The Battle of Pulpits: When Maslak and Sects Take Precedence Over the Quran and Sunnah
Nawazz Ibn Ahad
In an age henpecked by digital interactions, social media has become the novel equivalent of a public square. ineptly, rather than being a space for respectful dialogue, it has become a stage for ideological battles. Many scholars and preachers, rather than practicing their knowledge to guide the Ummah toward righteousness, engage in ardent ,fervent and fiery swap and exchange that often descend into personal attacks.Instead of focusing on commonalities, public debates frequently highlight differences, fostering a culture of sectarianism.
In recent times, this principle has been overshadowed by a growing trend, the public and often hostile debates about Islam on social media and in open forums. Instead of serving as a medium for enlightenment and guidance, these platforms have transformed into battlegrounds of sectarianism, personal ego, and antagonism.
Rather than spreading the message of concord, scholars and self-proclaimed preachers frequently engage in theological arguments, using the internet to attack one another, discredit opposing views, and deepen sectarian divides. This misuse of knowledge not only misguides the masses but also damages the very fabric of Islamic brotherhood.Whether it is disputes between Sunni and Shia, Salafi and Sufi, or debates on jurisprudential differences, these arguments have turned into public spectacles where religious leaders are more concerned with “winning” than with guiding people toward truth.
Instead of upholding the dignity of Islamic scholarship, many clerics exploit online platforms to launch verbal attacks against one another, ridiculing opposing viewpoints while seeking to validate their own opinions. This not only distorts the essence of Islam but also tarnishes the noble legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his sacred household, whose message was one of humility, wisdom, and inclusivity.Some preachers, driven by personal ambition, exploit public debates to gain followers and popularity. Many use social media to boost their personal brand, engaging in controversy simply to increase views, likes, and followers. This is a dangerous trend because it transforms sincere religious scholarship into a means of self-promotion. Islamic knowledge requires sincerity, discipline, and deep reflection. Social media, which thrives on quick interactions, emotional reactions, and attention-seeking behavior, is not a suitable platform for religious discourse.
In the sphere of Islamic learning, knowledge is meant to illuminate, guiding humanity toward truth, unity, and compassion. Yet, in modern times, this very wisdom has become a heavy load, as scholars, or moulvis, engage in endless disputes that breed division rather than harmony. The rise of social media has intensified this troubling trend, turning platforms meant for connection into arenas of sectarianism, ego, and hostility. Instead of spreading messages of love and unity, many moulvis have become embroiled in public clashes, pointing fingers and prioritizing personal validation over the collective well-being of the Ummah.This trend is deeply troubling, as it shifts the focus from sincere guidance to the pursuit of fame. Instead of spreading the message of Islam with humility, some individuals turn debates into performances, aiming to outshine their opponents rather than to bring people closer to Allah.
Recent debates over the drying up of heritage springs, such as Achabal, highlight this concerning shift. Rather than addressing the environmental crisis with wisdom and constructive dialogue, scholars resorted to blame, targeting ancestors and rival sects. These disputes, devoid of Quranic and Hadith-based reasoning, have descended into sectarian quarrels, with moulvis waving ideological pamphlets instead of the sacred texts that should guide their discourse. Such behavior not only damages the reputation of Islamic scholarship but also undermines the essence of Islam—a faith built on unity, compassion, and the pursuit of truth.
A viral video that recently spread across social media captured this troubling reality. In it, moulvis were seen hurling accusations at one another, clutching sectarian literature instead of the Quran. This spectacle, far from being an intellectual exchange, resembled a marketplace of egos, where the sacred duty of conveying Allah’s message was overshadowed by the desire to prove oneself right. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned against such behavior, stressing that debates should be conducted with humility and the intention of seeking truth, not personal victory. Sadly, many modern scholars seem to have forgotten this teaching, choosing instead to engage in public displays of division and animosity.
The consequences of such disputes are far-reaching. When scholars prioritize sectarian loyalty over the universal principles of Islam, they risk alienating those they are meant to guide. The Ummah, already facing numerous challenges, cannot afford further fragmentation. Islam spread through the sacrifices of the Prophet (PBUH)—through the wounds he endured in Taif and the teeth he lost in Uhud. Yet, today, many moulvis and speakers seem more focused on enhancing their own reputations than honoring the sacrifices of Allah’s Messenger. This shift from selflessness to self-promotion is a betrayal of the Prophet’s legacy and a disservice to the Ummah.
The esteemed Sufi saint Baayazid Bustami once said, “The true scholar is one who sees the light of truth and follows it, not one who clings to his own opinions.” His words serve as a powerful reminder that knowledge is not a tool for personal gain but a means of drawing closer to Allah and serving humanity. Similarly, the Prophet (PBUH) taught that debates conducted in public spaces, especially those that incite hatred or division, have no place in Islam. True discourse should be rooted in humility, respect, and the desire to uplift others, not to tear them down.
The outcomes of such divisive debates are clear: they erode trust in religious leaders, deepen sectarian divides, and create an environment of hostility. When moulvis engage in public disputes, they risk reducing Islam to a series of ideological battles, stripping it of its spiritual and unifying essence. This not only confuses the masses but also drives people away from the faith, as they struggle to reconcile the message of love and unity with the behavior of those who claim to represent it.
To reverse this trend, scholars must return to the core principles of Islam. They must remember that their duty is not to prove themselves right but to guide others toward truth. Debates, when necessary, should be conducted with humility, respect, and a focus on Quranic and Hadith-based teachings. Social media, instead of being a platform for division, should be used to spread messages of love, unity, and constructive dialogue.
In conclusion, the burden of knowledge lies not in its acquisition but in its misuse. When scholars prioritize ego over enlightenment, they betray the very essence of their calling. Let us remember the sacrifices of the Prophet (PBUH), the wisdom of Baayazid Bustami, and the teachings of Islam that call us to unity and compassion. Only by returning to these principles can we hope to heal the divisions within the Ummah and fulfill our duty as bearers of Allah’s message. The path forward is clear: replace animosity with love, division with unity, and ego with humility. Only then can the knowledge of scholars become a true source of light for the Ummah.
The burden of knowledge is not in its acquisition but in its misuse. When scholars and preachers prioritize ego, sectarian loyalty, and public validation over sincerity, they harm the very religion they claim to represent. Islam does not encourage arguments for the sake of arguments but promotes wisdom, patience, and unity. The misuse of knowledge through public debates and social media disputes is a dangerous trend that threatens the unity and sanctity of the Ummah. Rather than engaging in divisive arguments, Muslims should strive to uphold the dignity of religious discourse by adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the prophetic tradition.
In an era where social media dominates conversations, it is crucial to remember that Islam is not a religion of dispute but of wisdom. Engaging in debates fueled by arrogance and hatred does nothing but tarnish the image of Islam and weaken the fabric of the Ummah.
Let us replace hostility with kindness, division with unity, and argumentation with understanding. A true scholar is not the one who wins debates, but the one who wins hearts.
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