Islam Blog

One of the banes of our times is when laymen argue about serious matters without knowledge. This has become so common that people are no longer appalled by it. However, the seriousness of the matter remains. Speaking about Allah and his Messenger and this deen without knowledge is a serious and major sin. Remember this hadeeth:

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: Prophet Muhammad said: “Whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day, let him honour his neighbour; whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day, let him honour his guest; whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day, let him speak good or else remain silent.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5672) and Muslim (47).

I’ve included a list of five matters that we should not argue about. Please note that these are issues that are best left to the scholars to handle. Besides, why do you want to add to your problems? Isn’t it always nice to leave what doesn’t concern you? Here they are in no particular order:

1. Divine Decree or Taqdeer: I’ve posted about this on this blog before. However, the intention was not to raise a debate. It was to simplify an issue that may seem confusing to some. If it was helpful, then that’s good. But if it wasn’t and you’re still confused, I would strongly recommend contacting a good scholar. But this is besides the point. The real point here is to not argue about this AT ALL. Before you know it, one thing leads to another and now you’re confused and you’ve managed to confuse someone else. So keep this point in mind and refrain from this discussion.

2.Allah: He is known by his signs and by the attributes that he has mentioned to us. Therefore, it is not becoming of believer to argue about this. You may ask a scholar about this. But do not argue about the characteristics of Allah . This is extremely dangerous territory. You will often here questions of these type being raised by atheists. I will not list them here. However, I do recommend that if you get in to a discussion with an atheist, please don’t hasten to answer. Instead, ask for time and bring this issue to a reliable scholar to get the appropriate response. If you can’t find one, then try posting your question to sites such as www.IslamToday.com. So far, they’ve had a good track record of answering my questions.

3. Fiqhi matters: I believe this is the biggest problem of them all. People arguing about Fiqhi matters like they’re ultra qualified jurists of the highest order. Some of the common issues of our time:

‘My madhab is better than your madhab’
‘Place your hands on your chest, not below the navel’
‘Madhabs are not necessary!’

These are some of the major ones. There may be loads of minor ones too. For folks such as these, I have one word of advice: ‘Stop!’ You are not helping anyone by arguing about this. On the contrary, you’re dividing the Muslims. You’re making them despise one another for absolutely flimsy reasons. Respectable scholars will advise you to not argue about this. And ’scholars’ that ask you to debate with the ‘other heretical group,’ don’t deserve respect. They’re troublemakers. Keep away from them.

4. Sahaba: The noble companions of our beloved Prophet Muhammad are the best of mankind after the Prophets and Messengers. They have a station that we can never attain. Sadly, this is an area where people tend to argue as well. I will leave out the Shia reference here because of their extreme beliefs about the companions. I am addressing those people who claim to love all the sahaba but argue based on historical references. Always speak in good terms about the companions of Prophet Muhammad . How can you argue about or revile someone with whom Allah is pleased:

And the first to embrace Islâm of the Muhâjirûn (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansâr (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhâjirûn) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allâh is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success. (At-Tawbah 9:100)

5. Ambiguous Ayaath and Ahadeeth: Finally, there will always be Ayaath and Ahadeeth that scholars will have ikhtilaaf or differences about. We should strictly refrain from arguing or debating over these issues. A classic and relevant example: The sighting of the moon to signal the beginning of Ramadan. Should I fast with the people in my locality or should I fast with the first region that sees the moon or along with the people in Saudi Arabia?

So here is my list of things we should never argue about. Come to think of it, we should never argue at all! If you have any suggestions, feel free to share them.