Unacceptable qualities in a debator

There are times in our life when we have to discuss and debate on various issues with our students, friends and relatives. These discussions for the sake of Amr BIl Maroof and Nahi Anil Munkar should be done in the best possible manner since its outcome would be bringing them back to religion and religious practices. Let us educate ourselves with some of the traits which are not acceptable for a debator :

a.   Should not be emotionally weak. We should not be affected by the bad language, insulting statements, criticisms of the opponent. Moreover, if we could not give him a befitting reply, we should not blame ourself at that time and concentrate on the debate. A person who is emotionally weak will not be able to take intial attacks in his stride. We should realise that the opponent without doubt has certain points which were strong enough to misguide him and others. These points would be difficult to handle but these would be limited and the truth is with us.

b.   Should not be overconfident – Self confidence is a quality and overconfident is as a disaster. We should not consider any opponent or any argument to be strong. It could surpise us. We need to realise that our opponent is muballigh of shaitaan and shaitaan would whisper him of the best things known to him. We should be careful in replying to each and every query.

c.  Should not be overjoyed so as to lose concentration or develop pride. There are times when a person presents an argument which leaves the opponent baffled, purplexed and speechless. Though, it is an indication of your victory, it is not victory. We have to remain concentrated till the last sentence of the debate. Our celebrations and joy should start only after the end of the debate. Initial success should not make us so happy that weou lose our concentration. Moreover, it should not be a reason for development of pride. We could be winning in front of our opponent but shaitaan may strike a lethal blow by whispering ideas of greatness and pride.  Hence, it is desirable that during the times of success a person should thank Allah and Imam-e-Zamana (Atfs), recite Isteaaza and carry on with utmost concentration, caution and vigilance.

d.  Should not be aggressive – A person who is aggressive silences his opponent with his behaviour rather than his argument. There is no benefit in this kind of victory, he actually stops listening and there is no scope of guidance.

e.  Should not waste time while arguing. We should not allow are opponents to waste time in discussing things which have no relevance, seeking unnecessary details or references at inappropriate places etc. Debate is a serious matter and should be undertaken to finish as soon as possible. There is no scope for vain talks, unnecessarily spreading it.  We find Imam Ali Reza (as) putting this as a condition to debate – “..Then Al-Reza (s) said, “O people! If any of you is opposed to Islam and wants to ask me any questions, then let him ask me without any shame.” Imran As-Sa’bee who was an expert in theology stood up and said, “O Scholar of the people. I would not have asked you any questions if you had not invited me to ask. I have been to Kufa, Basra, Syria and Algeria. There I have met many theologians. However, none of them has been able to establish for me the proof that there is One who has no second other than Him and that He remains to be One Being. Will you permit me to ask you this question?” Al-Reza (s) said, “If Imran As-Sab’ee is present among the people here, it must be you.” He said, “Yes. This is me.” The Imam (s) said, “O Imran! Ask. But I advise you to be fair. Avoid vain talk and nonsense.” (Chp 12 tradition no. 1 – Oyune Akhbare Reza (as))

f. Should not be hasty – You should not be hasty in presenting the reply.  You should not present all the replies at a time. You have to be slow, allow the opponent to understand, realise it. Each of your argument causes injury to falsehood, breaks it, weakens it. Hence, commence with the next argument only after the first argument has had its complete impact. There is no hurry.

Moreover, you need to comprehend the whole question before starting the reply. Anticipation and foresightedness about the question is a good trait but your reply should not be based on your anticipation but you will have to reply to the actual question. It would be very awkward if the opponent points out to your error in understanding the question and thereby presenting an answer to a question not raised.

Do not be in a hurry to end the debate, you have to actually convince the person who may take time to understand, realise. He may require further arguments to leave his beloved false beliefs.

g.   Should not feel shy in asking questions or references – Your opponent is a representative of falsehood. His beliefs are based on false interpretaions, false traditions, false assumptions and false understanding. Hence, it is appropriate to ask cross question him, ask for reference, ask for bases of his conclusion. As a debator you should not feel shy in asking. Shyness could prove costly as it could have been the most difficult or devastating question for him. He should feel the stress of justifying each and every belief of his.

h.   Should not leave mistakes and errors of the opponent – All his mistakes and errors should be pointed. There is no question of sparing or showing sympathy to him since he is an enemy of Allah and Masoomeen (As). The more you expose him the more are the chances of guidance.

i.  Should not be awed with the opponent – As an opponent, he has some arguments and power of convincing. As said previously, these arguments are strong enough for misguiding himself and others. We need to realise this and not be awed with his argument, language, oratorship, memory of quranic verses and traditions etc. He may seem to be strong in some things but overall as compared to Masoomeen (as) and the truth received from them he is matchless. We should not compare his capabilities with ourself but compare his belief with the beliefs received by us through Masoomeen (as). There example is best explained through this idiom the bigger they are the harder they fall.

We end our discussion with this prayer to Allah (swt), that he gives us taufeeq to adopt the above practises to easily overcome all those who have some doubt with regards to truth and truthfulness. There is no doubt that our endeavour to convince the youths and our attempt to bring him back to truth will be rewarded appropriately.  But, we should be afraid of losing them due to our carelessness, defect in debating and wrong approach.