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.