Navigating Arguments in Islam - Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi
Summary
TLDRThis 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
- π£οΈ Mankind has a natural inclination towards arguing and debating, which is often done passionately to prove a point.
- π The Quran generally discourages excessive arguing, especially when it serves no meaningful purpose or is driven by ego.
- βοΈ Arguing without knowledge or about abstract, irrelevant matters is heavily criticized in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet.
- π ββοΈ Believers are encouraged to avoid engaging in useless debates and to respond with dignity and peace when faced with ignorance or aggression.
- β οΈ The Prophet warned that excessive argumentation, even among those with knowledge, can lead to misguided actions and beliefs.
- π Arguing during sacred acts like fasting and Haj is strictly discouraged, as it can break the sanctity of these religious practices.
- π‘ The Prophet expressed great anger when he witnessed people debating religious matters without purpose, warning that such behavior led previous nations astray.
- π Religious debates, particularly over trivial or abstract issues, are said to harden the heart and weaken one's connection to Allah.
- π€ While some argumentation is permitted, such as when defending oneβs rights, it must always be done with respect and proper etiquette.
- π 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 Muhammadβs (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 someoneβs 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 oneβs dignity, as seen in the example of Prophet Yusuf (AS) who did not respond to his brothers' false accusations.
Outlines
π£οΈ 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.
βοΈ 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.
π 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.
π‘ 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 Malikβs 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.
π 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Argumentation (Jadel)
π‘Ignorance
π‘Knowledge
π‘Wisdom (Hikmah)
π‘Religion
π‘Dignity
π‘Slander
π‘Day of Judgment
π‘Rights
π‘Softening of the Heart
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
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