Page 58 - Communication and Argument in the Qur'an

56 COMMUNICATION AND ARGUMENT IN THE QUR’AN

a sincere, warm-hearted dialogue between the two people
and a style that is guiding instead of instructive. For exam-
ple, after Ibrahim (as) talked with his people, the prominent
unbelievers were forced to examine their conscience:
He broke them in pieces, except for the largest one, so
that they would have it to consult! They said: “Who has
done this to our deities? He is definitely one of the
wrongdoers!” They said: “We heard a young man men-
tioning them. They call him Ibrahim.” They ordered
them: “Bring him before the people’s eyes so they can
be witnesses.” They asked: “Did you do this to our
gods, Ibrahim?” He said: “No, this one, the largest of
them, did it. Ask them, if they are able to speak!” They
consulted among themselves and said: “It is you your-
selves who are wrongdoers.” (Surat al-Anbiya’: 58-64)
We can see from this story that a person’s conscience
is his or her inner guide. As long as people follow their con-
science, they will act correctly. This is the essence of reli-
gious morality. Allah uses people’s conscience to inspire
them to behave in a way that pleases Him. For this reason,
if there is any hindrance to a person’s learning and practic-
ing religious morality (e.g., being afraid of others’ reactions,
reluctance to give up old habits, etc.), these obstacles
must be removed so that the person can obey his or her
conscience.

16. Enabling a person to think freely
Freedom of thought is absolutely necessary for people
to see the truth and make a right decision. To do this, they