Contemporary Relevance of Intellectual Diversity in the Muslim Ummah

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 19 August 2025 Summary: Islam values differences of opinion as essential for intellectual growth, social harmony, and progress. Respecting diverse views promotes tolerance, justice, and peace. History shows constructive disagreements among scholars and companions enriched Islamic thought. Positive dialogue leads to truth, while stubborn, prejudiced disputes cause conflict. Respectful differences strengthen unity and development. Main Points: 1. Differences foster intellectual growth, tolerance, and constructive social progress. 2. Islam endorses respectful disagreement, consultation, and intellectual diversity. 3. Jurists’ diverse rulings enriched Islamic law and practical guidance. 4. Positive dialogue prevents prejudice, promotes peace, justice, and reconciliation. 5. Differences ensure democracy, balanced decisions, and societal development. 6. Negative disputes based on ego harm unity and peace ----- Differences of opinion and respecting them is a value that gives rise to constructive and positive thoughts and feelings. It is also true that differences open new doors of knowledge and research in society. Unfortunately, the comprehensive and constructive understanding of differences has been completely forgotten today. The teachings of Islam never say that any opinion should be rejected merely because of diversity, nor that efforts should be made to eliminate it altogether. Islam supports all positive ideas and thoughts that promote tolerance and compassion in society. We cannot ignore the fact that human life is full of diversity and variety. Every individual forms opinions according to their own thinking, experiences, observations, environment, and knowledge. That is why differences of opinion are found in every society and religion. If we reflect, we realize that disagreement is a natural part of human existence, because no two people can think exactly alike. This intellectual diversity becomes the source of human progress, the expansion of knowledge, and social development. Differences of opinion mean that various individuals or groups hold different views on a particular issue. These disagreements may be religious, social, political, or intellectual. Disagreement is not always negative; rather, it can give strength to human thought and lead to the discovery of truth. The Social Importance of Differences of Opinion: The Qur’an and Hadith show that human beings have been granted freedom of thought, and from this freedom differences naturally arise. If we study history, we find that differences of opinion have always opened the doors of progress. In Greece, debates between philosophers gave philosophy new dimensions. The differences among Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle expanded philosophy. In Islamic history, the differences among jurists, the diversity of opinions among hadith scholars, and the schools of thought among Sufis enriched Islamic sciences. In science as well, disagreement opened the path to progress. When Galileo and Copernicus disagreed with traditional views about the universe, a scientific revolution began. Thus, when differences are handled positively, the results are always beneficial. Knowledge grows through questions and disagreements. If everyone were to hold the same opinion, knowledge would stagnate. The exchange of ideas opens the door to research and brings forth new theories. Disagreement forces human beings to think, analyze, and search for truth. In any democratic society, the spirit lies in differences of opinion. When every person has the right to express their views freely, society becomes balanced and just. In parliaments, it is through the differences between political parties that better laws are made. Disagreement teaches tolerance. When someone expresses an opinion different from ours, it gives us the chance to listen, understand, and respect them. This attitude creates peace in society. When an issue arises and people share their opinions, these different views help in finding better and more comprehensive solutions. Without disagreement, solutions remain limited and one-sided. Differences broaden human vision. By listening to others and reflecting upon their thoughts, one’s own thinking becomes stronger. This process frees a person from prejudice, narrow-mindedness, and arrogance, and directs them toward truthfulness and open-mindedness. Examples from Islamic Sources: Islam has always tolerated differences of opinion. The Qur’an says: "If your Lord had willed, He could have made all people one community. But they will continue to differ." (Hud: 118) The Qur’an and Hadith repeatedly instruct believers to engage in wise and respectful discussion. Allah says: "Argue with them in a way that is best, and speak kindly with the People of the Book." (Al-Nisa: 83) This verse shows that the purpose of disagreement is not quarrelling but intellectual development and the search for truth. The Qur’an also says: "Consult those of knowledge." (Al-Imran: 159) This guidance indicates that differences of opinion and consultation are important in an Islamic society, and decisions should be made with wisdom, knowledge, and reason. Differences of opinion are also a guarantee of intellectual progress. If everyone were to hold the same view, intellectual growth would stop, and new research, interpretations, and reforms would not be possible. The diverse interpretations of Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi’i, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal provided Muslims with multiple paths in both intellectual and practical matters. Even in the era of the Companions, disagreements occurred—for example, after the Battle of Uhud regarding military strategies—but these were resolved through respectful debate and guidance. