Agreeing To Differ
| Khatib : | Sadullah Khan |
| Khutbah No: | 8 |
| Khutbah Date: | 03/22/02 |
With respect to the perception of truth, disagreement is an ancient phenomenon in the intellectual history of mankind. The belief that Truth is one does not detract from the possibility that how it is arrived at is a matter open to everyone, each to pursue within his or her social and intellectual means. This pursuit however, should not be to serve selfish or particularistic ends.
We must take cognisance of the fact that our intellectual life is based on an exchange of opinions, ideas that vary and often reflect distinct cultural, sociological, psychological and intellectual influences.
This diversity surely leads to differences in perspective, differences in understanding and naturally to some disagreement. Differences of opinion are inevitable wherever people possess intellect and honesty.
Accepting differences
When analysing our history, it appears obvious that advanced and intellectually 'honest societies were able to profit from disagreement precisely because diversity fosters variety and thus a myriad of potentialities.
Civilised individuals respect other people and therefore have the tendency to respect the opinions of others.
Those who are ethically impoverished, emotionally overcharged and intellectually barren, have an inclination to be so dogmatic as to use differences of opinion as a barrier between themselves and others with whom they differ, often leading to disputes that cause disrespect for others and of others.
It is only gross ignorance and egoism that leads any person to blasphemously believe that there is no room for disputing his or her opinion.
It is unfortunate that this inability to accept and respect other people's opinion is so deep rooted in our socio-political
Many religious leaders, organisations and institutions seem not to have rid themselves of that destructive and predictable legacy of desiring to be contentious rather than conciliatory.
Moderation
Balance and moderation are not only supposed to be inherent characteristics of true Believers, they are fundamental landmarks of Islam. Allah says: "Thus have We made you an Ummah justly balanced, that you may be a testimony to the world community". (Q 2:143)