forgot it and that is even

our Prophet said this he a man came to

him and it was a debate about money and

each one is saying it's my money my

money and the prophet wasam said this

man this man is is a liar I don't have

any evidence for it but this man is a

liar he will lie against Allah he will

make and he and and I and he will take

my money away the prophet sallallahu

alaihi wasallam said it is possible some

of you might come to me arguing more

effectively than the other and I might

believe that argumentation so I will

give the the wrong person this is in the

Hadith he's saying that arguing might

cause me to be convinced but then he

said anybody who argues incorrectly with

b and he takes the rights of others it

is as if he is taking Janam into his

pocket arguing is not an Evidence in the

eyes of Allah you can argue with

eloquence even the prophet is saying it

is possible one of you might argue more

eloquently and I might be convinced but

you should beware so he's telling the

other guy even if your other guy wins it

will not change H and even if I put in

his favor in reality it is not in his

favor and on the day of judgment he will

have to answer for false argumentation

so leave as much argumentation as you

can and try your best to be the more

dignified and follow the prophet YF and

our Prophet Muhammad s alai wasallam and

inshallah we'll continue with another

talk for

me