Where should our youth go when sectarian and ideological divisions rage across the Islamic landscape, leaving no space unmarked by clashes and competition? Where does this leave the new generation? And is there a way out of this harrowing turmoil? This is a question that elders must ask themselves before neglect and disregard consign them to oblivion. To our scholars, jurists, thinkers, leaders of thought, jurisprudence, opinion, heads of groups, parties, and institutions—we call upon you!
We no longer see any end or purpose to this artificial conflict; does anyone have a vision for a wise approach to this crisis? The youth are crying out for help, bearing the weight of lost hopes, crushed dreams, and the trampling of their ambitious visions, hurt and wounded in the wake of revolutions that promised so much. This is happening because your roles are absent!
Preserving Truth to Avoid Conflict
Do not hold the Quranic discourse accountable for your own entanglements, which have dragged an entire generation into turbulent waters. The Quran simply directed us to handle ambiguous verses by referring them back to clear and firm ones, preventing misinterpretations stemming from unstable souls: "It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah. But those firm in knowledge say, 'We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord.' And no one will be reminded except those of understanding." (Aal Imran: 7)
Whether we say that the precise verses are fewer than the ambiguous, or whether we say that they comprise most of the Book, their very status as "the foundation of the Book" guarantees that the Quran, in both its clear and ambiguous verses, is guidance and clarification. Therefore, any conflict or disagreement does not arise from the Quranic message, for the Quran, as described by Allah, is "And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims." (An-Nahl: 89) The fault lies within us, as truth remains unblemished and untouched.
Exonerating Islamic Jurisprudence from the Roots of Conflict
As for the vast and noble Islamic jurisprudence, despite its wide scope and diverse opinions, despite the schools of thought based on this diversity, there is no room within it for division and discord. Scholars have long distinguished between mere differences of opinion and discord, favoring the former while condemning the latter.
The true challenge lies in that if one undertakes a long journey through the ocean of Islamic jurisprudence, exploring its schools, sources, and approaches, one will find nothing encouraging division or fragmentation. This is because differences in jurisprudence arise from natural and realistic factors, free from personal whims or desires. These factors include sources, temperaments, and lofty objectives. The sources of jurisprudence may lead to differing opinions on secondary rulings but not on the fundamentals of faith.
As for temperaments, the Quran acknowledges a fundamental truth about creation: "And they will not cease to differ. Except whom your Lord has given mercy, and for that He created them." (Hud: 118-119) This diversity, as Shatibi and others have noted, is by design. When differences remain within the bounds of secondary issues, they are among those upon whom Allah has bestowed mercy. And as for the purpose, it is to fulfill the comprehensive nature of Sharia, the universality of Islam, and the preservation of its teachings. This diversity in views and opinions lends the system flexibility and adaptability, as long as the differences do not encroach upon matters of faith, fixed truths, or those core beliefs known necessarily in Islam.
Effective Management of Differences as Means to Unity
Undoubtedly, managing differences stems from a cultural foundation rooted in the principles and ethics of jurisprudential disagreement. The turmoil seen in our contemporary lives and our academic, political, and advocacy activities cannot be attributed to these principles. This disturbance results from either a lack of understanding or lack of sincerity; no text or truth can produce instability.
If we sincerely believe in the above truth, it serves as the starting point for wise management of differences, achieving the essential minimum of Islamic unity and putting an end to conflicts among allies and friends. However, this belief alone is insufficient unless the foundational principles are solid and purposeful.
Principles of Managing Differences
Firstly, we must renew our faith in a way that revives sincerity and devotion, cleansing our hearts of the hidden desires and ambitions that distort public service. Public work easily becomes entangled with narrow partisan interests, which often align with personal interests connected to factions, groups, or parties. Hence, Quranic guidance consistently warns believers of selfish motives in public service. For instance, at the outset of the command to strive, when some asked about the spoils, the response was meant to curb any thought of personal gain: "They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the bounties [of war]. Say, “The [decision concerning] bounties is for Allah and the Messenger.” So fear Allah and amend that which is between you and obey Allah and His Messenger.'" (Al-Anfal: 1)
Secondly, we must draw a clear distinction between fixed principles and flexible issues, fostering a balanced approach. The mixing of fixed principles, which are beyond dispute, with flexible issues where differences are allowed is a frequent source of confusion. Here, the role of righteous scholars and experienced experts is crucial in defining and promoting knowledge of these constants, ensuring that they are not distorted by the ignorant or the malicious.
We must also establish a set of scientific and ethical guidelines for handling flexible issues, ensuring that differences enrich the landscape with diverse views that meet a wide range of needs and objectives, while also avoiding behavioral backlash from differing opinions.
Similarly, we must differentiate between rulings derived from religious texts and those relating to practical, worldly matters. Religious rulings come from the sources of Sharia, while other issues stem from reason and human experience. For this reason, the Companions were careful to distinguish between these two aspects when engaging in consultation and decision-making.
Furthermore, it is essential to separate our stance on a particular opinion from our stance on the person holding it. A view may be flawed without its proponent being a sinner. The opinion may require refutation without necessitating a breach in the relationship with its holder. Indeed, it is even accepted that a statement may be disbelief without the necessity of deeming the one who holds it as a disbeliever. This distinction prevents the aggression that often accompanies differing opinions.
Above all, there must be clear boundaries that no disagreement can cross, regardless of its severity. For instance, forming alliances with Islam's adversaries against other Muslims is a red line. Throughout history, and even in contemporary times, the Ummah has suffered numerous calamities due to this. Many who associate with Islamic activism, even jihad, continue to justify this error, making it crucial to form scholarly circles for adjudicating these matters.
In this regard, we should strive to expand the scope of shared values and emphasize respect for these commonalities. The Quran has taught us this; despite the intense conflict with the People of the Book, the Quran emphasizes shared values in multiple Surahs to pave the way for constructive dialogue.
This leads to the need for constructive dialogue, rooted in shared values, and wise consultation, with well-defined mechanisms ensuring effective performance and sound outcomes. The role of institutions and structured organizational work is to ensure that disagreements become merely one step in a decision-making process, with every opinion and perspective placed on its rightful path.
We face a major challenge and an array of threats capable of our destruction a thousand times over if we fail in this critical area. We are approaching a profound civilizational shift that will reshape the world, as the global human landscape is visibly turbulent, heralding tremendous transformations. In such times, the tools for managing differences are an urgent necessity.
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