Verse on debating(Surah An-Kabut)

[Samiun]

:sl: I would like to know the meaning of this verse. Should we avoid debating forever with such Jews and Christians who are ignorant?

And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong; and say (to them): "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our Ilah (God) and your Ilah (God) is One (i.e. Allah), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims)."
( سورة العنكبوت , Al-Ankaboot, Chapter #29, Verse #46)

[al yunan]

Walaikum Assalam brother,

In classic Tafsir the people of the Book would reffer only to those known today as a sect of the ultra Orthodox Jews.
These people oppose Israel and Zionism and follow the letter of the Judaic law.
It is these people, the references in Ahadith whose food we may eat and marry their daughters.
Therefore we should not antagonise these people as per the Ayat, as they are different and Allah S.W.T has mentioned them in good light many times.
There is no other group which may be called Ahli Kitab and all modern interpretations are just pure unadulterated Fitnah.
The enemies within Islam seek to nullify our Amal and Ibadan by telling us this or that group's food and products are Halal.
As for arguing or debating with any non Muslims is a task best left to scholars who besides having knowledge of our Din and other religions also know the limits of Shariah when it comes to debates.
You may choose to follow the proved and trusted scholars of old or trust the latter day wonders it's up to you
.
Masalam

[missy]

:sl:
Here's the tafsir of this verse...from Tafsir ibn Kathir...

Arguing with the People of the Book

What is meant here is that anyone who wants to find out about religion from them should argue with them in a manner that is better, as this will be more effective.
Allah says:
(Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching...) (16:125) And Allah said to Musa and Harun when he sent them to Fir`awn:
(And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear.) (20:44)

Allah says here:
(except with such of them as do wrong;) meaning, those who turn away from the truth, turning a blind eye to clear evidence, being stubborn and arrogant. In this case you should progress from debate to combat, fighting them in such a way as to deter them from committing aggression against you. Allah says:


For the complete tafir...check out the link...
http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?opt...2164&Itemid=85

[ayesha.ansari]

Dear brother it is not prohibited to debate with non Muslim. but to choose proper words and convince them with logic to come and embrace Islam is always warm welcomed Our Holy prophet just give people message to accept Islam as true religion He never force some one or be harsh with some one.