The Ethics of Discussion Between Muslim Groups: The Importance of Referring to the People of Knowledge adapted from the book “Adab Hiwar” (The Ethics of Discussion) by Sayyidil Habib Umar Bin Muhammad Bin Salim Bin Hafiz

Without a doubt, it is a challenge to attain truth and view a particular occurrence through the lenses of sacred knowledge based on the source of information derived from the media which is available today.

And the one who chooses to pursue it (the truth) is like one who is swimming in the deepest depths of the sea.

Man speaks of the sea. Everyone knows of some attributes of the sea but those who explore what lies deep underneath talk of the sea differently; and the conclusions derived by the one who dives deep into a matter is completely different.

And for those who are fearful of plunging into the deepest of the sea should, at the very least, refrain from claiming to have seen and understood in detail the intricacies of each rock and pearl, and claim (to have taken) possession of them with their own hands.

If one has in one’s possession a treasured pearl (obtained through a “diver”), he should, at the very least, admit that this pearl was given to him by the diver and not claim it to be the result of his own effort. The pearl could have been in his possession via his wealth (purchasing power), as a gift from others, or through other means.

Such is the case for the sea of knowledge which includes opinions and methodologies towards understanding the Qur’an and the Hadith. Indeed, Allah has prepared divers to fulfill this very function.

This is mentioned by Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala in the Qur’an:

وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَى أُوْلِي الأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُم

And when there comes to them news of security or fear they spread it abroad; and if they had referred it to the Apostle and to those in authority among them (i.e. the Uulil-Amri), those among them who can search out the knowledge of it would have known it, and were it not for the grace of Allah upon you and His mercy, you would have certainly followed the Shaitan save a few (Surah An-Nisa:83)

Should you desire to extract pearls (from the depths of the ocean), then do so for it is not forbidden upon you. However, should you fear, are unable to, or do not have the requisite ability nor skills to dive into the deepest depths of the sea, then let this matter be handled by its experts, and obtain the pearls from them upon their return from their exploration.