The Qur’anic Rules of Debate
Liaquat Ali
5/1/2002
The "Qur'an As It Explains Itself" Project
http://www.qxpi.org

Dear Muslims,

Aggressiveness, in my humble opinion, comes from people who either have an agenda or are disturbed. “Disturbed” is a loaded word, though, and I am not going into it in this article. If Islam is a logical religion, and I strongly believe that the “Revealed Islam” is logical, then we should be able to keep our cool. The rules of engagement are outlined in the Qur'an.

Talk with Wisdom:

“Call to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching. Reason with them decently. Leave the results to your Lord who knows the way that is wrong and those who walk upright.” (16:125)

Use the Qur'an:

25:52 Conduct a major struggle using the Qur’an.

Don’t Feel Guilty:

2:139. Say to the Jews and the Christians why dispute about Allah. He is the same Lord; yours and ours. The difference is in our attitudes. For example, some of you think that God is only interested in Children of Israel. We believe that He is the Sustainer of all humanity. Also, some of you think that God begot a son and sacrificed him to absolve you of your sins. We believe in the Law of Requital, that is, you shall reap what you sow. Therefore, we are sincerely mindful of our duty to Allah, His Laws and his creation. We are responsible for our doings and you for yours.

Disengage Amicably:

25:63 The real servants of the Rahman (God) walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant speak to them, they say, "Peace".

109:6 Time has come for me say, "To you your way, and to me my Way."