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| Sulaimon Arigbabu exploring Ethics of Disagreement |
The topic, though quite intellectual is rather germane in fundamental development as humans and more especially as Muslims. The World today is in a chaotic state and is as result of simple disagreements that were either handled improperly or managed redundantly. Thus, making it important to analyze this topic without restricting it to the Ummah alone essential; but reconciling it to our roles in the larger society.
To understand it better, we should know that disagreement stems from the creation of our father, Adam (AS) and the relationship between Allah, (swt) and Iblis when he (Iblis) refused to bow down to Adam per decree of Allah (AZW). This is further emphasized between the children of Adam (AS)-Cain and Abel, when one killed the other over a woman, thus relating that disagreements can be fatal-resulted as in this case or eternally destructive as in the case of Iblis.
It should at this point be understood that disagreement in itself is not a negative thing so long as ilm (knowledge)and hukm (wisdom) are applied to engagements.
This can be better appreciated with reference to the time of the companions of Rasulillah (SAW). Among the Companions of the Prophet, their Successors, and the leading scholars after them, there were several differences relating, for example, to the preparation for and the performance of salaah. Some recited the Basmalah at the beginning of Soorat al Faatihah and others did not. Some uttered it aloud and others did not. Some recited the Qunoot supplication as part of the Salaat al Fajr (Dawn Prayer) while others did not. Some renewed their wudoo' (ablution) after nose-bleeding, vomiting, and cupping while others did not. Some considered that any physical contact with women nullified wudoo' while others did not. Some renewed their wudoo' after eating camel meat or food cooked on a direct fire while others saw no need for that.
When faced with a difficult issue, some jurists would consult the literature of another school without any hesitation or embarrassment, even though they might not agree on the type of evidence used. They of course felt free to consult any substantiated text. Having arrived at their verdicts, they would issue them with such concluding phrases as "this is more cautious," "this is preferable," "this is how it should be," "I dislike this, or "this does not appeal to me." They did not feel impeded by any unwarranted restrictions or any fear of unfounded accusations. They were easy-going and open-minded, and their concern was to facilitate matters for people.
This was the way of the pious salafs and thus made a source of great success in leadership in their era; So much unlike these recent times with Muslims being not only victims but agressors and couriers of conflicts within the ummah and in the global community as well.
In Allah’s design of the world, He created each individual differently, making an inclination to disagree with one another a natural inclination.
“And if your Lord had so willed, He would surely, have made mankind one Ummah (nation or community), but they will not cease to disagree. Except him on whom your Lord has bestowed His mercy, and for that did He create them.” (11:118-119)
In His Majesty, however, He elevated man amongst His creatures, created us differently and then blessed us with the FREEDOM OF CHOICE with which He blessed us with intellect to differentiate that which is good from that which is bad.
Appreciating the differences in our point of views, perception and ideas are what makes us unique but expressing such differences in manners that create dissention between parties involved is the basic reason of the world’s conflicts today.
In ancient times, especially in the era of the development of European civilization, history relates that conflicts erupted from simple issues between men vying for the affection of a woman to grave issues as expansion of territory. In recent times however, conflicts and wars arise from religion-entrenched issues; Thus, making it important for us as Muslims to be enlightened on the acceptable ethics of disagreeing with one another such that it does not dissolve the society into chaos.
Wars are being precipitated by religious bias or religious bias itself is entrenched in conflicts in the world - Sulaimon Arigbabu
To effectively manage disagreements we call to mind the words of Allah (AZW),
“Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and argue with them in the best way possible.” (Q16:25)
This perhaps is the first and most important skill to acquire in managing disagreements, because as Muslim everything we do is a means of dawah (calling to Allah’s deen) and thus what better way than to use divine principles to achieving the sole goal we are sent, i.e. serving and pleasing Allah.
Taking a cue form one of great Islamic scholars, Ad-Dhahabi who said “ Do not think your own madhhab (school of thougt) is best and one most beloved by Allah, for you have no proof of this. The Imams, may Allah be pleased with them, all follow great goodness, when they are right, they receive two rewards, and when they are wrong, they get one reward.”; we should understand our own perception of viewing things, is just that…our perception and thus to see from the point of view of other, we have to learn to shed ours to take on theirs.
And indeed “righteousness is that which satisfies the soul and comforts the heart, but sin is that which troubles the heart, disturbs the soul, even if people give you a decision in its favour”. “...That which is permitted is clear, and that which is forbidden is clear and in between them are doubts which most people do not know of…” - Rasulullah (SAW)
And these(doubtful areas) are the areas that are often points of disagreements in the ummah but as Muslims should be both careful of and should not allow to be causes of disunity.
We should emulate the strategies of the pious predecessors in our dealings with one another and with the larger society with neither believing themselves infallible and held each other in great respect and reverence.
Legitimate differences of opinions should not be allowed to lead to disunity in the home or the ummah and proffering kindness and goodwill expresses the deen of Allah better to the none believers.
