al_etidaal_gn

— not in the strength of Imaan, neither in correctness of action, nor in knowledge of
the language of the Quran, nor in the light of intimacy with Allah. How can we ever
think of comparing our intellectual prowess with the high position of Rasulullah
(Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) which was even inaccessible for the rest of the
Prophets?
Allama Ibn Jowzi enumerated in his book Talbees-i-Iblees all those ways in which
shaytaan used human intelligence, understanding and their keeness for investigation
to attack this Ummah. He firther proved that the human is able to acquire divine
knowledge only in part and hence it is incumbent on him to refer to the Shariat.
Otherwise they will land in the deep caverns of error and deviation from truth.
The discussion by Ibn Jowzi is quite an interesting one and well worth studying.
Should you wish you will be well advised to read it.
Apart from all that has been said, there is another point to which attention should be
given. ft is this: Whether the differences we have in opinion is of the praiseworthy
type or the bad type, it is completely against Islamic teachings to exceed the bounds
of decency and to deal with opponents in harsh and immoderate ways. The Quran
states:
“Allow not your hatred of people, who once prevented your entrance to the Holy
Mosque to induce you to transgress beyond justice.” (5. 2)
Just think! In this we deal with opposition from among the idolators. Think how
severe was their opposition to Islam! Yet in spite of that the Muslims are warned and
prohibited from excesses and injustice in retaliation. What I am saying is not that
there is no differences of opinion or that there are no differences in points of view on
ma’saail, or that there are no points of dispute. These things have always been and
always will be with us. The disputes are of both the praiseworthy as well as
blameworthy types. But is there anything for which we do not have the opinions,
actions and practice of our predecessors as a ray of guiding light? These differences
should be kept within the limits of decency. If you wish to know the stories of mutual
differences, then look up the disputes between the Sahabah (Radiallaht anhum). You
will find that even in their fighting, they accomplished this teaching to the full. I now
want to bring to your attention some of these incidents. But before I do that let me
first point out one very important matter as a major guiding principle to bear in mind
always.
The Sahabah (Radiallahu anhum)
The Sahabah (Radiallahu anhum) were human and they also committed
transgressions. In affairs of government and of state they also had differences and
occassions arose when even battles were fought. Although these incidents are not
befitting to their high esteem and elevated positions, they still serve as guiding
Al- Eti’daal Fi Maraatibur- Rijaal 174