Summary of Sunni concepts
What is meant by debate?
Debate is dialogue and debate between two parties about a specific topic
Each of them has an opinion that differs from the other
Each of them tries to prove his point of view and invalidate the other's point of view
Or arriving at a debate on the debated issue
It is an area of ijtihad that allows for disagreement but does not necessitate division
With a sincere desire for the truth to appear and to recognize it when it appears
Of symmetry
The first is to seek debate with scholars and abandon debate with ignorant people
Because it is not based on principles that can be referred to in the event of disagreement
Rather, it is built on whims and increases people's ignorance and suspicion
Perhaps the ignorant person will defeat his opponent and silence him through arrogance rather than through force of argument
Imam Al-Shafi’i was right when he said
I debated with a scholar and defeated him, and an ignorant scholar debated with me and defeated me
How to argue with arrogant people
If the arrogant person argues about things, he cannot argue about everything
Let him be careful not to harm him when arguing with him
To change from what he is arguing about to what he cannot argue about
To oblige him to recognize the truth
As Abraham, peace be upon him, did with those who argued with him about his Lord
God Almighty said
Have you not seen the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord that God had given him the kingdom?
When Abraham said, “My Lord is the One who gives life and causes death.”
He said: I give life and I kill
Abraham said, “God brings the sun from the east, so bring it from the west.”
So the one who disbelieved was astonished, and God does not guide the unjust people
Principles to be taken into account before arguing to be right
Before the debate, the scientist must look at the person he is debating
Does he believe in certainties and axioms, or does he dispute them as well?
If he does not believe in it, there is no point in debating with him about the branches
That's a waste of time
As should the debaters
Agreement on the reasoning method
Otherwise, the gap of disagreement will widen
It will not reach a result
Editing the dispute
Before the debate, it is also necessary to edit the subject of the dispute
So as not to waste time on matters that are the subject of agreement between the two parties
Or so that the discussion does not become more complicated
He argues about matters that go beyond what is intended
Or the lowest rank of what the debater denies
It may be similar to the prohibition of mixing
He sees it as permissible for women to display adornment
Or a man being alone with her, for example
It is correct then
Refrain from talking about mingling
To the symmetry in the prohibition of display and seclusion
Debate etiquette
It is one of the etiquettes of debate that we hope will benefit, God willing
Presenting what is agreed upon between the interlocutors over what is disputed
This led to the formation of the debater’s heart and his acceptance of the truth
God Almighty said
Say, “Do you dispute with us about God when He is our Lord and your Lord?”
We have our deeds and you have your deeds
We are loyal to him
He provided agreement on the oneness of the Lord
Despite their differences in work
Arguing with the People of the Book
Debating with the People of the Book should only take place in what is best
As God Almighty said
And do not argue with the People of the Book except in a way that is best
This includes not giving back everything they have
Just because they say so
Rather, we accept what agrees with the truth
As for the stubborn and arrogant people of the Book
The attitude towards them is turning away from them
Whatever contradicts the truth is invalid, whatever it is
What evidence is established that it is true and the servant is certain of it
It also requires that everything that opposes it is false
Every suspicion brought against him is corrupt
Even if the right holder cannot refute it
And respond to it in detail
His inability to refute it does not necessitate defamation
What he asserted was right and the evidence was based on it
Because whatever contradicts the truth is invalid, whatever it is
God Almighty said
What is after the truth except error?
With this great rule
Everything the speakers want is removed from man
Of problems and similarities
Even if the answer is not known in detail
Its original function
To explain the truth with his evidence and call for it