What splits the ummah?
Arguing About Religion is Very Harmful for the Ignorant
Praise be to God, we have believers who are eager to meet the requirements of religion, to be true Muslims. These believers fulfill religious obligations to attract others to the path of the Almighty, because they worry about them. But this call is often associated with rudeness and violence.
We should understand that the appeal to God must be accompanied by patience, care, kindness and love.
God the Most High said to the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him), “It is part of the Mercy of God that you deal gently with them.” That is. the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), in spite of his outward perfection, and all the arguments and the knowledge, also needed gentleness and patience. His appeal would not have been answered otherwise. The Almighty God says in the Koran (meaning), “Where you severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you.”
If the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) needed gentleness, how can we do without it? We need it even more. Do you know what splits our society? It is the endless and perpetual religious disputes. They cannot be allowed in our society. Disputes divide it and evoke the worst and most foul vices within those who argue. Usually neither of those arguing knows the true answer to the question. In this case it is better to remember the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “If a man gives up contention when he is in the wrong, a house will be built for him within the Garden of Paradise; but if a man gives up contention even when he is in the right, a house will be built for him in the loftiest part of the Garden.”
Therefore, even if you are right, it does not mean you have to argue, scream and yell furiously. When it comes to arguing, stay away from it in the name of the Almighty, because disputes lead to disagreement and quarrels. Another hadith narrated by Abu Darda (may God be pleased with him) states, “Once when we were arguing over a religious issue the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to us. When he saw us arguing, he became very angry and warned us, ‘Stop, O Ummah of Muhammad. It destroyed those who were before you. Give up disputing, as true believers do not argue. Reject it, for I will not stand up for one who argues on Judgment Day.’”
Of course, this is not about the debates among Islamic theologists undertaken with reasoning and arguments. And no dispute has ever led to controversy and hostility between the Ulama, the Islamic theologians. Even if they maintain their points of view, they still do not lose respect and love for each other. As for the ignorant in matters of religion, arguing is very harmful for them.
I want to focus your attention on the following hadith. Abu Hurairah (may God be pleased with him) reported the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying, “Every people and every community have lost their true path given by the Almighty only after they began disputing.” That is, a dispute may cause straying away from the truth.
Today only Ulama should be entitled to deal with any allegations of lack of faith or innovations. You must understand one thing: you cannot accuse anyone of disbelieving. Only Shariah can make a decision on such issues. Glory be to God! Today we can hear accusations of lack of faith everywhere. How can we unite then? This division among Muslims is very advantageous for the enemies of Islam!
Religion should be spread without any controversy. Whoever opens his heart to the Almighty will receive guidance. None of us can guide anyone. Our task is to patiently bear and tell the truth. We must be those who make others fall in love in the Almighty, not move further away from Him. Rudeness and disputes are unacceptable in any matter, even more so when inviting to Islam.
What Can Replace Rudeness?
You might ask: what can replace rudeness? Many of us deem it impossible to reject rudeness today. Yet, it is possible! There are alternative ways which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) suggests to us. The first is justice. After all, the cause of most our trouble is injustice and bias. We must realize that, if we dislike anyone, we must never be unfair to him.
There was a time when the Muslims in Medina lived in peace with the Jews, as long as the latter did not violate this peace. During this period the Jews had to pay to the treasury of the Muslims, just as the Muslims did. Special people were assigned to levy the money. They checked and fairly organized the levy. For this purpose, the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) sent a Companion to Jews, whose tribe never stopped plotting against the Muslims. When they heard about it, they were afraid that because of their plotting, this Companion would be unfair to them. When he came, they offered him a bribe to mollify him so that he would not be unjust to them. But he refused it, “You offer me haram (what is forbidden). I came to you from the person dearest to me and I hate you the most. But, despite this hatred, I will be fair to you. You do not have to offer me anything.” Seeing this person’s adherence to principles, the Jews said, “This justice holds the heavens and the earth.”
Secondly one should employ conversation and dialogue. It is very important to listen to a person, understand the problem and give a beautiful and gentle explanation of what is allowed and what is not.
One of the Quraysh Companions said to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “Oh Messenger of God, let me commit adultery!” The Companions sitting around were about to attack this young man in anger. But the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) stopped them saying, “Hold on, let him come closer.” Then the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) asked him, “Would you like it to happen to your mother?” The young man exclaimed, “No, O Messenger of God, who would want it for his mother!” “And with your daughter?” asked the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). The young man answered, “No, by God, what man wants his daughter to commit adultery!” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked, “And your sister?” The young man said, “No, no one can wish that.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) put his hand on him and said, “Oh God! Forgive the sins of this slave, purify his heart and protect his body from the forbidden.” After thi,s the young man did not even think about adultery.
What would happen, if the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) joined the wrathful Companions who were going to attack the young man? Instead, the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) started a dialogue with him. He (peace and blessings be upon him) reasoned him about the foul act. This is the best way to explain the requirements of Islam.
I will sum up by saying that ours is a religion of moderation, which calls only for patience and understanding. It is never about extremity, intolerance and calling for bloodshed. This is in the Islamic nature; it was introduced into our religion. We came to the present situation, because we drifted away from the true understanding of the prophecy. It gave our enemies the chance to bring into our ranks people who call for bloodshed and intolerance and who cannot forgive and discuss peacefully.
May God replace our cruelty and impatience with forgiveness! Amin.