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best among you is the one who reconciles differences." (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 2345) This shows that the purpose of disagreement is not destruction but intellectual and practical development. Differences strengthen social harmony and collective welfare. When disagreements are handled with patience and respect, people understand each other’s perspectives, and collective decisions become stronger and more effective. On the other hand, if disagreements are handled improperly, they lead to discord and hatred. The diversity of thought among jurists proves that Islam welcomed different viewpoints and allowed the freedom of ijtihad. The opinions of the great Imams enriched Islamic law. This diversity remains a source of strength for Islamic jurisprudence even today. The Prophet ﷺ also said: "The best of you is the one who treats people kindly and reconciles in times of dispute." (Bukhari, Hadith 6006) This Hadith shows that disagreements must always be resolved with ethics, patience, and peace. Intolerance in Islamic History: Islam is a religion of mercy, teaching tolerance, justice, and brotherhood. The Qur’an clearly says: “There is no compulsion in religion” (Al-Baqarah: 256). The Prophet’s life is an example of patience and compassion. However, at times in Islamic history, political and religious differences turned into intolerance and harmed the Muslim community. Sadly, this began even in the first century. Caliph Uthman (RA) was besieged by opponents who disagreed with his policies and was martyred while reciting the Qur’an. During Caliph Ali’s (RA) time, the Battles of Jamal and Siffin were fought—both results of political differences that escalated into bloodshed due to intolerance. The tragedy of Karbala was the most painful example. Imam Hussain (RA) refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid on principle, but intolerance turned this difference into oppression, leading to his martyrdom. The Khawarij also appeared in Ali’s time, declaring opponents disbelievers and resorting to violence, even assassinating Ali (RA). Later, Caliph Al-Ma’mun imposed the doctrine of the “created Qur’an” and forced scholars to accept it. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal was imprisoned and tortured for refusing. This was one of the worst examples of intellectual intolerance. Some Abbasid rulers also persecuted philosophers and Sufis. Andalusian Muslims, once leaders of knowledge and civilization, eventually lost power due to internal intolerance, which allowed Christian forces to take over. In the Ottoman Empire too, some scholars and Sufis faced suppression. In the Indian subcontinent, Muslim rulers generally followed tolerance, but at times sectarian conflicts arose, weakening Muslim unity. These examples prove that differences of opinion are natural and necessary, but when they turn into intolerance, they harm unity and progress. The Contemporary Situation: In today’s world, sectarian violence has paralyzed Muslim society. People accept only those views that suit their own sect and reject all others. This attitude transforms intellectual differences into disputes. This is most visible in religious institutions, where sectarianism has caused great damage. It is also true that not all differences are beneficial. Sometimes disagreements arise from stubbornness, prejudice, selfishness, or group rivalry, leading to conflict and destruction. Religious and political disagreements, when they turn into extremism, cause bloodshed and wars. Personal-interest-based disagreements destroy social unity. Therefore, it is necessary to promote a constructive and positive concept of differences, beginning with religious and educational institutions. Conclusion: The modern world is changing rapidly. Scientific progress, technology, and new social and political challenges cannot be solved through one-sided thinking. Accepting diverse opinions is essential for finding new solutions. On a global scale, diversity of opinion ensures peace and cooperation. Differences of opinion are a natural part of human life and a basic source of progress. They prevent society from stagnation and guide it toward innovation, research, and development. However, differences must always be handled positively, constructively, and with principles. If we accept disagreements with tolerance and respect, they guarantee social development, global peace, and intellectual growth. But if disagreements are rooted in prejudice, stubbornness, and selfishness, they lead to destruction. Therefore, we must look at differences positively, respect others’ opinions, and use our thinking in the search for truth. This attitude ensures the success and prosperity of individuals, society, and humanity as a whole. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/the-war-within-islam/relevance-intellectual-diversity-muslim-ummah/d/136536 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism