Intermediate
Ethics & Manners
Surah: Al-Kahf (54)
Man Has Been the Most Argumentative of Things — Debate Is a Double-Edged Weapon
وَكَانَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنُ أَكۡثَرَ شَيۡءٍ جَدَلٗا
— الكهف الآية 54
Verse: "We have diversified in this Quran all kinds of examples for people — but man has been the most argumentative of things." (18:54)
Revealing description: Allah shows He gave every example in the Quran — yet man still argues. Argumentation is innate in humans; directing it is the difference.
Praiseworthy debate: "Debate them with that which is best" — arguing for the truth with wisdom is praised.
Lesson: Before arguing, ask: am I arguing for truth or for victory? The answer determines whether you're following prophets' or opponents' paths.
Revealing description: Allah shows He gave every example in the Quran — yet man still argues. Argumentation is innate in humans; directing it is the difference.
Praiseworthy debate: "Debate them with that which is best" — arguing for the truth with wisdom is praised.
Lesson: Before arguing, ask: am I arguing for truth or for victory? The answer determines whether you're following prophets' or opponents' paths.
Source: Ibn Kathir (5/178); Al-Sadi; Al-Qurtubi (10/403)
Test Yourself
What is the difference between praiseworthy and blameworthy debate in the Quran?
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