Mercy in Disagreement

FREEDOM OF THOUGHT that is free from differing opinions. These disagreements are not a negative thing; rather, they are an intellectual stimulus. They prompt people to think. They activate the mind and guide it toward intellectual development. WELL-WISHING, PERSONAL REMARKS In the Quran, the terms naseeha (advice) and nasih (the advisor) are used for those who call others to the truth (Quran, 7:68, 11:34). This indicates that the words of a caller to God should be words of advice, meaning that the motivation behind their speaking or writing should be solely for the purpose of reform and goodwill. There should be no other underlying motive when speaking about others or writing about them. The words of an advisor come from a sense of responsibility. They think before speaking and research before writing. Their motivation is that if they remain silent, they may be held accountable before God. They do not speak for fame, self-expression, or worldly gain; they speak because they believe it is their duty. When they speak about others, they are also praying for them with sincerity in their hearts. In contrast, the other form of speaking or writing is personal remarks or criticism. The Quran says: “And those who disbelieve say, ‘Do not listen to this Quran, and make noise in it so that you may overcome.’” (41:26). Abdullah ibn Abbas explained walghaw feehi as: ‘Ayyiboohu—meaning,