Among these [eight admonitions], you have to do four of them and you do not do four of them so that your knowledge does not become your enemy on the Day of Judgment. First, those four things will be mentioned that you should not do.
1. PRINCIPLES OF DEBATE
Firstly, as much as it’s possible you should not have [religious] debates with everyone and do not argue with anyone on any [religious or non-religious] issue because there are many [hidden] calamities (harms) in it and has more harms than benefits.
This work (debates and arguments) is the fountainhead (source) of all evil things such as ostentation (show off/Riya), jealousy, arrogance, resentment, enmity, pride, egoism, etc.
If an argument starts between you and someone else [about an issue] and you desire the truth to prevail then your intention to argue in this matter is said to be correct.
In this regards, there are two indications (signs) of your right intentions:
First [indication] is that, if truth is revealed from either your tongue or from the tongue of the opponent, it makes no difference to you.
In other words, you are satisfied (content) in both cases that the truth has been revealed.
Second indication [of your right intention] is that you consider it better to argue on this [issue with your opponent] in solitude [and not in front of an audience].
But if you argue [or debate] on an issue and if you are certain that you are correct and the opponent is only arguing [for the sake of arguing] then you beware and do not argue with him/her and end your discussion right at that point otherwise grudges [and resentments] will born out of this and no benefit [whatsoever] will be achieved.
Ibn al-A`rābī said: “All of knowledge is an admission of ignorance, and all of spirituality is to eschew what is superfluous. Asceticism is to take only what one needs. Dealing with others well requires doing what is best and then what is second best. Contentment is to avoid protesting. Well-being comes when you avoid pretentiousness and then avoid becoming pretentious about your simplicity.”
There are many issues that consume our time and give us serious headaches, but which really do not matter at all. They are not worthy of our attention. There are many questions debated by people that bring nothing but difficulties in their wake. A lot of things people do in the name of religion and piety undermine the very purpose of the religion. They interfere with people’s good, simple, and tolerant natures.
Part of what it means to be easy-going is to simply worship Allah with a sincere heart and a pure intention.
Another aspect of what it means to be easy-going is to take people on face value. Do not accuse them of things or pin labels on them. Do not judge their words and deeds harshly as long as they are trying to do what is right and their actions can be interpreted in a good way.
Be easy-going by keeping away from the clamour of other people’s affairs. Then you will have quiet time alone to focus on yourself and hear what your muffled voice is trying to tell you.
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
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