Al-’Ankabut 29:46
The Spider · Meccan · Juz 21 · Page 402
The Best Manner of Debate
۞وَلَا تُجَٰدِلُوٓاْ أَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِي هِيَ أَحۡسَنُ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ مِنۡهُمۡۖ وَقُولُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا بِٱلَّذِيٓ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡنَا وَأُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكُمۡ وَإِلَٰهُنَا وَإِلَٰهُكُمۡ وَٰحِدࣱ وَنَحۡنُ لَهُۥ مُسۡلِمُونَ ٤٦
And argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way) that is better, save with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe in that which hath been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our Allah and your Allah is One, and unto Him we surrender.
Translation: Marmaduke Pickthall
Meaning
Do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best manner.
Insight
According to Elmalılı, this is answering rudeness with gentleness, harshness with softness, anger with patience, and chatter with counsel.
Reflect
In a debate today, raise your courtesy, not your voice.
This short note is based on Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır’s Turkish commentary and has not yet been reviewed by a scholar.
Elmalılı’s commentary
An English translation of Elmalılı’s full commentary is coming soon. Read the original Turkish ›