Reviving Ijtihad

However, when a nation enters a period of decline, the focus shifts from principles to personalities. People become indifferent to principles and excessively sensitive about their revered figures. As a result, critique becomes anathema. When they hear criticism that appears to target their admired personalities, they react with agitation and hostility. This reaction, though seemingly directed at the critic, reveals a deeper issue: they have not yet experienced the profound joy of recognizing and prioritizing truth. For them, truth is inseparably tied to specific individuals rather than being valued for its own sake. The Benefits of Criticism Criticism is not a vice; it is a blessing. It opens new dimensions of knowledge and brings to light previously unexplored aspects of an issue. Criticism is not merely fault-finding; it is, at its core, an intellectual exchange between the critic and the one being criticized, benefiting both parties equally. It broadens the intellectual horizons of everyone involved. True criticism is an intellectual gift from one person to another. This is why the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, said, “May God bless the man who sends me the gift of my shortcomings.” (Musnad Al-Darmi, Athar No. 675) The immense value of criticism is not just a theoretical concept to me; it is a matter of personal experience. If I were to say that I have an inherent appreciation for criticism, it would not be an exaggeration. Because of this disposition, I encourage my close associates to engage with me intellectually through criticism.