CHITRAL: Of late the internet has been inundated with videos of fiery debates between scholars and representatives of various Islamic schools of thought, particularly Sunni and Shia. These debates often fixate on seemingly minor historical disputes—such as the righteousness of certain Sahaba (companions of the Prophet (PBUH), the events surrounding the Prophet’s final moments, or contentious interpretations of his ascension. While these exchanges may captivate audiences, they frequently devolve into trivial quarrels, overshadowing the essence of the Prophet’s mission and legacy.
Surprisingly however, there is no debate or discussion on which sect is better following (if at all following) the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings and character trait examples vis a vis his being ‘truthful’ and ‘trustworthy’ (Saadiq and Ameen). These supreme character traits and divine attributes were gifted to him by Allah Almighty right at his birth and formed the bedrock of his credibility and authority as the Messenger of Allah.
Is it not time that we shun these endless and fruitless debates on happenings in the past and use our better sense in this age of reasoning and logic? Scholars of sects now furiously debunking each other over historical events should shift their priorities and instead challenge each other about better adherence to the supreme traits of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) i.e Sadaaqat and Amaanat aka Huqooq ul Ibaad. .. CN report, 03 April, 2025
3 thoughts on ““Truthful and Trustworthy”: Why sectarian debates ignore the Prophet’s (PBUH) greatest traits”
The author presents very pragmatic and rational points, highlighting a crucial lesson from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teachings and Almighty message.
It is strange that even in the 21st century, we have not been able to come out of the past shadows. In the glorious era of Islamic history, the Abassids, the Fatimids and the Umayads allowed open debate to develop tolerance among the followers of different faiths and to find commonalities that would bring humanity at a common wavelength. Since the start of polemical era in the 12th century, theological hair splitting and intolerance replaced the past discourse pitting one Islamic sect against another in a cutthroat manner. With this the decline in the Islamic world set in and continues without break. The world is planning to develop colonies in the outerspace but muslims are still searching to find the Moon. The editor of Chitral News has done well to highlight this issue and inviting discussion on the topic.
Instead of addressing the core issue of “Why muslims cannot become good human beings despite our religion stressing on it”, we keep beating about the bush engaging in frivolous debates.