The Ethics of Disagreement in the Works of Taha al-Alwani: A Path to Respectful Dialogue
Assalamu alaikum, brothers and sisters! Dialogue is always a challenge because it requires stepping out of your comfort zone and making an effort to broaden your understanding. But it’s through dialogue that we can reach the fruits that fill our ummah with strength and unity.
In the book by the respected scholar Taha Jabir al-Alwani, *From the Ethics of Disagreement to Overcoming Discord*, a deep concept of adab al-ikhtilaf - the ethics of disagreement - is revealed. It’s not just a call for politeness in debates, but a whole system of moral and intellectual norms that helps us respect each other, whether inside the Islamic community or in relations with people of other cultures and faiths.
Al-Alwani reminds us that disagreements are part of God’s plan, reflected in the Quranic verses (11:118–119). However, the meaning of these verses is often misunderstood: Allah created people for mercy and kindness, not for enmity and disputes. Islam offers us tools to channel differences not toward destruction, but toward growth and strengthening relationships.
In his book, al-Alwani shares examples from personal experience and the history of the Islamic ummah, showing that even the great imams and scholars of the past knew how to respect and acknowledge diversity of opinion. Instead of worsening conflicts, they sought mutual understanding and valued ijtihad - the effort to seek truth.
Differences between madhhabs - Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali - only show the richness of the Islamic legal tradition and shouldn’t become a cause for division. Al-Alwani clearly separates disagreement from division: the first is a natural part of thinking and development, the second is the destruction of ummah unity.
He emphasizes that returning to the roots of Islamic ethics and respect for others is the key to overcoming internal and external disagreements. It’s especially important to remember that Shariah aims to protect life, intellect, faith, dignity, property, and family - the highest goals that unite all Muslims.
Al-Alwani’s approach helps us not just tolerate dissenting views, but see them as an opportunity for constructive dialogue based on justice, mercy, and truth. In today’s world, full of trials and conflicts, his ideas are especially relevant for strengthening peace and mutual respect.
Moreover, the scholar opposes takfir - accusing others of disbelief - which only tears minds and hearts apart. He reminds us that true knowledge without ethics turns into a tool of division, not salvation.
Ijtihad, according to al-Alwani, is the duty of every thinking Muslim today, a call for constant pursuit of wisdom and understanding, not for imposing a single “correct” viewpoint.
So, the ethics of disagreement proposed by Taha al-Alwani is not only a contribution to Islamic thought but also a valuable lesson for all humanity on how to build bridges of understanding and respect between people of different faiths and cultures. May Allah bless us all on the path of mercy and wisdom, so that we can hear each other and live in peace and harmony.
https://islamnews.ru/2025/10/1