A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
The foundations for arriving at the truth.
There are three essential foundations for arriving at the truth in any given issue or discussion.
Sincerity for the sake of Allah and distancing oneself from the influence of the masses.
And the application of thought and reason.
All of this is encapsulated in the words of Allah the Almighty:
Say, "I only advise you of one thing:
That you stand for Allah, in pairs and individually, and then reflect."
“Say (unto them, O Muhammad): I exhort you unto one thing only: that ye awake, for Allah's sake, by twos and singly, and then reflect: There is no madness in your comrade. He is naught else than a warner unto you in face of a terrific doom.” (34:46)
“Say (unto them, O Muhammad): I exhort you unto one thing only: that ye awake, for Allah's sake, by twos and singly, and then reflect: There is no madness in your comrade. He is naught else than a warner unto you in face of a terrific doom.” (34:46)
Its explanation is as follows:
First:
Sincerity for the sake of Allah and devotion to Him in the search for truth.
This is indicated by the words of Allah the Almighty:
"That you stand for Allah,"
Meaning, purely for the sake of Allah.
Not out of tribalism or partisanship.
Rather, it is to seek the truth and its manifestation, even if it comes from the tongue of an opponent.
Second:
Distancing oneself from the influence of the masses.
This is guided by the words of Allah the Almighty:
"In pairs and individually,"
Because large numbers and crowds cloud one's thoughts.
They obscure insight.
They hinder deliberation.
Fairness diminishes within them.
And fanaticism and tribalism increase.
Therefore, a person should examine the issue by themselves,
Or with one other person at most,
So that they may review one another,
Far removed from the influence of the mob mentality,
Which follows impulsive reactions.
Third:
Knowledge and the application of thought and reason.
This is guided by the words of Allah the Almighty:
"Then reflect."
For reflection, knowledge, and the application of reason
Are what complete the divine methodology
For arriving at the truth,
And distinguishing guidance from misguidance.
Thus, it is necessary for a person
To be qualified from a scholarly perspective
To research the matter or issue in which they wish
To know the truth.
And they must be well-informed
Regarding the state of this issue,
And the aspects of disagreement within it,
Otherwise, there would be no hoped-for benefit in reflection.