Combat Sectarian Conflicts and Promote Religious Tolerance and Understanding

By Mohamad Ali El Husseini, New Age Islam

Translated from Arabic by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam

26 May 2023

Doctrinal Conflicts Do Not Produce Knowledge

Main Points:

1.            People on social media are using false information and dubious evidence to stir up conflict and controversy.

2.            Persons with knowledge and insight, renowned scholars, and reliable people are best qualified to address the issue, which requires "wisdom and goodly exhortation".

3.            We want to foster a culture of bridge-building by accepting the others, coexisting with them, and developing mutual respect while avoiding anything that could lead to conflict.

4.            Promoting contentious matters improperly is corrupting, as it seeks to shake beliefs and disperse the nation.

5.            Social media platform users and founders must forewarn and take measures to combat sectarian conflicts and promoters, as well as advance religious awareness and tolerance.

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 Through social media, there have been many people recently who highlight contentious and divisive issues among diverse Islamic schools of thought. Unfortunately, they do not seek to advance knowledge or show the truth through scientific proof. Rather, what we observe is incredibly sad because they want to exacerbate divisions, sow seeds of enmity, and attract a sizable audience of supporters who admire and think sectarian warfare is successful. It feels like they are in a wrestling match where the winner isn't the one with the best proof, but the one who can craft an argument that will stir up conflict and controversy, even if it's totally supported by false information and dubious evidence.  

Allah Almighty says in the Quran, “Do not follow what you have no sure knowledge of”. [Surah Isra: 36]

Controversy Is A Two-Edged Sword That Can Cause Division or Open Up New Avenues for Comprehension

Undoubtedly, when we address subjects that are contentious, it is not a horrible thing but rather an opportunity to introduce people to various viewpoints, have a discussion about them, and engage in idea with idea and argument with argument confrontation. It consists of two components, one of which is admirable and essential and the other of which is useless. The desired argument is one that establishes the truth, proves it, and dispels any scepticism. Allah, the Almighty, declares in this situation:

“Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and have disputations with them in the best manner; surely your Lord best knows those who go astray from His path, and He knows best those who follow the right way.” (16:125)

Obviously, persons with knowledge and insight, renowned scholars, and reliable people are most qualified to address this issue. Since it includes prerequisites and tools that must be met in order for the discussion to be successful and reach its intended goals, it cannot be managed by a typical person. The argument with what is “wisdom and goodly exhortation” is one of the qualifications given in the noble verse mentioned above.

This means that the argument must be backed up by facts and evidence and should be presented deftly and compassionately rather than with extremism, fanaticism, or excitement coupled with foul language. When the Mighty and the Almighty, our Lord, declared, "Had you been rough and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you," (Verse 159 of the Surah Ale Imran), He forbade the rough and disliked conduct. Instead, He Almighty underlined the importance of enabling non-Muslims to learn Islam by communicating to them in a loving and tolerant manner.

Allah Almighty says in the Quran, “And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.” (29:46) 

Regarding the debate that was brushed aside, it is one that encourages rivalry, animosity, and hostility while also making issues more complicated.

Accordingly, Allah Almighty declares:

“None disputes the signs of Allah except the disbelievers, so do not be deceived by their prosperity throughout the land.” (40:4)

This type of argumentation was forbidden by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, and his companions) when he said:

“No people are led astray after being guided but that they indulged in arguments.” Then, the Prophet recited the verse, “They strike an example for you only to argue. Rather, they are a quarrelsome people.” (43:58) (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3253)

Using Doctrines As a Topic of Conflict Can Be Detrimental To the Principle of Knowledge

We want to foster a culture of real bridge-building by accepting the others for who they are, coexisting with them, and developing our mutual respect. Additionally, we wish to encourage the opening, construction, and development of the mosque for the Muslim community. We are even attempting to leave behind anything that might lead to conflict or take us back in time.  We have made the decision to avoid everything that hinders our development or tries to stop us from comprehending our past, present, and future. While carrying out these actions, if severe arguments and pointless controversy are encouraged, they will regrettably result in hatred, mayhem, and unusual noise that will aid people with nefarious and suspicious agendas.

We reiterate that controversial matters are extremely delicate and that expressing them improperly is corrupting. The purpose of those who promote contentious matters is as obvious as the sun in the fourth part of the day, which is to shake and strike beliefs and produce a condition of confusion and dispersion of the nation, not to spread information or familiarise people with the truth as they claim.

Therefore, our noble Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The most hateful of men to Allah is the one given to fierce violent disputation." 

These individuals have forgotten that they will be held accountable for the horrible deeds that sparked civil unrest upon their return to God, which is certain to occur.

Allah will say to the angels, “…And detain them, for they must be questioned.” (37:24)

Therefore, it is crucial to make a wise decision in order to stop the sectarian conflicts and their promoters. Social media platform users and their founders must forewarn users and take numerous measures to combat these misguided persons in order to stop people from falling prey to their charms. Additionally, it is our collective responsibility to advance religious awareness as well as the principles of inclusivity, tolerance, peace, security and acceptance of everyone for who they are, regardless of our differences.

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Mohamad Ali El Husseini is a Lebanese-born Saudi lecturer, author and researcher who specialises in Islam. He is renowned for his intellectual and political viewpoints. He has authored more than seventy books. His works include ‘The Danger of Sectarian Conflicts and Ways to confront them’ and ‘Towards a Moderate Islam’.

Arabic Article: الجدل المذهبي لا ينتج معرفة

URL:  https://newageislam.com/islam-sectarianism/sectarian-conflicts-religious-tolerance/d/129858

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