Deviation from the Purpose of Scholarly Assemblies
Knowledge (‘Ilm) is a divine light, illuminating humanity from the darkness of ignorance towards the clarity of Truth (Haqq). However, if the hearts of those who embark on this path are not purified, it can lead them to a spiritual abyss – namely, pride and ostentation. Especially in debates and discussions, when parties prioritize demonstrating superiority over discovering truth, the blessings of knowledge vanish. Imam Ghazali criticizes those who fall prey to the whims of the ego in such assemblies, emphasizing that instead of clarifying the truth, they say, “I know, but I will not speak,” thereby increasing their ignorance and arrogance. The true purpose should be Allah’s pleasure and the manifestation of Truth, yet the ego’s desire for self-validation takes precedence.
Concealing Truth and Stubbornness
A defining characteristic of a genuine scholar is the ability to accept truth regardless of who utters it. However, a debater consumed by pride will stubbornly refuse to concede even when cornered and their evidence exhausted. Even when the opposing side proves the truth, they may assert, “The truth is different from what you say, and I know this. But it is not my duty to speak it.” This obstinate objector fails to realize that claiming knowledge while concealing the truth is a sign of egoistic stubbornness rather than genuine knowledge. No meaningful outcome can be achieved in such debates, and those who listen merely waste their time with empty rhetoric.
Protection from the Perils of Debate
Those misled (dalal) have a false sense of satisfaction within their hearts. Those who find evil deeds and stubborn arguments pleasing cannot perceive Truth as truth, nor falsehood as falsehood. Those who use debates solely to prove their own superiority (cedel) treat religion as a toy and amusement, deceived by the temporal world. The duty of the seeker of knowledge is to avoid frivolous debates, to know when to remain silent when lacking understanding, and even while defending truths they believe in, to act with compassion and humility rather than humbling those before them. For knowledge should be a light within the heart, not a weapon in the tongue.