Ala Hazrat Rehmatullah Alaih on refuting heretics

A student of Imâm Râzi Radi Allah Anhu questioned an illiterate peasant: 'What is your faith?' He replied 'I am a Sunni Muslim'. The student asked, 'Do you have any doubts about this creed?' The man replied:'I seek Allâh's refuge. I am convinced that the creed of Ahlus Sunnah is true; I am sure of it with certainity as I believe that the sun is present in the afternoon'. The student broke into tears and wept so much that his shirt was soaked and said: 'I am still unsure as to which is the most correct creed.'

Therefore it is said that the initiates, but even the masters shouldn't read the books of the heretics. It is not permitted to look into them unless there is a need (like refuting them). After all we are human; who knows, something (from the heretic's belief) might settle in the heart – we seek Allâh's refuge – and may go astray and fall into perdition.

Imâm Hârith al-Muhâsibi Rehmatullah Alaih wrote a book refuting the heretics. And that was the first book refuting heresy [it is said]. Imâm Ahmed (ibn Hanbal) Rehmatullah Alaih stopped talking to him. Imâm Hârith Rehmatullah Alaih said, 'Did I do anything wrong? After all I have refuted the heresies' Imâm Ahmed Rehmatullah Alaih replied: 'Is it not possible that the heresies you have copied in your book to refute may take root in the hearts of Muslims, and make them go astray?'

In the olden days many heresies were put down by the power of the sword. In these days we can do nothing but refute. In fact it is obligatory (Fard) to refute the heretics.

It is in the Hadîth: 'when mischief and heresy is widespread, and the scholar does not refute them (demonstrate his learning), then Allâh's Azzowajal damnation is upon him and the curse of the angels and men. Allâh Azzowajal will neither accept his obligatory nor superoragatory worship'.A heretic met Imâm Sa`yeed ibn Jubayr Radi Allah Anhu on the road. He said 'Sir, I want to ask you something'. The Imâm said, 'I don't want to listen anything'. The heretic said, 'But sir, please listen to just one word', the Imâm gestured placing his thumb on his little finger and said, 'I won't listen to HALF a word'. When asked about it, he replied: 'He wanted to simply argue'.

Come to think of it. The superiors (akâbir), the most knowledgeable amongst them are so careful and wary of such matters. Whereas these days we observe the ignorant folk arguing with the arya samajis and wahabis. They don't seem to be concerned nor afraid of anything! (Only) that person who is a master of sciences, he who knows the pitfalls the nuances of argument, and he who has all the force and he who has all the weaponry with him should venture into refuting the heretics. Even then, where is the need for such a man should go in a forest full of jackals? Yes, when there is a pressing need, he (such a scholar) is compelled. He should do tawakkul on Allâh Azzowajal and use his weapons.