Discussions and debates among people are rarely free from introducing side topics unrelated to the main subject of conversation, especially when there is animosity or heightened disagreement. These irrelevant topics often spoil the discussion or lead to false victories. This behavior represents a deviation from objectivity.

Objectivity means not straying from the subject of dispute or disagreement. Unfortunately, many people, when discussing a particular topic, deliberately resort to what is now referred to as “mixing issues” or distracting their opponent by introducing unrelated topics. As a result, reasonable individuals cannot discern what the actual disagreement is about, and the truth gets lost amid these irrelevancy, which often lack any foundation.

When examining the Quran, one finds that many debates, attempts, and disagreements between the messengers of Allah (peace be upon them) and their people showcase responses that remain firmly tied to the words of their opponents, without deviating from the main point of contention. Here are some examples:

1. The Disagreement Between Prophet Nuh and His People

The Quran narrates the dialogue between Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) and his people, Allah says, “We had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous day.' Said the eminent among his people, 'Indeed, we see you in clear error.' [Noah] said, 'O my people, there is not error in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.'” (Al-A'raf: 59-61)

Here, the people's accusation was: “We see you in clear error.” The reply came directly addressing their words: “There is not error in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds,” maintaining the focus on the main topic of disagreement and mirroring their language.

2. The Disagreement Between Prophet Hud and His People

Prophet Hud (peace be upon him) did not stray from objectivity in his disagreement with his people. The Quran states: “And to the 'Aad [We sent] their brother Hud. He said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Then will you not fear Him?' Said the eminent ones who disbelieved among his people, 'Indeed, we see you in foolishness, and indeed, we think you are of the liars.' [Hud] said, 'O my people, there is not foolishness in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.'” (Al-A'raf :65-67) 

The ayahs highlight the accusation made by Hud's people, and his response directly negated their accusation avoiding any unrelated topics in the ongoing debate.

3. The Disagreement Between Prophet Musa and Pharaoh

Pharaoh questioned Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) with several provocative questions aimed at embarrassing him and turning people away from his message. Despite this, Musa remained objective, addressing each question without deviating from the main point. An example is found in Allah’s saying: “[Pharaoh] said, 'Did we not raise you among us as a child, and you remained among us for years of your life? And [then] you did your deed which you did, and you were of the ungrateful.' [Moses] said, 'I did it, then, while I was of those astray. So I fled from you when I feared you. Then my Lord granted me wisdom and prophethood and appointed me [as one] of the messengers. And is this a favor of which you remind me - that you have enslaved the Children of Israel?' [Pharaoh] said, 'And what is the Lord of the worlds?' [Moses] said, 'The Lord of the heavens and earth and that between them, if you should be convinced.'” (Ash-Shu'ara: 18-24)

Pharaoh’s questions were insincere and meant to divert attention, yet Musa responded with clarity and precision, staying true to the main subject without confusion or evasion.

4. The Disagreement Between Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and His People

The Quraysh raised numerous doubts and objections against Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Quran records several of these, showing how the Prophet’s responses adhered strictly to the main issue, demonstrating objectivity. Examples include:

“And when they commit an immorality, they say, 'We found our fathers doing it, and Allah has ordered us to do it.' Say, 'Indeed, Allah does not order immorality. Do you say about Allah that which you do not know?' Say, [O Muhammad], 'My Lord has ordered justice and that you maintain yourselves [in worship of Him] at every place or time of prostration and invoke Him, sincere to Him in religion.' Just as He originated you, you will return [to life].” (Al-A'raf: 28-29)

“And they say, 'Never will the Fire touch us, except for a few days.' Say, 'Have you taken a covenant with Allah? For Allah will never break His covenant. Or do you say about Allah that which you do not know?' Yes, whoever earns evil and his sin has encompassed him - those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.” (Al-Baqarah: 80-81)

“But those who disbelieve say, 'The Hour will not come to us.' Say, 'Yes, by my Lord, it will surely come to you. [Allah is] the Knower of the unseen. Not absent from Him is an atom’s weight within the heavens or within the earth or [what is] smaller than that or greater, except that it is in a clear register.'” (Saba: 3)

“Those who remained behind rejoiced in their staying [at home] after [the departure of] the Messenger of Allah and disliked to strive with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah. And said, 'Do not go forth in the heat.' Say, 'The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat' - if they would but understand.” (At-Tawbah: 81)

In these diverse situations, the Prophet’s answers were carefully crafted, directly addressing the issues raised by the Quraysh without digression.

5. Miracles of the Prophets as Evidence of Objectivity in Disputes

Allah provided every messenger with miracles that were related to what their people excelled in, surpassing their abilities to such an extent that they were left completely unable to match them, regardless of how they tried.

For example:

• The miracle of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) addressed his people’s expertise in magic. Allah rendered their magic void through Musa, and they couldn’t oppose him despite their expertise in magic, as He states: “So the truth was established, and abolished was what they were doing.” (Al-A'raf: 118)
• Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) performed miracles in healing, surpassing the medical knowledge and skills of his time. Through Allah's will, he cured incurable diseases and even raised the dead.
• Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent to a people who excelled in eloquence and rhetoric. His miracle was the Quran, a challenge to their linguistic prowess. Despite their expertise, they were unable to produce anything like it, as Allah challenged them to bring forth even a single chapter comparable to the Quran.

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