How to interact in non-violent debates

The Quran describes behavioral patterns of disbelievers and provides guidance for interacting with them according to the degree of opposition they exhibit. We learn that we are to respect all peace treaties with them (9:4, 8:72, 4:90), and that we may even befriend those who don’t attack us nor try to evict us from our homes (60:8-9). In the extreme, we can fight back and defend ourselves if they become violent against us (2:191).

This reminder is about Quranic guidance to behave righteously in the non-violent kinds of debates that take place between submitters and those who reject Quranic truth. It is not intended to cover violent or aggressive situations, nor is it about situations of mutual peace offerings.

Knowing certain facts about disbelievers helps us practice certain qualities, such as patience. God has already informed us that disbelievers:

• Reject Quran.

[84:21] And when the Quran is recited to them, they do not fall prostrate.

[84:22] This is because those who disbelieved are rejecting (the Quran).

• Resent God’s message.

[42:13] He decreed for you the same religion decreed for Noah, and what we inspired to you, and what we decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: “You shall uphold this one religion, and do not divide it.” The idol worshipers will greatly resent what you invite them to do. God redeems to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself only those who totally submit.

• Hate the truth.

[43:78] “We have given you the truth, but most of you hate the truth.”

[47:8] Those who disbelieve incur misery; He causes their works to be utterly in vain. [47:9] That is because they hated what God revealed and consequently, He nullifies their works.

• Are full of doubts.

[22:55] As for those who disbelieve, they will continue to harbor doubts until the Hour comes to them suddenly, or until the retribution of a terrible day comes to them.

[41:54] Indeed, they are doubtful about meeting their Lord. He is fully aware of all things.

• Are prevented from the guidance if they firmly decide to disbelieve.

[6:110] We control their minds and their hearts. Thus, since their decision is to disbelieve, we leave them in their transgressions, blundering.

[2:6] As for those who disbelieve, it is the same for them; whether you warn them, or not warn them, they cannot believe. [2:7] God seals their minds and their hearing, and their eyes are veiled. They have incurred severe retribution.

[7:146] I will divert from My revelations those who are arrogant on earth, without justification. Consequently, when they see every kind of proof they will not believe. And when they see the path of guidance they will not adopt it as their path, but when they see the path of straying they will adopt it as their path. This is the consequence of their rejecting our proofs, and being totally heedless thereof.

[27:80] You cannot make the dead, nor the deaf, hear the call, if they turn away.

The above divine facts about disbelievers should put our minds in calm, enlightened, and amicable modes when

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