Explanation of the Sunnah Part 12: Rhetoric, Debate and Argument Does Not Bring Unity

Rhetoric, Debate and Argument Does Not Bring Unity

Debate, and argument and flowery discourse will not unite people upon one monotheistic creed; and if it does bring them together in an interfaith effort it will not be upon the way of pure monotheism. This is because the path of pure monotheism (tawhid) towards our Creator is a single path, and its method is a process relying upon the truth. Allah said:

“But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission,” [sūrat l-nisāa (The Women), 4:65, Sahih International trans.].

Truth is the light of guidance from Divine Revelation, while debate and argument mix the truth with falsehood and innovation. Argument must end with revealed evidence. Thus for the argument between different creedal groups within Islam we bring a statement of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam. He said:

“‘No people have gone astray after the guidance they used to follow except because of their engagement in disputes.’ Then he sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam recited the verse (what means): {They did not present the comparison except for [mere] argument. But, [in fact], they are a people prone to dispute.} [Quran 43:58]” [Ibn Majah, Al-Albani - Hasan]